Christmas art presents

[Elizabeth Schott]

Everything above is light weight but built like a tank, and can take the abuse cheaper tripods cannot. I personally have had nothing but grief, disappointment, and broken plastic parts from Slik products. Get yourself something good that will last you your whole career!

Oh yeah! Tripod wars, I love them.

I am not sure what SILK products Garth was using but I doubt seriously it was this one. For one there is very little plastic. My only dislike was it's not very light, but I am not a field photographer so it's not a real concern.

Like I said Kim it was my decision not to spend 350 to 400.00 on a tripod, I wanted to shift that money to the easel. Since the head comes with it is very affordable and has two bubble levels for those with challenges as myself. For an SLR with a long lens you don't need a ball head for a larger format camera.

The center bar is great for the added feature you can convert the head to the bottom and tada... it is a tripod for copying work. I have yet to try this feature but it shoots down, so I don't know the size of work it accommodates.

But, I am just a little portrait artist who uses photography as a tool, so here is a link to what the real photographers say from Photography Review.

Silk Review

Unlike Garth, I haven't used it to hold up my house, but I am pretty sure my car could roll over it a few times.

Kim, I suggest you go to a pro photo store and look at your options.

[Garth Herrick]

Beth,

I trust you have a great tripod; I see it has a great user review rating. That reversable center post is real handy as you say for copy work. Mine achieves the same result with the center post pivoting to any angle (upside down too) as needed.

I did not mean to flame any war, only to offer a link to a product I was completely satisfied with and willing to stand behind with ample experience. I will admit, you have a better Slik than the ones that failed me.

By your recommendation or mine, I don't think Kim could possibly go wrong.

Kim: As Beth says, If at all possible, visit a better camera shop that has these tripods in stock and play with them with the weight of your camera attached, before putting your order in. You will find what meets your needs that way.

Peace, and a Happy New Year,

Garth

[Elizabeth Schott]

Just fun Garth, your old ones might have been like my old ones that I use to hold up shims etc. now, they are awful, I don't even know who made them.

I am replying because I am curious if you shoot your work with the copy function of the tripod? If so how large can you get? Do you use artificial light when doing this?

[Cindy Procious]

I bought myself a 300mm lens with the downpayment from my last commission. Without a tripod I got a double image every time - it's just so heavy.

But, I would agree with Garth and Linda (whoops - I meant BETH) - not about specific models, but about spending the money necessary to get quick-adjust features. I bought a cheapy tripod, and while it does have levels and such, adjusting it is a chore. I highly recommend bringing your camera to the store and trying them out. You'll quickly see which ones are no good.

As for Christmas presents - I received 3 gift certificates to Utrecht from my 3 kids, and my husband got me a HEATER for the dungeon (otherwise known as my studio) and some lights that clamp onto the rafters. Now I need to find some good full-spectrum bulbs.