basic guidelines on selection of tripod and tripod head

[denniskee]

i have updated and replaced this sticky with this, do go there for better info

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=384016

[Simon]

Thanks to denniskee head start & effort, Thread moved to Newbies Corner and Sticked.

[Ian]

Originally Posted by denniskee in view of many newbie seeking advice for a/m, how about having it as a sticky, save them from having to search for history thread, or posting it again and again by different newbie, then there will be people like us advicing them to do a search in cs. pls correct or add in more selection criterial should you have one. Points to consider when selecting tripod 1) $$ budget. 2) height of user. 3) weight of eqpt (remember to cater for future expension). 4) weight / mat'l of tripod 4.1) normal = aluminium = $ 4.2) lighter = carbon fiber = $$$ 5) types of photogaphy 5.1) tripod c/w linkage from centre column to individual leg = $ 5.2) tripod w/o the linkage, all 3 legs can be set to horizontal orientation for low angle shots = $$ 5.3) specialize tripod like "unilock" which is most flexible and fastest to deploy for all the odd angle shots = $$$ Point to consider when selecting a tripod head 1) $$ budget 2) weight of the head, lighter = $$$ 3) weight of eqpt (remember to cater for future expension) 4) type of pjotography 4.1) needs fast action to track the subject, low load bearing = "pistol grip ball head" 4.2) needs fast action to track the subject, high load bearing = "ball head" 4.3) needs fast action to track the subject with long tele lens, high load bearing = "wimberly head" 4.4) needs precise adjustment, preferrably 1 plane at a time = "3 way pan head" 4.5) needs very precise adjustment, minute adjustment to 1 plane at a time, high load bearing = "3 way pan gear head" I would also like to put in the general $$ of the more recommended tripod and tripod head (new, not used item), but no idea cause have not been looking into this items. pls contribute info general cost of tripod aluminium mat'l (height ext with centre column down, weight, capacity, cost) 1) manfrotto 055 proB - 1.35m, 2.4kg, 6kg, $180 2) carbon fiber mat'l (height ext with centre column down, weight, capacity, cost) 1) Feisol CT3401 - 1.34m, 1.45kg, 7kg, $345 2) Feisol CT3301 - 1.27m, 1.4kg, 7kg, $335 specialize tripod (height, weight, capacity, cost) 1) 2) general cost of tripod head 3 way pan head (weight, capacity, cost) 1) 2) pistol grip ball head (weight, capacity, cost) 1) Manfrotto 322 RC2 - 0.63kg, 5kg, $156 2) ball head (weight, capacity, cost) 1) GIOTTOS MH-1000. Weight:653g, Loading Capacity:10 kgs, abt $150 2)

Corrections and errata:

5.1 Not all linked tripods are cheaper, eg: Manfrotto 475, 058, 161MK series for example. Linked legs have some real advantages with lenses over 1200mm in focal length and when you require absolute stability in a tripod, be it in the field or studio.

Tripod heads:
2) Lighter weight does not equate to cheaper prices: e.g: Arca Swiss B1, Graf StudioBall, Miller heads etc, Linhof geared heads etc.

4.3 - The correct name for a "Wimberley" style head is a Gimble mount, as this is the type of bearing configuration used (gimble mounted bearings). "Gimble mount" also applies to the Kirk heads etc.

4.5 - Incorrect on the load bearing statement. The cheaper Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head for example is only rated at 5.0kg load capacity, which is barely adequate for serious macro work with a DSLR. For true heavy weight bearing capacities in a geared head you need to look at the Linhof range which can cost several thousand USD.

Leg locking systems: How well the leg locks work and how you the end user like the operation of the leg locks is critical to purchasing a tripod. There are many ways leg locks work and finding one you like in a tripod with all the other features that matter can be quite a chore.

Finally. Be less worried about the brand of you tripod than it's durability and feature set that you require. For example Manfrotto, Gitzo and Sachtler are all owned by a UK company.

[Ian]

Originally Posted by denniskee Thanks Ian. will update, just not sure how to put it into words as this has to be as general as possible and aim at the basic setup for it to be use full. for tripod 5.1) since those that you had metioned are more of specialize tripod (how many of us newbies actually have big mama lens), would it be better to classify them under specialize tripod? or will it cause more confussion?

There's nothing specialised about them at all. They just use a variable length strut.

Originally Posted by denniskee 2) maybe its not appropreate to tie the weight to the cost, should I remove this point?

Yes that would be a wise move.

Originally Posted by denniskee 4.5) i was thinking to take out the gear head since its not so "basic" kind of set up.

It may not be basic, but it is a type of head.

Originally Posted by denniskee Last but not least, these basic guidelines are not so much as put the branding in the forefront of selection, but to provide the newbie some info on some of the more reliable brands of tripod and tripod head and their general pricing in singapore. Guys, will appreciate all inputs, keep them coming.

Keep up the good work, the basic idea is great.

