Taperssection.com

Gear / Technical Help => Photo / Video Recording => Topic started by: MattD on November 16, 2004, 04:47:36 PM

Title: recommend a tripod
Post by: MattD on November 16, 2004, 04:47:36 PM

I've been looking at the Vivitar PL200 or PL300. Can anyone comment on the use differences between ball heads and pan/tilt? I suspect pan/tilt is easier to control, but takes longer to adjust, but I've never used a ball head tripod.

How do these compare to the (much more) expensive Manfrottos? I'd prefer to keep it under $100.

Title: Re: recommend a tripod
Post by: jpschust on November 16, 2004, 04:53:22 PM

i might post this over on www.photo.net (almost entirely film) or www.fredmiranda.com (purely digital)

thanks to damon for introducing me to these sites!

Title: Re: recommend a tripod
Post by: MattD on November 16, 2004, 04:54:15 PM

I have to thank Damon for Fred Miranda's site as well. I need to start entering those weekly contests.

Title: Re: recommend a tripod
Post by: dmonterisi on November 16, 2004, 07:55:57 PM

i would consider going used and going with a bogen/manfrotto set.  check the fm.com buy and sell board, it's incredibly active.  the bogen/manfrotto tripods are worth the extra money.  they are very sturdy and quick to set up.  once you've used a good tripod, you realize the little bit extra money is worth it.  don't you have the 70-200mm?  make sure whatever head you get can support it and the digirebel.  it's not the heaviest lens, but out in the wind and on a tripod, it can get moved around.

here's a sale at fm.com, for the bogen 3021 legs (very similar to the one you borrowed from me, the 3221) and the 3030 pan/tilt head (same as the one you borrowed) for $140.  http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/151376

i'm sure there are plenty more on there.  if you want, my 3030 pan/tilt head is sitting around unused right now since i switched to a ballhead.  you are welcome to use it for as long as you like, i'll only need it if some day i add a second tripod, which is not happening anytime soon.

Title: Re: recommend a tripod
Post by: rerem on January 16, 2005, 08:25:33 AM

If it is for a still camera,35mm or dig,don't go to big. A light tripod is a tripod you will be willing to tote around. On big Teles,zooms there may be a mount on the lens that helps everything be balance better

Title: Re: recommend a tripod
Post by: MattD on January 16, 2005, 09:20:34 AM

Heh, old thread. :)  I ended up with Bogen 3001 (or 3001N, don't remember) legs and a 3030 head. It's light enough to carry around, but very stable with the lenses I've put up on it.