Another "I need to upgrade my tripod" thread

nxthree

So let me start by saying my funds are limited. And chances are, I won't be able to buy the "recommended" item at this point in time, but I figured I'd at least get myself saving towards something.

I've got an older set of Bogen Manfrotto legs, I think they're the 3211's. Aluminum? Sturdy, but heavy. I've also got a Manfrotto Bogen 308rc ballhead with quick release.

Assuming limited budget, and my ability to tolerate carrying something heavy... Should I upgrade my legs first, or should I get a new head?

I'm mainly using it for indoor architecture-type stuff right now, so it'd be nice to have a leveling head. But my legs are old and clunky - although sturdy - so it'd eventually be nice to get new legs.

Should I go with a mid-size head like the RRS BH-40 - and skip the legs? Or should I go with a cheaper head like the RRS BH-25, and get a newer, cheaper set of legs too?

My initial thought is that a new head would benefit more than new legs. Thoughts?

I suppose I should mention that I'm using a D90 w/grip - and usually a 12-24 f/4.

Thanks,
Brian

Cameron

How do you feel limited by your current gear? That will help decide what you upgrade first. Personally, if you're somewhat content with the legs, I'd rather have a nice tripod head before upgrading the legs. What bodies/lenses do you need it to support?

catspaw

CSwinton wrote:

What bodies/lenses do you need it to support?

see OP:

using a D90 w/grip - and usually a 12-24 f/4.

nxthree

My biggest annoyances right now are that my tripod head doesn't have a level, and my camera "drops" a bit after I frame the shot and lock the head in place - so I have to over compensate and lock it above where I would think it needs to be. This is mostly in portrait orientation - an L bracket would be nice, but way too expensive at this point.

gryphonslair99

nxthree wrote:

My biggest annoyances right now are that my tripod head doesn't have a level, and my camera "drops" a bit after I frame the shot and lock the head in place - so I have to over compensate and lock it above where I would think it needs to be. This is mostly in portrait orientation - an L bracket would be nice, but way too expensive at this point.

Cheap way to fix the level problem.
Level

The head looks like the old version of the 486RC2 mini ball head. Little light for general use in my opinion. The RRS BH-40 is a good all around head. It should easily do the job for years to come.

Cameron

Sorry for not noticing the gear in your thread. It sounds like you'd benefit from a head upgrade first. I agree 100% that the RRS BH-40 would be a great choice. I recently purchased that head and have NO regrets. It is fabulous. The downside is that it is pricey. Acratech, Kirk, and Markins also make quality heads that you should also consider.

Toshido

I recently purchased a MANFROTTO 190XPROB W/804RC2 HEAD KIT which I am really liking. of course this was an upgrade from a $30 optek tripod.

But both the tripod base and the head have bubble levels on them. The head rotates for portrait orientation. It is a three way head, not a ball head. This does also make panning horizontal or perpendicular to the horizon easy.

I would have like to try a ball head this came as a set, was on sale and in my budget. ~$300 CDN after taxes and 2 year protection plan against everything and anything, including my three year old.

I also like that the column rotates horizontal and the legs can be set to almost straight out for very low setups.

It is aluminum, reasonably heavy, the head is bulky with the knobs and handles sticking out every which way as well. But from considering what I did have I am actually willing to use this tripod with my new camera.

Overall i am happy with it, just need to keep my kids away from it.

nxthree

Thanks for all the suggestions/help.

One question. Are all arca-type mounts interchangeable? If I buy an RRS BH-40 with an arca quick-release, can I use a Kirk L-bracket for my D90?

catspaw

nxthree wrote:

Thanks for all the suggestions/help.

One question. Are all arca-type mounts interchangeable? If I buy an RRS BH-40 with an arca quick-release, can I use a Kirk L-bracket for my D90?

yup

gryphonslair99

catspaw wrote:

yup

With some subtle differences. Arca Swiss is a size standard so they all fit, however they do not all have the same safety features. I only use Wimberley, RRS and Kirk QR mounts as they use the same safety stop relief system that requres the safty screws in place in the bottom of the QR plates. Acratech and some others use the detent pin system. That of course only matters if you use the saftey system.

dancorder

nxthree wrote:

Thanks for all the suggestions/help.

One question. Are all arca-type mounts interchangeable? If I buy an RRS BH-40 with an arca quick-release, can I use a Kirk L-bracket for my D90?

Actually I think the answer is "maybe, but probably not", the key point is that you specified the RRS quick release clamp (by which I assume you mean what RRS call lever release) rather than the screw clamp.

See here for more details from RRS themselves:

http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/03.html#LRwarning

nxthree

Good to know. That's exactly what I was looking at. You just saved me some pain and confusion - and pointed out that I should probably do a better job of reading the fine print.

Thanks!

20DNoob

For what your going to be using it for I'd go with the Markins Q3 Emille. Granted it's not as pretty as RRS but then again it's slightly over $100 cheaper.

I've got the M20 and have used Kirk, Wimberley, and of course Markins plates with it and I've never had even an inkling of worry about doing so.

Good luck.