A Lesson Learned

[dicklaxt]

I read in the class material about getting a tripod and how not to buy a plastic one and get a metal one. I did just that I purchased an aluminum one that looked quite substantial at the time.

When I had the 40D body,70-300mm with hood,the battery grip etal put together,this rig is quite heavy. I mounted it on the tripod and it is very unstable. I need to spring for a structurally sound one.You cannot take a pic with out the use of a hand held shutter release.The camera shakes to much from just pushing the button.

I guess I can take this one and hang a cotton ball from it for the cat to play with.:D

dick

[gjtoth]

Amvona.com has some pretty good tripods and heads for much less than what you'd expect to spend, Dick.

[dicklaxt]

I wonder how sturdy that AT-3001 is ,do you happen to know?It looks beefy compared to the POS I bought earlier.

dick

[coffee]

A few years ago when I was in the market for a tripod. I bought an aluminum one that I thought was a good sturdy one also, and was for the equipement I had at the time. But it turned out not to be for a 40D(gripped), 100-400L. Just too much weight there.

So if you are in the market for a tripod, get the very best you can for your budget. Get one that is more tripod than you think you need because upgrades may make that tripod less than you want.

[dkippen]

Dick - someone once told me (my hubby), you've spent quite a bit on your camera and lens and now you're going to put it on a $40-$100 tripod??? I second getting the best you can for your budget. I ended up with a very nice Manfrotto and so far, it has served me well. Their website has a configurator where you can pick the camera and heaviest lens you'll use and then it pops up with different configurations that will work.

[coffee]

Hey Deb, what exact model head and tri did you get from Manfrotto? My head is spinning from all they have there, and I'm doing some looking around. Thanks much!

[dkippen]

Joseph - I went with the 055xprob, 486RC2 head and got an extra plate for the 100-400. And yes, it gets overwhelming looking for just the right tripod. Spendy?? Yes, but it proved itself a few weeks ago when I was on a hiking trail carrying the camera and lens on the tripod (gotta be ready for that perfect shot) and as I looked at a rock on the ground, I tripped and went airborne. Surprisingly, the camera stayed attached to the tripod, with no damage to the equipment. I'M SOLD!!!!

I got this set up just b/4 going up the N. shore and with the center leg, worked FANTASTIC for getting low shots of a pink lady slipper.

[coffee]

Joseph - I went with the 055xprob, 486RC2 head and got an extra plate for the 100-400. And yes, it gets overwhelming looking for just the right tripod. Spendy?? Yes, but it proved itself a few weeks ago when I was on a hiking trail carrying the camera and lens on the tripod (gotta be ready for that perfect shot) and as I looked at a rock on the ground, I tripped and went airborne. Surprisingly, the camera stayed attached to the tripod, with no damage to the equipment. I'M SOLD!!!!

I got this set up just b/4 going up the N. shore and with the center leg, worked FANTASTIC for getting low shots of a pink lady slipper.

Ok I see. So the kit with both tri and head was just under $300.00ish? That really isn't a bad price for the set. And you say it handles the 100-400 fine? I see it supports up to 14ish pounds. I would assume I would need anything more than that. I have a 40d and 100-400 as well. At least to date that's my biggest lens, and don't expect anything bigger than that in the near future.

Is there any real movement it the set up once everything is set in place, or does it feel real solid?

I'm glad your stumble was uneventful. :-)

[dkippen]

I think right about $300. Hubby got the setup for me at Natl Camera - they matched West Photo's price - there was also a rebate but I think that's done now. And it supports the 100-400 very well, the plate is about $19, this way I don't have to switch the plate between the camera and lens. We have similar setups for camera - so it should work well. Once everything is in place - very solid. It managed to hold onto the camera and the tamron lens. I also got the carry bag.

After the stumble, my first words - is the camera okay?? Hubby says, forget the *(&*% camera, look at your knees. They of course got skinned up pretty good.