jupitersolo

Well I haven't really used it yet. If it works as well as it looks and feels, it's going to be great. I made a mistake on my first order with RRS, items were sent back and then realized that I didn't really "need" everything. Items were sent back again and I have a BH-40 coming, I need a small ballhead as well, the 55 is too big for my small tripod. I hope to put everything together it the next day or so as see how it all jells.

I just set the 3541 up again, but this time opened it all of the way, I can walk under it with having to duck my head a few inches. I'm 6'5"

is300eater

can you guys recommend me a decent tripod (model and brand) that won't break the bank... I just need something solid... I bought a cheesy one that I thought would be do-able... but it when I'm taking multiple shoots from the exact same spot (but different exposure), I'm finding that by the time I touch the camera to snap the picture... it's moved slightly... thus making my HDR experiments not so great.

Mizouse

whats your budget?

lcrazyaznl

iTrader: (1)

You also need tell us what camera. For a larger camera like a 40d or d300. I highly recommend something around 200 max due to the weight of the body.


Manfrotto 190XProb head 486RC2 which was about 190 new.
I rather prefer the 488rc2 since i can do some panning with out having to hold the camera and ball head up.

Mizouse

he has a sony dSLR, i think its the smaller sized ones

moeronn

In addition to a tripod, if you are using AEB (Atuo Exposure Bracketing) for HDR shots, or for most tripod shots in general, you will probably want to get a shutter release cable or wireless release. This will reduce the amount of movement and vibration when taking pictures.

is300eater

yeah, I have the Sony Alpha a350 but with a battery grip tho... I do leave it on all the time. It's isn't a huge camera, but it's NOT small either (like the Olympus line).



yeah, that's something I thought of before... I will look into that

SaaBaaDoo

so many choices of tripods and heads out there it's mind boggling! I've been looking at them for most of the week now and still have yet to decide.

waTSX

The biggest thing to do first is set your budget. Once you do that, your choices become much more mangageable. And build from the top down. Choose the right head for you, then get the legs to suit that head.

is300eater

under $200 for me...

jupitersolo

Setting the budget for tripod and head isn't good most will buy something with a low budget. Then just have to buy something else because they set there budget too low and the items are subpar.


Decide what you need, how much weight it will hold SAFELY is the main concern (IMO) then see which will do. I would say $400-$500 for both and plates is what you're going to need. I suggest buying a head that will use Arca Style plates.

is300eater

$400-$500? yikes

stogie1020

is300, this is similar to what I have.

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

its "good." Not "great", not bad, but definitely fits the bill in the $200 price range. I have found some of the limitations regarding stability, and would probably go with the 055 legs if given the chance to upgrade without going the Gitzo/Arca route ($$$), but the 055 legs are more expensive by a bit.

ON B+H, try putting together the 190XPROB legs (cool sideways center column feature) and a few different heads, and you will find the right combo.

jupitersolo

Take a look at the Induro's, I use one for my everyday tripod. I do not use their ballheads.

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=12436223...%3Aelectronics

stogie1020

Their ball heads look kinda familiar...

jupitersolo

Only the name is different, but their line is smaller, easier to follow models.

is300eater

cool, thanks guys...

Mizouse

all i know is i wasted my money on a piece of crap 40 dollar tripod, i couldve just saved that 40 dollars and used it on something better.

anyways for me i have the 488RC2 ball head
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Ball_Head.html

and am considering the 190XB legs
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...gs_Black_.html

but everyone keeps mentioning the 055 from manfrotto
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...gs_Black_.html

Mizouse

maybe go with the 488RC2, and 190XB, that should be plenty enough since you are just starting out.

although the cost is about $244

lcrazyaznl

iTrader: (1)

488rc head is worth it my 486 head sucks cuz i hurt my fingers when my d300 drops.

055x are nice and heavier/ longer, but i think the 190xrpob is fine.

synth19

Looking for a new tripod. The Manfrotto 725B has served me well, but would like something with angle adjustability of the legs maybe, and ability to set the tripod at low heights. Weight is not a big issue, will use at car shoots.

Thoughts on Manfrotto 055XPROB ?

jupitersolo

If you want low, how low? A center column tripod will defeat the purpose.

einsatz

Not all center columns are fixed.

I've got a Manfrotto 190CXPRO4. It can get pretty low

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ep_jhu/4918458268/" title="Purcell_100822_ by ep_jhu, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4918458268_e9aeff071e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Purcell_100822_" /></a>

synth19

^ Something like that is what I'm looking for, but don't need it to be CF.

synth19

Manfrotto 055XPRO with Joystick Head

jupitersolo

OK, so a non fixed, but pay attention to how much weight will be placed on one when you offset the the weight from the center of gravity.

synth19

Just picked up the Manfrotto 055XPROB and 488RC2 head due to it's total weight capacity of each. I hate sag!