KEH tripod sale, is this worth us newer folks looking at?

[NancyMoranG]

Hi,
got an email from KEH on this Manfrotto tripod legs and head at what looks like a great price of $140 ish. (Manfrotto 294, alum, 3 section, 3 way head) ,Yes it is refurbished but I am ok with that.
i still need a tripod that will let me take portrait mode..?
i am looking at 2-3 ft slider (for time lapse) at some point and any help on tripod selection is appreciated.
thank you,
Nancy
http://www.keh.com/camera/Tripods-Complete-Tripods/1/sku-TR414019004260?r=FE#


Nikon D7000, 11-16 Tokina , 55-300, 35 1.8 prime.

 

[Josh66]

Everyone needs a tripod occasionally, even the new folks.

Portrait mode? If you mean tilting the camera 90° while it's on the tripod, that one should be able to do that. I find that I am rarely using a tripod for portraits though. But for just getting the camera into that position, this tripod will be fine.

Not sure what you mean by 2-3 foot slider for time lapse...

 

[NancyMoranG]

Am new at this but, while taking time lapse, the camera can move along a 'track' to show movement of the time lapse.
Maybe someone else can explain it better :{
Nancy

 

[photofree]

In the early '90s I invested in a heavy klunky manfrotto tripod with a head like that. It's lasting forever and still in regular use. I do many event portraits and young people. Steady ready platform is everything.

profound thinking about stuff

 

[Josh66]

Almost sounds like a focusing rail...? But not used for focusing.

If I saw a picture (or drawing) of what you're talking about, I would probably get it... Right now I'm lost though.

 

[Josh66]

Is that what you're talking about?

 

[sk66]

IMO, the absolute minimum you want in a tripod is 2x the load capacity of anything you will put on it. For critical work 3-4x (i.e. long exposures/wind/high macro).
That tripod will be of some help, but it probably won't be up to very demanding use.

I don't think you'll want to put a 3ft slider on a single support. If you do it will need to be quite strong/stable since you will have the load way off-center. I wouldn't even consider it with that tripod.

 

[NancyMoranG]

Josh66, yup that' s along the lines I am thinking, but I can't DIY...
Sk66, thanks for the insight.
Nancy

 

[Josh66]

I wouldn't even consider it with that tripod.

Yeah, I can't really see mounting something like that to a tripod... (Maybe with TWO tripods...)

The way it reads though, I don't think that is what you're trying to do though. You want a tripod, AND a slider (but not all in the same unit).

Now that I know what I'm looking for, B&H has quite a few:
Camera Sliders | B&H Photo Video

 

[lambertpix]

Manfrotto makes a great tripod; I love mine. If you haven't already done so, try to get to a camera store and check out styles of tripod heads. The kit you linked has a three-way head, rather than a ball head more commonly used for photo applications. There's nothing wrong with using a three-way head for photos, but it's more commonly used for video devices. You might find it's got adjustments, for instance, to help pan & tilt smoothly while filming. If you plan on shooting any videos, you'll probably like the three-way head a lot, but if not, take a look at a ball head and see if it wouldn't be a little quicker to adjust for photos.

 

[NancyMoranG]

LambertPix, I would LOVE to find a photo store!! I am definitely someone who needs the guidance. I bought my D7000 from a camera store because I wanted to go back when I needed help. Alas, we moved from there..

I have a cheap Sunpak right now with a ball head and grip handle. Supposedly, to 'pan'..? But When I want to try 3 photos to make a panorama, it does not move smoothly and my horizon gets changed slightly.

So I need smooth movement, a portrait angle (not for portrait of people), and something to take some amateur videos, and time lapse on a slider.
Any help appreciated,
Nancy

 

[kiefer088]

?