[RockPopCorns]

Sorry, but hope its not ot...

Be some part of support equipments used in different situation, will it be nice to include pointers for monopod as well?

Or to have it on another thread in newbies corner?




my 2 cents thoughts

[wingless84]

sorry to interrupt with a nitpick, Ian, it should be "gymbal" rather than "gimble" mount. the Gymbal-style camera support was derived from instrument mounts used in ships to keep their instruments horizontal.

[erwinx]

Though there may be differences in US spelling from the spelling in other countries, I'll take the American spelling found in www.dictionary.com and on Wimberley's own website.

A gimbal mount works like a pan and tilt head, so why can't regular pan and tilt heads be used for panning fast action...? In fact i find that a pan and tilt head is superior to an equivalent ball head in that respect.

[quekky]

some other recommendations:



carbon fiber mat'l (height ext with centre column down, weight, capacity, sections, cost)
gitzo G1028 - 110cm, 0.79kg, 3kg, 4, $600+ - good for travels
gitzo G1228 - 132,1.5,8,4,$600+ - lightweight lens up to 70-200
gitzo G1348 - 167,2.2,12,4,$??? - heavy gear


specialize tripod (height, weight, capacity, cost)
gitzo G2220 (alu) - 126,2.35,6,3,$400+ - offset center column inclination
gitzo G2228 (CF) - 142,2,6,4,$700+ - offset center column inclination


tripod head

3 way pan head (weight, capacity, cost)
Manfrotto 141RC - 1, 6, ard $60
Manfrotto 460MG - 0.4,3


pistol grip ball head (weight, capacity, cost)
Slik AF2100 - 870g, 3-4kg, $120 iirc


gear head
Manfrotto 400 - 2.6, 9.9


ball head (weight, capacity, cost)
Manfrotto 488RC2 - 0.7,7.9,ard $150
Acratech Ultimate Ballhead - 0.45,11,ard $530
Acra-Swiss B1 $800+
kangrinpoche NB2A w/o plate - 0.52kg, 32kg, $480
kangrinpoche NB1 w/o plate - 0.73kg, 46kg, $460
RRS - range for $200 to $1000, see their website


specialize:
Manfrotto 438 leveling head $200+

[MDZ2]

Hi dennis,
Is your pricing a recent pricing? Cos I bought my manfrotto 190B about 6 - 8 years ago at John 3:16 and it only cost me $110. Thought the price would have dropped by now.

[MDZ2]

I am not sure about the difference with the model. But mine also states that it is a professional tripod. Well maybe there IS a difference between the two.

[codling]

SLIK Sprint Pro GM c/w compact ballhead (SBH100):
1,635 mm; 890 grams; 2,040 grams; 4; $85.

Manfrotto Compact Quick release adaptor w/plate: $30

[ak6110]

Like a lot of people said, a picture tell a thousand words, so it is it not too trouble, could we have some photos of the equipment or maybe URL links.

[denniskee]

hi ak6110

thanks for your feedback.

i had put up some url links to images of the eqpt discussed. for convenient, most were taken from manfrotto site, but it does not means you should only get from them. do some research on various brands and if in doubt, can always ask fellow cser for advice or you can go to the more reputable shops to have a feel of the tripod.

i will put up more photos to show the different types of locking devices as theie images are hard to find in the net.

as for monopod, will put some photos and some basic guidelines to using them correctly.

rgds
d.k.

[xiaowugui82]

sorrie but can all tripod head interchangable? tat means all tripod the center post have the same sizw?

[denniskee]

no, not all tripod can change the head, it depends on the model, typically cheaper ones cant.

[koolz]

What do you guys think of the china made carbon fiber tripod at CP? I think the brand is Akurai if i am not wrong, and its really affordable. Is it good? Thanks!

[denniskee]

for me, CF is light, but less durable in rough user like myself. some says its worth the money, but not for me. but it is just my opinion.

[ak6110]

Originally Posted by denniskee for me, CF is light, but less durable in rough user like myself. some says its worth the money, but not for me. but it is just my opinion.

So how about the MF from Manfrotto, so you think it is good and durable?

[denniskee]

MF?? Do you mean CF?

I have a friend who had used CF tripod from Manfrotto (the most use gitzo for CF tripod ), he finds the build quility not as good as gitzo (that is only his personal view, you may find it otherwise, who knows ). Now he use back gitzo, but one of the hinge pins at the connection between the leg and to top plate broke!!

For lower price (manfrotto compare to gitzo), you get the same light weight tripod, why not? It is not like the build quality is so bad that you feel it might give way if a 70-200, f2.8 + pro body camera + flash is mounted.

[simon80]

Was at CP and was quote the followings

Tripod Carbon Fibre
Gitzo G1128 = $699
Gitzo G1127 = $620

Ballhead
KangRinPoche = $575
Gitzo G1277 = $270

Any better price that the above? Expensive stuff ..