tripod and ball head help

[DaddyReefer13]

Hi all,
Finally getting around to getting a tripod and ball head but which one. there doesn't seem to be a good guide or site to get additional information. I currently own a Canon XSi but am looking to upgrade in a year or so.

I figure I will ask the MR photographer since one of my main subjects will be my tank.

Other uses will be for portrait photography and maybe some landscapes.

Any leads to a good site or recommendation of a combo will be greatly appreciated.

Looking to spend $500 or less.

 

[Widdy]

Do you plan to do a lot of hiking/trekking/traveling with your tripod? Are you a meat-head that uses 60lb dumbbells to "warm up"? Tripods are just that, it doesn't wash the dishes or create random flow in your reef tank. But main attribute for me was weight. Trekking up to Machu Picchu with a 10lb tripod wasn't an option, so I opt for a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod. With lightweight, comes a pricetag. So really depends on your preference. Ballheads, try here http://blog.epicedits.com/2008/05/12/the-ultimate-ball-head-guide/ I personally prefer Arca Swiss ballheads; particularly the B1.

My friend has an pretty good all around tripod+ballhead, but he doesn't leave the house with it. As you can see, it's about 10-11lbs. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/131427-REG/Slik_615_315_Pro_700DX_Tripod_with.html

Also take a look at Really Right Stuff for their guides. http://reallyrightstuff.com/Index.aspx

My rationale is equipment like tripods is a lifetime piece of equipment, provided care is given to it. So I tend to lean towards slightly better gear. G'luck with your decision!

 

[sillysidewinder]

A great company that I know of is induro. They make all ranges of tripods. They are also the best value for the money spent. Not expensive at all. For a higher end brand name you could check out manfrotto . They're quite expensive though. Check out my families store: www.mpex.com (Midwest Photo Exchange) the professional photographers there will walk you through making the best decision. I would call them to get the best deal and immediate critiques of different models.


Sent from my iPhone using Reefs

 

[DaddyReefer13]

Do you plan to do a lot of hiking/trekking/traveling with your tripod? Are you a meat-head that uses 60lb dumbbells to "warm up"? Tripods are just that, it doesn't wash the dishes or create random flow in your reef tank. But main attribute for me was weight. Trekking up to Machu Picchu with a 10lb tripod wasn't an option, so I opt for a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod. With lightweight, comes a pricetag. So really depends on your preference. Ballheads, try here http://blog.epicedits.com/2008/05/12/the-ultimate-ball-head-guide/ I personally prefer Arca Swiss ballheads; particularly the B1.

My friend has an pretty good all around tripod+ballhead, but he doesn't leave the house with it. As you can see, it's about 10-11lbs. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/131427-REG/Slik_615_315_Pro_700DX_Tripod_with.html

Also take a look at Really Right Stuff for their guides. http://reallyrightstuff.com/Index.aspx

My rationale is equipment like tripods is a lifetime piece of equipment, provided care is given to it. So I tend to lean towards slightly better gear. G'luck with your decision!

my kids are still fairly young but i do plan on doing some traveling with them.

I don't really mind spending for quality equipment but just need to get a better back ground on what to look for before making a decision.

I will check out the links you included.

Thanks for the guidance

 

[DaddyReefer13]

just for those who are also looking here is one of the more comprehensive articles I have read regarding tripods and ball heads . . .

http://bythom.com/support.htm

 

[Widdy]

just for those who are also looking here is one of the more comprehensive articles I have read regarding tripods and ball heads . . .

http://bythom.com/support.htm

His Nikon guides are also incredible...

Nice to see my tripod is on his previously owned list. Gitzo 1228 Mountaineer. Haven't been to his site in awhile, thanks for the recap.