Tripod woes ... help?

photobug · December 7, 2005

A year ago, I got the "best" Quantaray/Sunpak tripod and top-end Sunpak monopod. I really like that the same quick-release plate works for both, so I can just leave the quick-release plate on my camera much of the time.

However ... I've discovered that when my camera is on the tripod, it is not held rock-steady -- and isn't that the whole point of a tripod?? The camera moves, even when I exert light pressure on the shutter release. And even when I'm weighting down the tripod base.

I'm using a 20D, with a battery grip, with a 28-135 or now :-) a new 24-105 L lens most of the time ... and sometimes with a 3.5 pound Sigma 80-400 lens (in which case I use the mount on the lens to attach to the tripod). But even with the lighter lenses, the camera isn't solid. The base itself (legs) "seems" strong enough. So what's the problem here? Is my tripod technique just way too naive (I've even tried mirror lock-up)? Is this base really not as steady as it looks? Is the head not robust enough for that weight of camera/lenses? ...Will I just have to give on matching quick-release plates, and consider a much sturdier, ultra-pricey tripod?

Suggestions / advice appreciated...

Mitchell · December 7, 2005

I can make a few general comments.

The first is that you should be using a remote release with your camera on the tripod or set the timer to trip your release. If you are pressing the shutter release, you are probably introducing some shake into your shots.

I don't know a lot about your tripod. You should be able to get a rating for how much it is supposed to support. The key may also be if the head on the tripod is capable supporting your camera weight.

I'm not a Canon guy, but I'm guessing that your rig (20D + L glass) cost in excess of $2,000. I suspect you are putting all this on a tripod that cost $75. This equation does not make much sense. A more robust and sturdy tripod will cost more, but it will be worth it in the end.

GraphyFotoz · December 7, 2005

photobug wrote:

A year ago, I got the "best" Quantaray/Sunpak tripod and top-end Sunpak monopod. I really like that the same quick-release plate works for both, so I can just leave the quick-release plate on my camera much of the time.

However ... I've discovered that when my camera is on the tripod, it is not held rock-steady -- and isn't that the whole point of a tripod?? The camera moves, even when I exert light pressure on the shutter release. And even when I'm weighting down the tripod base.

I'm using a 20D, with a battery grip, with a 28-135 or now :-) a new 24-105 L lens most of the time ... and sometimes with a 3.5 pound Sigma 80-400 lens (in which case I use the mount on the lens to attach to the tripod). But even with the lighter lenses, the camera isn't solid. The base itself (legs) "seems" strong enough. So what's the problem here? Is my tripod technique just way too naive (I've even tried mirror lock-up)? Is this base really not as steady as it looks? Is the head not robust enough for that weight of camera/lenses? ...Will I just have to give on matching quick-release plates, and consider a much sturdier, ultra-pricey tripod?

Suggestions / advice appreciated...

One solution is to trade me that 80-400 lens for a my rock steady Bogen Manfrotto 3011 and my Slik AF2100 Pistol Grip!

Seriously....I found long ago that Quantaray isn't the greatest...even the higher end.
You DON'T need to spend a WAD on a Tripod...unless you get into Carbon Fiber.
My Bogen 3011 is built like a brick crap house ( Kinda heavy to carry)but it's rock steady....even for my OLD/heavy Swift Telemaster Spotting scope. I got the whole setup 2nd hand (EX+)for $100 2yrs ago IIRC.

Looks like B&H has the 3011 Tripod (No head)for about $100 NEW and the Slik AF2100 Pistol Grip is $80

Watch around for something used.....Guys are shedding their older stuff for the expensive Carbon Fiber.....should be able to find a good deal out there!!

photobug · December 7, 2005

Mitchell wrote:

You should be able to get a rating for how much [your tripod] is supposed to support. The key may also be if the head on the tripod is capable supporting your camera weight.

The product description says it will support up to 11 pounds, and my gear weighs a lot less than that -- maybe 7#.

I'm guessing that your rig (20D + L glass) cost in excess of $2,000. I suspect you are putting all this on a tripod that cost $75. This equation does not make much sense. A more robust and sturdy tripod will cost more, but it will be worth it in the end.

Yes, the photo gear did cost 2K+ ... and the tripod was $100.

