Tripods???

[usayit]

They are quick and easy. Other heads (pan/tilt & 3-way) might be more precise for small adjustments but they might also take longer to set each time you change.

In addition to what Mike said... 3-way and Pan/tilt heads tend to be rated for more weight than ball heads of equal price range.

 

[marinaw]

I wish I'd found this forum before I bought my tripod. I needed was something to hold my camera still. The tripod I bought was inexpensive and it doesn't take much for it to shake. I really didn't think it would make that much difference since I hadn't envisioned doing anything that would be too challenging, but I was wrong. (Not about doing anything too challenging but thinking it wouldn't make much of a difference.)

I tried to take some photos of the raindrops on the pool earlier today as they were making some interesting patterns in the reflections on the water. The tripod shook so badly I didn't get one crisp shot.

A solid tripod that's a good height is definitely a worthwhile investment. One more thing for me to add to my wishlist.

 

[RX7Boricua]

Hey guys, first post here after lurking for a few weeks. I'm about to pull the trigger on a Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPRO with 488RC4 head. From what I've read, it's a pretty sweet combo which is well worth the money. I was going to go with something cheap, but decided it would be best to simply spend the extra money up front on something that will last me a heck of a lot longer. Under 300 bucks from B&H.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=217263&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=272780&is=REG

 

[table1349]

Hey guys, first post here after lurking for a few weeks. I'm about to pull the trigger on a Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPRO with 488RC4 head. From what I've read, it's a pretty sweet combo which is well worth the money. I was going to go with something cheap, but decided it would be best to simply spend the extra money up front on something that will last me a heck of a lot longer. Under 300 bucks from B&H.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=217263&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=272780&is=REG

The legs look good, but I would go for the if you want a ball head I would look at the 488RC2 head instead. The RC4 plate is pretty big. Designed more for medium format cameras rather than 35mm sized bodies. The RC2 plate is an excellent size for 35mm sized bodies and will not protrude from the front or back of the body.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272779-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_488RC2_488RC2_Midi_Ball_Head.html

 

[RX7Boricua]

I did look at the RC2, but I figured for another 5 bucks or so I could get the levels and a beefier head, so I said screw it. I don't really mind if it's bigger. I'll check out the RC4 when it gets here, and if the size of it bugs me, I'll replace it with the RC2.