Yet another tripod thread

[ToddnTN]

I am sorry to post this, really I am, but I have looked through countless tripod post and have not come across one dealing with my questions.

Basically I need a salesman to point me in the right direction.

I have a D7100 and the biggest lens I am going to be using for the foreseeable future is my Nikon 300mm f/4; the older one that is built like a tank.

I want to use the tripod for long exposure night photography, landscapes and some occasional wildlife.
I will not be hiking or anything like that so the tripod does not have to be super light weight, but I don't want it to weigh a ton either.
Stability and ease of use are the two most important factors for me.
I don't mind spending money, but would obviously like to spend as little as possible. If I could get out for less than $300, that would be great. If I need to spend more than that, then I can save up, but I don't think I want to go over $500 to $600. I am doing this as a hobby not a profession.
There are so many choices out there the whole thing is confussing as hell.

Thanks.

 

[lambertpix]

In that price range, you've got a lot of really great options. I'd suggest thinking a bit about some of the features that are available in good tripods and trying to get a sense for which features are more important to you. Armed with a little forethought, you can browse Adorama, etc., and start to form a short-list of kits you're interested in. One of the things you'll have to contend with is figuring out if you're buying legs & a head separately or together as a kit. You're likely to save a few bucks if you buy a kit, but that obviously means you have to like the combinations that are available.

Having said that, here are some of the features you should give thought to:

* Material (typically aluminum or carbon fiber). CF is a little more costly, but it's lighter and a little stiffer.
* Leg segments (typically 3 or 4). More segments = shorter packed size, but more joints means you sacrifice a bit in stiffness.
* Extended height -- make sure it's tall enough for your needs.
* Weight -- more stuff to carry, right?
* Leg lock design -- although not as controversial as Canon vs. Nikon, some people have a strong preference for twist locks or flip locks.
* Center column features -- some center columns can be reversed so your camera hangs upside-down; others have an option to mount horizontally, etc. -- these features can be helpful for macros or landscape photos where you're working on uneven terrain.

In my experience, the two biggest factors for ease-of-use are the leg lock type and the operation of the center column. I'm a flip-lock fan. I tried an Induro with twist locks, and I hated it. Others probably feel the same about flip locks. Either way, you should figure out what you prefer. If you have no idea, buy a used set of legs of each type for $50 or so and work with each of them. You can sell 'em again when you're done.

The center column turned out to be a big deal for me, too. Again, I tried an Induro with one of those reversible center columns, and I hated it -- what a monumental pain in the butt. My Manfrotto, on the other hand, has a center column that I can flip to horizontal in about five seconds. I fell in love with this in no time flat, because I'm constantly doing stuff like this:

 

[astroNikon]

There's definitely alot of options in your price range.
If there is a camera store around you you should try to get there and just browse the selection that they have.
You will find an astounishing amount (assuming they are well stocked) of selection from just one manufacturer.
Or just browse Adorama

A couple well known brands .. Bunro, Manfrotto, SLIK, Vanguard .. just to name a few.

One thing to look out for in a tripod.
Look at the leg support and see if the legs have middle supports, versus no middle support. Basically can the legs (like in Lambertpix's) completely extend away from the center for low photos

@Lambertpix .. looks like one of your legs is bent in the photo ??

here's a good read too
How to Choose and Buy a Tripod for a DSLR Camera

With heads .. there are ball heads and pan heads. Be careful with ball heads .. read my little input here from an earlier thread though edited to remove video head stuff.

I'd stay away from any brand tripod from a general store though (Walmart, Meijer, etc).
But all the Manfrottos, Benros etc from a camera stores have been great.

I'd also be careful about the heads too. Some are just NOT good at all for panning.
For instance 3 of my 4 heads are here.
View attachment 57003

They are nothing at all like each other.
On the far right is a SLIK SBH-320, which you will find for $180 on Amazon. weight is 400grams
in the middle is a SLIK Ball Head 800, $80 on amazon - weight is a whopping 760 grams heavy
and the far left my Velbon fluid panning head.

If you notice there's only one knob on the 320. Basically forget about panning. This is a fixed position ball head. you put it in one position and take your pictures. If you attempt panning you will find yourself pointing in anything BUT a fluid motion. I've tried it, This head now basically is used 90% of the time as a flash stand. Except I do use it for taking long exposure shots of the sky now too. A great, heavy duty, FIXED position ball head.

The 800 has 3 knobs. The bottom one is for panning left/right and is quite smooth. the 2nd thick one is a friction which is great for allowing pseudo-panning in all directions. The 3rd for your normal adjustments. If you look at the circular quick release you see that it too is designed for panning left and right. The quick release does allow rotation and does it nicely. But the base of the head is much more fluid and is a very good left/right panning head.
But this one stinks for portrait work, the circular and rotating quick release does not hold 100% tight when at 90degrees. And for portrait work the lens weight keeps tiling it. If this thing had a handle, it would be the swiss army knives of ball heads.

on the left is my Velbon Fluid panning head, and a cheap one by comparison to the other 2 (but it can't hold much equipment weight limit-wise). It is very fluid motion LEFT/RIGHT AND UP/DOWN. Great for video.

Also look at the weight. The 800 head is great but it weighs a TON. But for Video, the cheap little Velbon is the best. The 800 is close 2nd but the rotating quick release can cause issues. That's where the handle on fluid heads is so valuable in keeping a nice fluid motion. If the 800 had a handle on it it would be very good (not great) for video.

now my SLIK SH-909 is great at everything except a fluid panning motion UP/DOWN, but costs $220 on amazon and requires a heavy duty tripod and is BIG.

 

[lambertpix]

@Lambertpix .. looks like one of your legs is bent in the photo ??

Nope. It's carbon-fiber -- no bending. You're seeing refraction, I believe -- the left leg is half underwater.

 

[Braineack]

I have a big bulky tripod with the old 3-way head.

I've been considering one of these: MeFOTO RoadTrip Travel Tripod Kits | Available in Eight Colors | Converts to Monopod

Is there a cheaper alternative to the alike? I'm drawn to how you can manipulate it like lambert has pictured above.