TRIPOD + BALLHEAD recommendation

[FIRDIE]

Hi all ,I've never used a ballhead in my life and I rarely use a tripod so I use a cheapo velbon tripod.

Now I wanna take landscape photography so I will use a 40D + EF 10-22 f/3.4-4.5 and maybe kit lens .

I wanna use a ballhead as I wanna try it out ..can anyone recommend me a low end - mid range ball head and a sturdy/durable tripod .

My budget - Less than $200 for both ..

Those who letting go do dont mind if u pm me ?

Thanks all

[Headshotzx]

Since you also have the 70-200 2.8L inside your arsenal, and your longest focal length is 300mm, you should get something beefier. I have done a review on JLPhoto's Yong Nuo Gitai Tripod setup with ballhead (different options now) over at http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433241 . It holds my 70-200 readily, and goes for S$130. I recommend that you up it to a KS-0 ballhead because that is also tougher.

[PrimePhotog]

I don't suggest you cheap out on your tripod setup.Long lenses with long exposures are definitely not for use on the cheaper tripods.Most people would spend abit more($300?) on a Manfrotto 190XPROB and 466/488 RC2 ballhead combo.This is ideal for your current set-up.If you plan to go into long, heavy lenses such as the 300mm+ primes, I would really recommend you to get the premium ballheads from Arca-Swiss/Really right stuff etc.

[MelbourneGuy]

Originally Posted by PrimePhotog I don't suggest you cheap out on your tripod setup.Long lenses with long exposures are definitely not for use on the cheaper tripods.Most people would spend abit more($300?) on a Manfrotto 190XPROB and 466/488 RC2 ballhead combo.This is ideal for your current set-up.If you plan to go into long, heavy lenses such as the 300mm+ primes, I would really recommend you to get the premium ballheads from Arca-Swiss/Really right stuff etc.

I second that. For me, the Holy Bible of tripod/ballhead advice can be found at http://www.bythom.com/support.htm. You'll see many references to that page through these forums.

If you read through it, you will see a recommendation for a cheap(er) tripod/ballhead setup towards the bottom. Why don't you consider that?

[DeadEnd]

Why would u want to risk your L lens on a cheap wobby tripod. A low end tripod and BH will not do justice to your long tele L lens.

I suggest u should increase your budget of $200. After all, a good investment will reward u for years to come.

[MelbourneGuy]

Originally Posted by DeadEnd Why would u want to risk your L lens on a cheap wobby tripod. A low end tripod and BH will not do justice to your long tele L lens. I suggest u should increase your budget of $200. After all, a good investment will reward u for years to come.

Agreed. I've got the cash sitting in my wallet ($800) waiting to be spent on a low end Gitzo tripod. I'm just plucking up the courage to hand it over. I know it's going to give me years of service, it's just hard letting go of so much hard-earned cash

[FIRDIE]

guys ..thanks for ur asvice but ALL my L lenses are sold alr ..im just saving up to get the 16-35mm f/2.8L ..Now my setup is just the 40D/450D + EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 and in future the 16-35mm f/2.8L ..

Can u suggest the most bang for the buck tripod ?

[PrimePhotog]

Quote: If you read through it, you will see a recommendation for a cheap(er) tripod/ballhead setup towards the bottom. Why don't you consider that?

Most of the tripods there are not available in Singapore.

Quote: Can u suggest the most bang for the buck tripod ?

In terms of value-for-money, there are very cheap but lousy tripods available but there are some brands such as Benro which have cheap but excellent tripods.Go to the Benro shop in Peninsula shopping centre (Beside Funan, NOT PENINSULA PLAZA!) and have a look at Jack's range of Benro tripods.He is a very friendly guy and is more than willing to help you choose a tripod.

[samchong]

Originally Posted by PrimePhotog Most of the tripods there are not available in Singapore. In terms of value-for-money, there are very cheap but lousy tripods available but there are some brands such as Benro which have cheap but excellent tripods.Go to the Benro shop in Peninsula shopping centre (Beside Funan, NOT PENINSULA PLAZA!) and have a look at Jack's range of Benro tripods.He is a very friendly guy and is more than willing to help you choose a tripod.

Yes , I recommend Benro too .
Recently just sold off my A200EX and got a A300EX

Around 1.1 kg but load capacity will be 4 Kg.Nice made and light for travelling
Only $150 !

[FIRDIE]

Originally Posted by PrimePhotog Most of the tripods there are not available in Singapore. In terms of value-for-money, there are very cheap but lousy tripods available but there are some brands such as Benro which have cheap but excellent tripods.Go to the Benro shop in Peninsula shopping centre (Beside Funan, NOT PENINSULA PLAZA!) and have a look at Jack's range of Benro tripods.He is a very friendly guy and is more than willing to help you choose a tripod.

is it the china guy trying to scam me by selling off his shitty condition tamron 17-50 f/2.8 for $570 when BN grey set is aroung $500 BN ..

anyway he's only friendly to some ppl who look rich like an ang moh who sold his leica M8.2 for around $1.05k to his shop

trust me guys he is not really friendly .

[samchong]

Originally Posted by FIRDIE is it the china guy trying to scam me by selling off his shitty condition tamron 17-50 f/2.8 for $570 when BN grey set is aroung $500 BN .. anyway he's only friendly to some ppl who look rich like an ang moh who sold his leica M8.2 for around $1.05k to his shop trust me guys he is not really friendly .

i am not buying from him, just a few shop next to him.
Cheaper prices too I refer to the product not the distributor here ....