jupitersolo

^^^ I chose the 3342, because Dan did. He said 3 sections are sturdier.

moeronn

That makes sense. The stability would definitely be a factor.

IIRC, both of you also got the center column?

jupitersolo

^^ Yes

Dan Martin

The last 3 tripods I've owned were 4-section pods, but now that I've gone with a 3 section, I'm not looking back. It sets up 50% faster and it's sturdier.

moeronn

One Acratech question - which is the correct QR plate for the 30D? Their descriptions leave much to be desired.

Dan Martin

It's plate #2159.

Costco

Kinda irrelevant but tripods can get EXPENSIVE! I don't think I'm ready for the DSLR world yet....

What raises the value so considerably? The legs are more stable and the whole assembly is lighter???

jupitersolo

^^The use of carbon fiber makes the cost high and the tripods very light. As Dan explained to me the equipment from Feisol is less expensive than say Gitzo. The reason. we are purchasing directly from the company. Feisol currently doesn't have a N.A. distributor. But the product is just as good if not better.


Also not having a SLR or DSLR shouldn't be a reason not to use a tripod. They are plenty of shots that would be a lot better using a P&S with a tripod.

moeronn

Just for the heck of it, I tried using my tripod that came with an old video camera to take long exposure pics of fireworks. The results were pretty laughable and I'm too embarassed to post them. I think the combination of instability, lack of remote shutter release and long focal length solidified my decision to get a "real" tripod. The timing is still TBD, though.

ric

I ended up purchasing a Feisol traveling four-section tripod; it came with a tidy little carrying bag in about four days after I picked my way through their website. I've played with it a little bit, and even with the challenges of a four-section, I believe it will work for me. My camera is a Nikin D40, light in body; not a heavy gear. And, the thing, collapsed, fits in carryon luggage.

Mizouse

geez.. looking at the prices you guys are listing makes me want to just deal with the issues i have with my cheapo quantaray $20 tripod.... its a piece of crap, unstable and hard to adjust. (as in id adjust to my liking and when i tighten i lose that position)

anyways what do you guys think of this
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ck_Tripod.html

or this

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...gs_Black_.html

ideally i want to spend at the very most 160 dollars.. any better suggestions?

jupitersolo

As far as the old do you really want to put $1-2k or more on that tripod?

For the ones you listed, I can't see nothing wrong with either. They both are within one pound of load weight and physical weight of each other. I think I might like to ballhead offered with the 190 better.

Mizouse

yea the 190 seems better too cause it can hold more weight and is 3 section compared to the other one which is 4, so according to dan it would be more stable as a 3 section.

soopa

Crazy88

a Bogen 3021 Professional Tripod, Made in Italy by Manfrotto Nord. With a Slik pistol grip. This was my grandpas tripod before he passed, its a BEAST. Pics later.

CCColtsicehockey

Manfrotto 488RC2 Ball Head







Manfrotto 055MF4 Magnifiber Tripod

waTSX

^^How much was that setup?

CCColtsicehockey

around 400 I believe maybe a tad more.

Mizouse

no one else? id like to have some more opinions before get it.

Dan Martin

I think the second of the two would be better, but I'm not wild about the head. The single knob for all movements is a pain if you want to do a panorama.

If you don't want to extend your budget to get a better ballhead with a separate pano knob, you should look at a cheap 3-way head.

Mizouse

which ballhead would you suggest that wont cost too much more than that?

and so the legs are ok then?

is this one better then?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...gs_Black_.html

Dan Martin

That's a better setup.

It's a little on the heavy side, but it should be stable, and it's hard to complain at that price.

jupitersolo

Shouldn't you be out screaming, jumping up and down with a bunch of singles in your hand?????


edit...That's right you don't use paper singles anymore, boy where are they going to put those loonies???

waTSX

Dan Martin

Yes, all the strippers around here sound like arcade operators.

Mizouse

JJ4Short

Help Dan Martin

1) What's the longest lens you plan on using with the tripod?
70-200 2.8 IS

2) Are you going to be hiking with the tripod, or are you more likely to drive to your destination?
Drive

3) Is an eye-level tripod important, or do you not mind bending over a little when shooting?
I am 5'9 so I don't think it will be a problem if I have to bend over a little.

