I having some troubles achieving the results I want due to some limitations in my equipment. I am primarily concerned with shooting with my Canon 50D w/ battery grip and Sigma 150mm as I am trying to put together a collection of abstract macro images. However, due to financial limitations at the time of purchase, I had to forgo a quality tripod and external flash.
In the meantime, I have been using an old, cheap tripod I found around the house. However, I can only attach my camera within a very limited range of angles because if it tilts too far, the mechanism starts to creep until my camera is vertical. Likewise, the legs start to bend when I put my camera on it...it works to hold it, but just. Also, in order to get the images I am after, I need to be close to my subject, but since my studio space is currently limited to a table with a piece of poster board behind, I need a support solution where the camera can be held beyond the base of the tripod. With this in mind, I checked out Manrotto and found the 190XPROB ($150) and 055XPROB ($180) which seemed like they would suit my needs perfectly.
For the head I have been looking at geared heads and the 3way pan/tilt as I am looking to be able to precisely position the camera. The two lowest cost solutions here were the 804RC2 ($80) and 808RC4 ($150) (both 3way).
I looked at Manfrotto mainly because of their reputation of being quality with a "reasonable" price tag; however, if there are other less expensive solutions that offer me the same/comparable capabilities I would be more than interested in looking into them. Any other thoughts on any combination of those pieces would be greatly appreciated.
I will be purchasing a Canon 430EX II. Does anyone know of a place to/recommend buying used? I do not know what the life expectancy of a flash is to determine if it is worth looking for a well taken care of used one or not.
Thanks for the help
In the meantime, I have been using an old, cheap tripod I found around the house. However, I can only attach my camera within a very limited range of angles because if it tilts too far, the mechanism starts to creep until my camera is vertical. Likewise, the legs start to bend when I put my camera on it...it works to hold it, but just. Also, in order to get the images I am after, I need to be close to my subject, but since my studio space is currently limited to a table with a piece of poster board behind, I need a support solution where the camera can be held beyond the base of the tripod. With this in mind, I checked out Manrotto and found the 190XPROB ($150) and 055XPROB ($180) which seemed like they would suit my needs perfectly.
For the head I have been looking at geared heads and the 3way pan/tilt as I am looking to be able to precisely position the camera. The two lowest cost solutions here were the 804RC2 ($80) and 808RC4 ($150) (both 3way).
I looked at Manfrotto mainly because of their reputation of being quality with a "reasonable" price tag; however, if there are other less expensive solutions that offer me the same/comparable capabilities I would be more than interested in looking into them. Any other thoughts on any combination of those pieces would be greatly appreciated.
I will be purchasing a Canon 430EX II. Does anyone know of a place to/recommend buying used? I do not know what the life expectancy of a flash is to determine if it is worth looking for a well taken care of used one or not.
Thanks for the help