Give me a Tripod Lesson

Raos · Dec 23, 2010

I have a very old tripod that was given to me for free. It weighs about 100lbs, but it gets the job done. Because of its weight and size I do not use it often. I would like to get a new tripod, but I have no idea what I am looking at.

Can you let me know what different things I should be considering and the pluses and minuses I need to know about? I know that the lighter and stronger the material is (carbon fiber for instance) the more expensive it will be. What are the different head options and what is good and bad about each? What else do I need to know that I would not already know?

Thanks!

Studio7Four · Dec 23, 2010

You'll probably get more useful recommendations if you can tell us about how you intend to use it. Do you plan to hike to remote locations (so lightweight would be good) or is it for studio use (where, frankly, your old heavy one is probably a good option as it is likely very sturdy). Will you be shooting static subjects (landscapes, still lifes), in which case you might want a 3 axis head which you can dial in to get an ideal orientation, or moving subjects, in which case you'd want a more fluid, rapidly adjustable head? Finally there is budget, if you'd like people to give you specific recommendations, though that's less important to share if you're simply looking to educate yourself so you can weigh the pros and cons yourself.

Raos · Dec 23, 2010

Thanks Studio7Four. The tripod I have now is great. It is very sturdy and has done me well when I have used it so I will not be getting rid of it and can certainly use it at home if I need.

I do not have specific plans for this new one, but I envision taking it on short hikes and walks (nothing really remote, but you never know). I think weight will be a major factor for me. The main reason I am considering a new tripod is because the one I have now is just too heavy. .

I will be shooting various things. I think I will probably use it mostly for macro shots, but I would also like to be able to use it for moving subjects. I live in New England and like to take foliage shots as well so landscapes would be something else I would be shooting. I think the primary use though will be for macro.

As for budget, I don't want that to be a limiting factor. This is more of a fact finding mission so that I can learn what is out there and where I can add or remove to get it into the price range that I need eventually. I would like to keep it as inexpensive as possible, but at the same time I am not afraid to drop some dough as I know these different options will all add to the cost. I want this tripod to be the last one I buy for a long time so I would rather spend a bit more up front and not worry about not having something that will give me what I need. I would like to keep it under $300, but could see spending $500 or more if it got me what I needed. I do not want to be limited by cost.

bazooka · Dec 23, 2010

You should get a nice setup for >$300. As far as the head, I have one of the pistol grip varieties... it works great for me. It's very quick to compose a shot, no screwing or unscrewing knobs. The only downside is that it probably wouldn't support much more than my 40d with 70-200 f/4... If I had the 2.8, it might creep.

Raos · Dec 23, 2010

Thanks bazooka.

As for equipment, I have a D70s and my heaviest lens is a Tamron SP 70-300mm f4-5.6 Di VC USB.

table1349 · Dec 23, 2010

First start by reading this: Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan

You need a tripod tall enough to meet your needs without extending the center column. It needs to support a minimum of 2X the weight of your heaviest combination of gear. 3X would be better. Depending on your needs you want either aluminum or a composite fiber pod. You also want to buy with an eye on the future not the present. Otherwise you will be buying again in the future.