Another tripod question

ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
edited March 14, 2007 in Accessories
I have been searching here, to try to find a working affordable tri-pod solution.

I came up with Bogon/Manfrotto 3001 legs with the 488 RC2 ball head. That combo at B&H is just at 200.00 with shipping.

You all know that I use a 400mmL lens a lot, and I also use a 10-20 Sigma with my Canon 30D camera. I also use lenses in between.

Searching here, I discovered that the Sidekick would then complete the picture and solve all of my problems with the longer lens. At least I think that is what I discovered.

My question is 1) is that an accurate assessment of a good combo on a budget, and then 2) could I do it without the Sidekick which doubles the price.

I also came on a thread, very informative re tripods with a link to a site which suggests spending 700.00 on some solution. That was depressing.

Then I remembered that I know that Andy recommended those 3001 legs to someone, though I can't relocate that post.

I was going to start e-mailing and PMing people privately, but I decided to post this instead. I hope it is not too repetitious to what has been posted and is available on a search.

ginger
After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.

Comments

  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,949 moderator
    edited March 13, 2007
    Ginger, there's a lot of really good info in the thread here.

    The 3001 legs are a little on the light side. Could work for you. If it
    were me, I'd go the 3021 route. Holds a couple of pounds more and
    maybe a tad heavier too. Both good things (in my book).

    I don't know why you'd need the Sidekick. It might make the combo
    easier to use but otherwise I don't that it's 100% necessary for your
    needs. Remember, you can always add it later when money is less of
    an issue.
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • jdryan3jdryan3 Registered Users Posts: 1,353 Major grins
    edited March 13, 2007
    ginger_55 wrote:
    You all know that I use a 400mmL lens a lot, and I also use a 10-20 Sigma with my Canon 30D camera. I also use lenses in between.
    ginger

    Which 400 are you using? ne_nau.gif If you are using the f/5.6 or DO, you may not need the Sidekick. With the f/2.8, maybe. Most people I know who use it are in the 500-600 range.

    I agree with the suggestion to wait and see.
    "Don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to. Oh well."
    -Fleetwood Mac
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited March 13, 2007
    Ginger,
    I don't think you need a Sidekick with your 400L prime. I'm using a regular ballhead (Acratech UB V2) with my 100-400L and a lens collar and it works just fine. You can always add SK later.

    FWIW
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • StormdancingStormdancing Registered Users Posts: 917 Major grins
    edited March 14, 2007
    A very good new "what tripod thread" Ginger. I'm at the point where I need to replace my old Bogen lead sled and even after reading and reading, I still have questions and hesitation. I too am on a budget, so I have to choose wisely.
    Dana
    ** Feel free to edit my photos if you see room for improvement.**
    Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if
    no birds sang there except those that sang best.
    ~Henry Van Dyke
  • TerrenceTerrence Registered Users Posts: 477 Major grins
    edited March 14, 2007
    I am very happy with Bogen 3021 legs and an Arca Swiss B1 head. I use a Sidekick with my Canon 100-400 purely because it is easier for birds in flight. For your 400, you don't *need* it, but it does make bird and wildlife work more enjoyable. Otherwise, the ballhead alone would be fine.

    The 3001 legs and 488 head are too light for your needs. The 3021 legs are the minimum I would reccomend to anyone shooting a 400 or bigger prime, and they are a great buy. I have a very old set that I am sending to Bogen to upgrade to the latest version. The 3021 can be a little heavy to hike with, which is why I am looking at the Gitzo 1327, but CF is a whole new level of cost.

    As for ballheads, I would look at the Arca Swiss Z1; Kirk BH-3; Markins M-10; and Really Right Stuff BH-40 or BH-55 (probably the best head out there but costly). I owned an Acratech Ultimate and just sold it because it does not offer smooth 360 degree operation. The Acratech V2 looks nice, but I'm no longer a fan of their design and prefer a traditional ballhead with an accurate 90 degree position for the Sidekick.
    Terrence

    My photos

    "The future is an illusion, but a damned handy one." - David Allen
  • raptorcaptorraptorcaptor Registered Users Posts: 3,968 Major grins
    edited March 14, 2007
    Hi Ginger! I shoot with a kirk ballhead, and the sidekick. I can't imagine shooting with just the ballhead anymore. This is especially true for nature photography. Since money is a big factor these days you might consider another solution. Don't get the ballhead. Get one of the gimbal spinoffs that are made for lighter, medium-weight lenses, and cost about the same as the sidekick. I have heard good things about Jobu designs.

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=478686&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
    Glenn

    My website | NANPA Member
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