Tripod advice...

RezenRezen Registered Users Posts: 22 Big grins
edited January 9, 2010 in Accessories
Hi all,

I read the tripod sticky, and it helped quite a bit, but I'm still at a loss as to what type of tripod(s) to get or if I want even exists ;)

Is there a such thing as a combo balll pan/tilt head? So I can swap between the two modes without changing heads?

For the legs - I figure I'll need two sets of legs - one for outdoors and a tabletop set. For the tabletop set, ideally I'd like a tripod that would allow me to mount the head in an inverted fashion (so the camera can be angled to face straight down between the legs towards the table). Do these types of legs exist?

Ideally I'd like to spend $500 or less total, as this is my first serious tripod. I bought super cheap one from a local camera store, but it can't even support the weight of my camera with a non-kit lens attached.

Suggestions and advice are greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

-Rezen
The best camera in the world is the one you have with you.

Comments

  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,132 moderator
    edited January 8, 2010
    It would help to know your heaviest configuration of camera and lens.

    I am not aware of any combination head as you described.

    Do you have height requirements (besides the tabletop)?
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • RezenRezen Registered Users Posts: 22 Big grins
    edited January 8, 2010
    ziggy53 wrote:
    It would help to know your heaviest configuration of camera and lens.

    I am not aware of any combination head as you described.

    Do you have height requirements (besides the tabletop)?

    Hi Ziggy,

    My camera body is a Canon 7D. my heaviest lens at the moment is a 24-70L, with plans to get either a 70-200 or 100-400 in the near future for outdoor photography/videography. When I hook the camera + lens up to the cheap tripod I currently have it, just falls down.

    For the outdoor legs, I'd prefer something that would make the camera as tall as me so I wouldn't have to bend over that much (5'10).

    The reason I would like a combo head is so I can switch pretty easily from full panning (when doing videography) and single axis panning for photography.

    Thanks,

    -Rezen
    The best camera in the world is the one you have with you.
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,132 moderator
    edited January 8, 2010
    For video work I greatly recommend a fluid head, or a mini fluid head. It make s a tremendous difference in smooth panning. A fluid head is also appropriate to instantaneous photography so it can replace a conventional 2-way pan-tilt head. Unfortunately, a fluid head can be pretty expensive by itself (but worth it IMO).

    If I had to make a recommendation based on your proposed use and needs I think that I would concentrate on a mini-fluid head and decent tripod. I would also recommend an "L" bracket for portrait orientation.

    I don't have a specific recommendation but if this sounds close I can do some searches.

    (The setup that I use is considerably more expensive than your budget and only one of my tripods is in current production.)
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited January 8, 2010
    Rezen wrote:
    Hi all,
    Is there a such thing as a combo balll pan/tilt head? So I can swap between the two modes without changing heads?

    Take a look at the Manfrotto/Bogen 322RC2 head.....gets pretty close to what you want.


    Rezen wrote:
    For the legs - I figure I'll need two sets of legs - one for outdoors and a tabletop set. For the tabletop set, ideally I'd like a tripod that would allow me to mount the head in an inverted fashion (so the camera can be angled to face straight down between the legs towards the table). Do these types of legs exist?

    Take a look at the Giottos tripods....I can work with my MT9180 either on a table top or out shooting wild life.....
    here is one with it on a table top........MT9180 with bogen 322RC2 ball head...........
    52092086_34E2Q-M.jpg
    The center column aca nbe reversed or it can be moved into different positions as this EBAY AUCTION SHOWS.....

    Most Giottos tripods can move in such ways......I really like mine and I have had it for a very long time.....mine is a 4 section and CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF IT IS VERY STURDY EVEN IN HIGH KS WINDS.............
    "Genuine Fractals was, is and will always be the best solution for enlarging digital photos." ....Vincent Versace ... ... COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK ONLINE ... ... My Website

  • RezenRezen Registered Users Posts: 22 Big grins
    edited January 9, 2010
    Art Scott wrote:
    Take a look at the Manfrotto/Bogen 322RC2 head.....gets pretty close to what you want.





    Take a look at the Giottos tripods....I can work with my MT9180 either on a table top or out shooting wild life.....
    here is one with it on a table top........MT9180 with bogen 322RC2 ball head...........

    The center column aca nbe reversed or it can be moved into different positions as this EBAY AUCTION SHOWS.....

    Most Giottos tripods can move in such ways......I really like mine and I have had it for a very long time.....mine is a 4 section and CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF IT IS VERY STURDY EVEN IN HIGH KS WINDS.............

    Perfect, thank you Art!!

    I'll be ordering up this combo straight away.

    Cheers,

    -Rezen
    The best camera in the world is the one you have with you.
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