I'd appreciate specific info from anyone on how to properly judge how stable a tripod is -- even if I find a new $400 tripod (assuming I could afford it), how would I know that it's any better than what I already have? Is there any way to know, short of hauling my equipment into a store and asking them if I can mount it on their tripods? (e.g. is there any kind of independent "tripod rating system"?)

photobug · December 7, 2005

GraphyFotoz wrote:

One solution is to trade me that 80-400 lens for a my rock steady Bogen Manfrotto 3011 and my Slik AF2100 Pistol Grip!

Ahhh -- a creative solution!!

You DON'T need to spend a WAD on a Tripod...unless you get into Carbon Fiber.
My Bogen 3011 is built like a brick crap house (Kinda heavy to carry) but it's rock steady....even for my OLD/heavy Swift Telemaster Spotting scope. I got the whole setup 2nd hand (EX+)for $100 2yrs ago IIRC.

Looks like B&H has the 3011 Tripod (No head)for about $100 NEW and the Slik AF2100 Pistol Grip is $80

Thanks for the really specific recommendation -- at the very least, it gives me something to start comparing against.

Watch around for something used.....Guys are shedding their older stuff for the expensive Carbon Fiber.....should be able to find a good deal out there!!

More good advice -- thanks -- mucho appreciated!

= Dave

Mitchell · December 7, 2005

photobug wrote:

The product description says it will support up to 11 pounds, and my gear weighs a lot less than that -- maybe 7#.

Yes, the photo gear did cost 2K+ ... and the tripod was $100.

I'd appreciate specific info from anyone on how to properly judge how stable a tripod is -- even if I find a new $400 tripod (assuming I could afford it), how would I know that it's any better than what I already have? Is there any way to know, short of hauling my equipment into a store and asking them if I can mount it on their tripods? (e.g. is there any kind of independent "tripod rating system"?)

You didn't comment on how you are firing your camera. Remote release? Timer? Pushing a button? This can make a difference.

I once believed (like you) that a tripod didn't really make much of a difference. You don't need an "independent tripod rating system". Do yourself a favor and get your hands on a high quality tripod. Open it up and marvel at how well built and rock steady this seemingly simple device really can be. I think you will look at your present tripod in a different light.

I own a Gitzo tripod and head which to my eye is a work of art. The thing is well built and solid.

Art Scott · December 7, 2005

tripods
Photobug, I did the samne a you...for years I used vivatar tri's and mono pods because I could use the same QR....then I moved to Slik and wore out an old U111.....then I moved to bogen/manfrotto and traveled europe with that jewel bur man was it heavy and it did not compact as well as I needed to get backpack and tripod on buses, trains and trams....so I started looking and found Giottos at Philly Photo Supply [[url="http://stores.ebay.com/PhillyPhotoSupply_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm]....in"]http://stores.ebay.com/PhillyPhotoSupply_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm]....in[/url] there somewhere I had purchased at Benbo ( iwas looking for a pod to get real close to the ground and not have the column 2' up)....I sent the benbo back to b&h......as I said I settled for a ROCK STEADY giottos with a 322RC bogen grip handle ball head and I purchased a bogen 3299 plate for my Giottos p-pod (a very unique mono pod....it has 3 steel legs that can be attched to make a makeshift tripod- good on windy days or they will screw in close to the head so you can get down close to nature for macro shots)

Here is the tripod I purchased I love it ...it is not quite as heavy as my bogen was and it gets down on the ground....check it out: http://cgi.ebay.com/Giottos-MT9180-Pro-Worlds-Most-Versatile-Tripod_W0QQitemZ7555329968QQcategoryZ30094QQcmdZViewItem ....some people will find that having twist locks in stead of clamping leg locks a little slow...but I do not....they work for me.

As stated above...yopu need a remote release when shooting from the tripod or use the self timer....I do this even when shooting portraits or weddings or landscapes.....a remote release is in my very near future.

good luck

Red Bull · December 8, 2005

Hmmm, It's funny that you have this problem with the tripod because I was in a Ritz Camera and the employee was trying to convince me to buy it. I didn't end up buying it, but the guy was telling me how it was the best because it was so sturdy.

ian408 · December 8, 2005

Lot's of good stuff to sift through.

Thanks everyone for helping each other out.

Ian

Tripod woes ... help?

Comments