4) If you were to fly with your tripod, would you put it in your checked luggage, or would you bring it in your cary-on?
Checked

5) What's your total budget?
~$350

6) What will you be shooting?
People and mostly street shots

Dan Martin

Your budget will get you a decent setup. At the $350 to $400 range, you can either pick a nice set of legs with a basic head, or a basic set of legs with a nice head. Putting money into legs will get you a lighter setup. Putting the money into the head will get you a smoother platform to work from and will likely last you a lifetime.

It's hard to tell you which one to go with because both have pros & cons. Instead, here are a few recommended products that you can mix and match to create your own combo:

Tripods:
Bogen/Manfrotto 190XB: $124
Gitzo GT-2330 Basalt: $299
Feisol CT-3342: $310

Heads:
Bogen/Manfrotto 488RC2: $109
Kirk BH-3: $255
Markins Q3: $269

hrj

iTrader: (1)

I owned 488rc2 and now I'm using Markins Q3. I use Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 VR frequently which is a fairly heavy lens, the Q3 does not creep down at all. If you have big/heavy lens, the Q3 is a better choice. It's a bit annoying too when you are doing a macro work and your ballhead creeps down.

Dan Martin

A good head does make a big difference to how you shoot. I keep hearing good things from those who bought the Q3.

lcrazyaznl

iTrader: (1)

Hey do any you guys know a tripod around the 100 - 150 range I only need a light weight tripod and decent head.

I know i was bugging colt about the difference between light ones and heavyones, but i'm someone who would be running around with one.

Later on i will invest on better.

badboy

Any opinions on this combo I am looking at.

Benro C-228 tripod legs:



Benro KS-1 ball head:

Dan Martin

I liked my Benro C-328n6, but I like my Feisol CT-3342 much better. Although their tripods aren't bad, don't buy a Benro ballhead... they're bottom of the barrel for quality: http://www.tomwebsterphoto.com/Essay...o/benroks2.htm

hrj

iTrader: (1)

Wow, that is really surprising. I thought Benro have a fairly good product. I was considering to get one of their tripods.
I guess it's time to once again avoid buying a Chinese product. But hey, all stuff are made in China now.

Dan Martin

My experience with their tripods was good, and I didn't see the shoddy workmanship that is shown in their ballheads. I wouldn't be surprised if the ballheads are outsourced to some other company, then branded as a Benro product.

Either way, there are much better choices out there.

waTSX

Thread revival time.

Since I've decided against upgrading my 40D I'm going to invest those dollars in a new tripod/ballhead set-up. My current Manfrotto 3001 Pro and pistol grip ballhead have served me well, but it's a little on the short and heavy side and I've been left wanting at time with regards to sturdiness.

So my criteria is a rock solid set-up that strikes a balance with lightness. I've coveted Gitzo's for a long time and have my eye on either the GR2530

waTSX

Thread revival time.

Since I've decided against upgrading my 40D I'm going to invest those dollars in a new tripod/ballhead set-up. My current Manfrotto 3001 Pro and pistol grip ballhead have served me well, but it's a little on the short and heavy side and I've been left wanting at times with regards to sturdiness.

So my criteria is a rock solid set-up that strikes a balance with lightness. I've coveted Gitzo's for a long time and have my eye on either the GT2530LVL or GT2531EX. They are $650 and $600 respectively. So, pretty pricey.

I searched and found this thread, so Dan and jupitersolo, I'm wondering if you guys are still happy with your Feisol CT-3342 set-ups. They look good and the price is right, but I'm wondering if these pods compare to the Gitzo's in quality, durability and strength. Since my budget extends up to $1100 for the whole set-up, I'm not adverse to buying the Gitzo, but will get the Feisol if its up to snuff, and save some bucks.

I'm also looking at the Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp ballhead, which may be overkill, but looks to be rock solid. Any opinions? Are you still happy with the Acra Tech heads you got? My biggest lens is the 70-200 f/2.8 IS.


Thanks for any input.

waTSX

Apologies for the n00b double post!

LuvMyTSX

I've really liked my Manfrotto 055MF4 legs. The carbon fiber is pretty light and very stable.

hrj

iTrader: (1)

I use Gitzo GT-2530 w/ Acratech GV2. The Gitzo G-lock thing really works well and it saves a lot of time setting up the tripod.
The tripod itself is very sturdy, built to last.
I used Feisol 3342 before, but after the one of the legs locking rings shattered into pieces, I sold it.