This is a discussion on Thoughts when buying a new tripod within the Tripods forums, part of the Photography/Film & Equipment category; This is usally an expensive trap that photographers when beginning fall into.
To avoid wasting a considerable amount of money, ...
This is usally an expensive trap that photographers when beginning fall into.
To avoid wasting a considerable amount of money, consider a better quality tripod first as last.
If you add up the cost of a basic DSLR kit and then buy a cheap tripod, it tends not to make sense.
The end result can be; hard to use features and controls, too light for the gear mounted on the top, due to the instability you cannot achieve pin sharp images, the legs will not spread wide enough or low enough, and worst of all it is more likely to fall over and smash you kit.
When checking out your investment money allow for a decent tripod first as last, this will avoid continuously upgrading.
Keep on clickin.
John F
I would agree with your comments John, since buying my tripod it gives me much more control in all over my photography, the action grip is exactly what i needed.
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I would agree. Many beginners fail to recognise the vital roll that the tripod plays in achieving optimum IQ.
Buy the best tripod you can afford from the outset, you will end up buying it anyway, so you may as well buy it now and not go through 3 years of disappointing photographs!
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Eagles may soar but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
Well what can I say - I have been through all that "Pain" and expense. I have a Manfrotto 140 Art and Two Manfrotto 144s. Both aluminium tripods. I also have four different Manfrotto heads (For my tripods that is!) I also invested in A Benbo Mk1 (Heavy - and that takes some getting used to setting up)
So now after much expensive trial and error, I now have a Wimberley MkII Gimble head and my "Final" Purchase will be a Gitzo Systematic tripod!! Local shop awaiting stock of the model I want.
Need something solid, but not too heavy for my F4 600mm and 300mm F2.8
Hi David.
What can I say, except to agree with the fact that you have certainly undergone a considerable amount of practical and expensive research, however you got there in the end. I am positive you will notice a big difference.
Keep on clickin.
John F www.fotographicimages.co.uk
Hi John,
Thank you for the response. Main issue now is "Which Model Gitzo"
I have narrowed it down to the Carbon Fibre Studex, but even then there are a few to choose from. In addition, it is difficult to find a dealer close by that actually holds a good range of models in stock!
Thinking about overkill here - do I need a 25kg support or an 18kg? What are the pros and cons? Will they both be as rigid and vibration free - as advertised? My setup will be at most, as I said in my post, a Wimberley MkII and a 600mm F4. The Wimberley/Benbo combination is best at the moment but it is heavy and somewhat cumbersome!
Hi David.
Here are a few tips which you may wish to consider when you are considering an 18Kg or a 25 KG?
What is the largest and heaviest set of kit you are ever likely to use, for example 1 x 600mm F4 + 1 x Eod 1Ds MKIII + 1 x 1.4 + 1 x 2 convertors, flash brackets, flash gun, flash extender, and of course the Gimble head, weigh it all and that is what I would go for. I know it sounds obvious but this will also give you confidence of the fact that everything matches correctly. Hope this helps.
Keep on clickin.
John F www.fotographicimages.co.uk
High Steven - not all the tripods were bought in the same decade!
I have been chopping and changing bit for a good few years, so there hasn't been a massive one lump expenditure. Might have to have a tripod sale once I have got things sorted!
John, not just the weight it will support but the working height and number of leg sections as well. Less sections - more rigid, but less working height etc...
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