Tripod question from a newbie

[chuckorc]

I'm currently taking the photo course with my new camera, a Canon Powershot A630. I currently have a tripod that came in an accessory kit with the purchase of my old video camera.

Do I need to go out and buy a new tripod or would this old one suffice until I move up to a DSLR which would be much heavier with lenses?

I'm thinking it should be fine, because the A630 doesn't weigh that much. The only thing it's lacking is a quick release. Also it doesn't weigh that much so it would be easy to carry around. I saw where you can rig tripods so you can add rocks as weights to stabilize them if they start to get shaky.

Any tips or comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Chuck

[dkippen]

Chuck -

First off, welcome to the group. It's great you've jumped right in and started asking questions. We are a friendly bunch and dont' mind answering questions.

As for the tripod, have you used the tripod with this camera yet? If not, try setting it up with your camera to make sure it's stable enough to hold the camera. You will then need to decide where you would be using this tripod. If indoors only, it may be sufficient, but outdoors, it may be challenging if you don't have a stable, even surface to place the tripod.

A tripod is an important piece of equipment and when looking at purchasing a new tripod, in most cases, you get what you pay for.

A few on the board use Amnova(??) tripods and really like them. Quick release is an important feature, as it is just that, quick release. For now, if most of your shooting is indoors with a still subject, the tripod you have now may work just fine.

[LensBaby]

Chuck, welcome to the group! Try the tripod you have out with your camera, and try it at the different places you shoot at and see if this is good enough for now. As far as when you buy another, go with a good brand. Stay way from the sunpac tripods. They are a very, VERY, lightweight aluminum and they do not hold a heavy camera well. Quick release is also a must for me! We would love to see some photos, if you would like to share!

[coffee]

Welcome to the group!!

I've always been in the mindset that if a piece of equipement works for you, then there is no reason to spend on more.

Like some here knows, I bought a $80.00 tripod which at the time I thought was the bomb. After using it for some months now, I have out grown it. There are somethings on it that no longer work for me. For instance: I bought a Canon 100mm micro recently, that has a tripod ring on it. My camera has a battery grip on it. With the new lens on my camera, and the quick release on the lens ring, there isn't enough room to mount the setup on the tripod. The battery grip gets in the way. So I can't use the lens ring. And I wanted the ring to take the presure off the lens mount because the lens is quite heavy. So I have out grown the tripod.

Also the head on the tripod isn't smooth when re-adjusting it and such. So I look back now and wish I would have spend some additional money on something better, and that would last me through new lens purchases. Now one day soon I'm going to have to re-invest in something different.

So my point is, you will know when it's time to move up to something better, but buy the best you can afford, and then maybe a little more. :-)

[ladyups]

Welcome to the group, Chuck...we love new members! Most everyone has given some great advice on the tripod, but I wanted to tell you my experience with a cheap tripod. I had bought my mom a new camera...a Kodak Easy Share and it weighs nothing....I put it on the cheap tripod outdoors to take a family picture. I had the timer set and was headed toward my family to be included in the shot when the wind blew and over the tripod and camera went...so be aware that the cheap tripods are not real stable. You can help them out by hanging a purse on them, so I've been told, but I've never tried it. They work great for indoor stuff but beware of the outdoors. We will be looking forward to seeing some of your photos if you ever want to share...

[tom67]

Hiya Chuck, welcome to PP! A piece of advice I read when first starting out swayed me into paying quite a lot of money for my tripod....if you want sharp pictures and you value your camera...invest in a quality tripod! I bought a Manfrotto 190XProB and a 804RC2 head..it cost me around £140 (not sure what that is in real money...guess its about $270?) but believe me it was worth every penny (or dime or whatever you guys use lol).
I started out with a cheap and cheerful tripod for a few months and it did me proud....but once I invested in the Manfrotto wow!!!
Hope this helps you a bit, Tom