Tripod questions

[Steve Kendrot]

I've been tormenting myself with getting a decent tripod for my DSLR. My longest lens is the Canon 100-400 IS (an likely the longest I'l be able to offord for a long long time!). I've been told many times to invest in a high quality tripod and ballhead. I've been cussing out my $90 pan tilt tripod for a while now and want to upgrade. I'm astounded at the myriad of options out there (Manfrotto has three or four options for each model it seems). I'm looking for something that will extend to 72+ inches as I am 6'4". I've been told to look for legs that don't have a center post, but there seem to be few options there especially reacing taller. Price is another sticking point.

What tripods/ballheads are folks here using for DSLR (not point and shoot). Any suggestions? I did check out the FEISOL link. Any one else have much experience with this brand? Price seems low for carbon legs. If build quality is good could be a deal, but is a bit short for my stature unless you add the center column.

Appreciate any feedback.

Steve

[Phil Magistro]

I'm using a Gitzo carbon 1228 tripod.  It's actually just a bit lighter than my aluminum Bogen 3001 tripod.  But neither extend to the height you are looking for.  To get 70" or more you're looking at a heavy (10 -15 lbs.) tripod such as the Manfrotto 3051 either designed for studio work or for medium format cameras.

I use a Kirk ball head.  There are a number of other good ones available from companies such as Markins and Really Right Stuff.
 
I've read good things about Feisol tripods but haven't seen any that are over 60" without raising the center column.  I would not recommend using the center column if you want maximum stability.

Here's a lnk to an article by Thom Hogan that may be helpful to you -
 http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

Phil

[Frank1107]

Steve:

You have a 100-400 I.S., what do you intend on photographing? Is this the lens you use most frequently? The tripod and tripod head that will suit you best will definately vary depending on what your main objective is.  

Frank

[Weasel]

[Weasel]

[Weasel]

The 100-400 IS lens is my most used lens.  I use a Manfrotto 3201 tripod with removable post. The post can then be put in horizontally for close to the ground work. A Kirk BH-3 rounds out the outfit, although I'm kinda wishing I had gone with the BH-1.   www.kirkenterprises.com


Jerry Gowins
  http://www.jgowinsphoto.com

[Phil Magistro]

Jerry, same here.  I have the BH-3 and wish I had the BH-1 instead.  I thought I was saving weight but instead I cut it close on how it handles my camera with a 300 f lens.

Phil

[Frank1107]

I also had a BH-3, sold it immediately. It had too much creep even with a 200mm macro. Did any one ever try a Bushwacker shoulder stock? They are not bad for moving subjects with lenses up to 300 f:/2.8 and if it's I.S. even better. The lens clamp leaves a lot to be desired though, so I changed it to a RRS clamp. It really works pretty good with a 70 or 80 - 200.

Frank

[Weasel]

Yep, a little too much creep with the BH-3, although it's WAY better than the Bogen ball heads.

I screwed up with the link to Kirk.  That's what happens when 50-somethings try to go from memory.        It's   http://kirkphoto.com

Jerry Gowins
 http://www.jgowinsphoto.com

[Frank1107]

I always went back to my Arca Swiss B1-G. You could sit on it and it wouldn't move. I understand the Markins and the new RRS heads are supposed to be pertty good. But for big lenses 400 f:/2.8 & up you cannot beat the Wimberley. Again the Kirk "King Cobra" junk, even worse than the BH-3.

Frank

[Steve Kendrot]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I haven't been on line for a few days. I did some searching and it looks like some of the big names are getting some competition. Feisol and a few others are coming out with some more cheaper carbon tripods that seem to be getting decent reviews. Still looking at a $500 setup. Guess I'll keep saving!

[Steve Kendrot]

Well, I bit the bullet...nibbled it really. Scoured Ebay till I found a B/M 3021Pro and a Benro KB-2 Ballhead. I guess its an Arca Swiss knockoff. I couldn't find concrete negatives about the head in all the reviews. Just the usual, "you gotta spend a ton of mony for an A/S, Kirk, RRS etc...if you want a good ballhead" criticisms. Several reviews gave the Benro high marks and for $130 I figured what the heck, I can always resell it and if it works, then I'saved about $200-$400. Pretty psyeched cause I have some neat trips coming up. Alaska this month and Tierra Del Fuego in December. Yippee. Just need to get shooting! My camera that is...

[Phil Magistro]

Congratulations Steve!  Best of luck with the new equipment.

Phil

[Frank1107]

Steve:

Best of luck with your new equipment. Photography is a fantastic hobby. It allows you to hunt all year and is just as challanging.

Frank

[Weasel]

Congrats, Steve!  Enjoy your trips!  Let us know how the ball head works out.

Jerry

[Steve Kendrot]

Thanks guys. Seems like there's always an excuse not to lug that camera around. Just have to do it. Been busy trying to prepare for hunting season and photography has taken a backseat to home improvement, archery practice, family etc...