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Author Topic: Tripod and Head Advice  (Read 4393 times)

dwdallam

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Tripod and Head Advice
« on: November 29, 2007, 05:18:03 am »

I have two Bogen/Manfrotto aluminum tripods and heads.
Bogen / Manfrotto 3021-PRO TRIPOD w/ Bogen / Manfrotto 3039 SUPER PRO HEAD

The other one is similar, but light weight head and tripod.

I'd like to get a more sturdy tripod, and possibly a head, but don't know what to get. I'm thinking about a pistol grip head, and I definitely want a more rigid or sturdy tripod.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.
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Bill Chambers

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Tripod and Head Advice
« Reply #1 on: December 04, 2007, 12:34:11 pm »

I'd recommend the Gitzo GT3530LSV legs and Really Right Stuff BH-55 head.  You'll love both, and will never have to worry about upgrading later.  Both should last a lifetime with decent care.
« Last Edit: December 04, 2007, 06:16:15 pm by Bill Chambers »
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Chris_Brown

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Tripod and Head Advice
« Reply #2 on: December 04, 2007, 01:43:03 pm »

Quote
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Gitzo. Read the specs, make your choice. It'll be the last tripod you buy.
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~ CB

dwdallam

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Tripod and Head Advice
« Reply #3 on: December 04, 2007, 08:28:46 pm »

Which do you recommend?

Quote
Gitzo. Read the specs, make your choice. It'll be the last tripod you buy.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=158191\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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dwdallam

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Tripod and Head Advice
« Reply #4 on: December 04, 2007, 08:36:40 pm »

Bill, I couldn't find the head on B&H's website. Is that the brand name, or the model name for a Gitzo?

I's also like to ask why people like a pistol grip, ball head, or pan tilt over one or the other? Both of mine are pan tilt heads, which I like for control, but I'm open to change given a good argument.

I also saw that Gitzo on B&H, which is around 650 US, and yeah it better last a lifetime--lol. I've also seen on the Gitzo website that they have a titanium model now. Anyone know if Titanium is better than Carbon Fiber?

Quote
I'd recommend the Gitzo GT3530LSV legs and Really Right Stuff BH-55 head.  You'll love both, and will never have to worry about upgrading later.  Both should last a lifetime with decent care.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=158177\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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Tim Gray

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Tripod and Head Advice
« Reply #5 on: December 04, 2007, 08:57:34 pm »

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Bill, I couldn't find the head on B&H's website. Is that the brand name, or the model name for a Gitzo?

I's also like to ask why people like a pistol grip, ball head, or pan tilt over one or the other? Both of mine are pan tilt heads, which I like for control, but I'm open to change given a good argument.

I also saw that Gitzo on B&H, which is around 650 US, and yeah it better last a lifetime--lol. I've also seen on the Gitzo website that they have a titanium model now. Anyone know if Titanium is better than Carbon Fiber?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=158287\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


I have no clue as to the price of the titanium, but they are positioning it as limited edition, (360?) collectors edition, owners name laser engraved, leather case.  I'd guess at least $2k????
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dwdallam

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Tripod and Head Advice
« Reply #6 on: December 04, 2007, 09:18:46 pm »

Yeah don't need that.

Quote
I have no clue as to the price of the titanium, but they are positioning it as limited edition, (360?) collectors edition, owners name laser engraved, leather case.  I'd guess at least $2k????
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=158290\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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francois

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Tripod and Head Advice
« Reply #7 on: December 05, 2007, 03:04:47 am »

Quote
Bill, I couldn't find the head on B&H's website. Is that the brand name, or the model name for a Gitzo?……
For the head, go to the Really Right Stuff website.
« Last Edit: December 05, 2007, 03:05:06 am by francois »
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Francois

dwdallam

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Tripod and Head Advice
« Reply #8 on: December 05, 2007, 03:35:47 am »

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For the head, go to the Really Right Stuff website.
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Those heads are really designed with attention to detail. However, I'm not sure I like the top down viewing angle of the spirit level. I'd have to stand on my toes at 6'3" to see it, being on the top of the plate like it is. Ball heads also seem like they would be a little hard to get horizontally accurate, since both H and V axis are loose at the same time. Am I misunderstanding the ball head?

Also, I'd like other to chime in on the Gitzo tripod recommended above compared to Bogen or even this Gitzo:

[a href=\"http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475936-REG/Gitzo_GT2540_GT_2540_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html]http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4759..._6X_Carbon.html[/url]

Why that particular item? After reading more on the ball head I assume you can crank down the static pressure so they can be adjusted very precisely? Then you can lock them down?

I'm not apposed to the head/leg combo Bill suggested, but for 1200US I want to get something I can really work with and am more than warm about it. The  Bogen / Manfrotto 3039 Super Pro Head that I have seems very sturdy, but it is a chunk of metal. Also, although it's sturdy and reliable, I'm only half warm on it because it is slow and clunky. I do like that it is a quick release model. I would never have anything but that lever type quick release.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5280...r_Pro_Head.html

So the question remains, if the Bogen head is working, and it's heavy enough, can it be used on the Gitzo above that bill recommended? Will I need a different plate, etc?

The above recommended Gitzo, on B7H webstie, is listed w/o a center column. So then what? Where do I buy a "center column."
« Last Edit: December 05, 2007, 04:21:13 am by dwdallam »
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m3photo

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Tripod and Head Advice
« Reply #9 on: December 09, 2007, 06:46:39 am »

Quote
Ball heads also seem like they would be a little hard to get horizontally accurate, since both H and V axis are loose at the same time. Am I misunderstanding the ball head?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=158350\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Not quite, you're just leaving Really Right Stuff's website too early! Take a look at the "L-Bracket", once you've used one of these you'll never use anything else or have any trouble switching between horizontal and vertical shots.

Their products might seem a bit costly but believe what another poster said about not needing anything else after that. By the way don't ever bother with a pistol grip, it sounds like a good idea but it most definitely isn't if you're at all serious about tripod work.

All the best,
m
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dwdallam

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Tripod and Head Advice
« Reply #10 on: December 09, 2007, 10:05:44 pm »

Quote
Not quite, you're just leaving Really Right Stuff's website too early! Take a look at the "L-Bracket", once you've used one of these you'll never use anything else or have any trouble switching between horizontal and vertical shots.

Their products might seem a bit costly but believe what another poster said about not needing anything else after that. By the way don't ever bother with a pistol grip, it sounds like a good idea but it most definitely isn't if you're at all serious about tripod work.

All the best,
m
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=159419\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Well I'm pretty sold given the information in this thread. I've been reading on teh system of Really right Stuff mounted to the above Gitzo. I understand the L bracket solution, and I love it. I have one last question. I have lenses that are collared, such as the Canon 70-200mm L. I assume I would simply buy a flat type mounting plate from RRS for that mounting situation?

Thanks to everyone.
« Last Edit: December 09, 2007, 10:51:19 pm by dwdallam »
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Ken Bennett

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Tripod and Head Advice
« Reply #11 on: December 10, 2007, 07:42:24 am »

Quote
I have one last question. I have lenses that are collared, such as the Canon 70-200mm L. I assume I would simply buy a flat type mounting plate from RRS for that mounting situation?

Thanks to everyone.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=159598\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


Yes, that is correct. You'll want a flat plate for every lens with a collar (nothing worse than trying to swap out plates when you are in a hurry to change lenses). I bought an extra flat plate just in case -- and ended up using it on several older film cameras. Not a custom fit, of course, but it worked.
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