Tripods and Tripod Heads

Linda Brandon · 07-11-2004, 03:43 PM

My inexpensive tripod is now kaput. I'm looking at the B&H Photo catalog and I'm boggled by the selections.

If you were going to treat yourself to a new (well, probably gently used) tripod and tripod head, what would you most desire? I'm unsure about heads: I suppose I want the quick release, but do I need a ball or a "fluid" head? What is a "micro fluid head" (sounds intriguing, doesn't it?). And are the bogens worth the money?

Mike McCarty · 07-11-2004, 04:31 PM

Linda,

I can't advise you on which is the best tripod, but, I can tell you what will work. I have a Velbon 9000 which I bought at Wal Mart. It has quick release plates (I think it came with one and I ordered additional ones) which I keep attached to several of my cameras. It has all the adjustments I feel that I need including a leveling bubble.

I'm pretty sure you could find a better one but I can't figure out why I would want a better one. It's really a pretty simple concept. The quick release I think is essential, the adjustable legs and rotating this and that are a must.

I'm pretty sure I don't have micro fluid in my head, and until now I didn't mis it.

Ken Smith · 07-11-2004, 09:21 PM

I don't know much about tripods, but I recently bought a ball head for my old tripod base (because it was the cheapest sturdy head at the camera store), and I personally don't like it at all .

Maybe once I get used to, it will be fine, but that's apparently going to take a while (or maybe my "cheap" version is harder to use than the norm).

Right now though, I have enough learning curves to deal with without adding tripod heads to the list. I would definitely get the other head if I had it to do over.

Just my opinion.

Ken

Elizabeth Schott · 12-03-2004, 01:18 AM

Linda this is really close to my heart right now.

Mike I have been through so many 20 to 30 dollar tripods it silly. When my pro artist friend came over to try and help me learn to copy my work, the first thing he said was the main thing NOT to skimp on was a tripod. My canon with the long lens would just cause the head to tilt from weight.

My dilemma was I didn't want to spend 160.00 on a head then another 145.00 on the tripod. So after searching I found the SLIK Pro 700 DX, it's powerful but not light!

Has a ball head quick shoe and two great levels. For 150.00, you would have a hard time to find something better.

Warning it is not light like the collapsible form walmart, but I will have to get a shooting vest since I look like such a pro now. if I could only make the pictures look as good.

I am on a mission do decide between a shooting release mechanize or the one on a cord. This time set is for the beans. My little 5 year old counted to ten then on eleven he walked right off the fame. Has anyone had luck with these shutter releases?

One thing I have learned through the years I have know most of you is really how lovely good reference is to work from. This little girls has beautiful skin that carries such wonderful changes including areas of gray, yellow and flesh tone, it has be such a joy to work with this, even though I know my fill light was too strong. Below are some little puppy guys for a pastel, now that was a new experience. I had to retouch out the background.