I've recently been searching for a suitable tripod, as the current piece of tat that I've been using is seriously flimsy. I'm after something that I will be able to travel around with (specifically to fit in the tripod holder of the Lowepro Flipside 300 backpack), so size and weight need to be kept as low as possible. Having said that, I will be requiring something that can provide adequate support for a D7000/D700 aswell as a 70-200 f2.8 lens and a suitable head to match. I have been looking at the Manfrotto range (MK293 and the 190CX3), but I'm very unsure of what head to go for. Again, it must be functional but not massive as the Flipside 300 is not a huge bag. I don't mind the tripod extending someway above the top of the bag as I can secure it with bungee cord, just so long as it's within reason. You guys are welcome to throw any advice my way. Cheers.
You’ll tend to find that lightweight tripods are either cheap or vastly expensive. 4 section tripods fold up smaller but you start to not use the 4 section as they get wobbly. I'm using a velbon Ultra luxi, which I've now had for years, and seem to buy at a much marked down price, the legs are good but the velbon head was rubbish and now has a giottos ball head, its ok but will probably get replace in the future ( it works fine with my 18-50 and 70-300 lenses but I think will struggle with a 70-200 2.8). I highly recommend getting a head that uses arca style quick release plates and then getting a kirk plate for the camera, I've got the kirk plate for d7000 and its £50 piece of aluminium but it stops the quick release plate from slipping on the camera due to the ridges fitting the base of the camera precisely. And then the plate is compatible with lots of the top end heads, useful for future upgrades. The manfrotto mk293 kit has a max weight of 4 kg and will probably have the same issue as my giottos head with the 70-200 lens, the 190 range hold more weight get a 3 section if you shoot at full height or a 4 section if you want a smaller folded size and don’t mind shooting bent over and only extending 3 sections most of the time. The 055 range from manfrotto Is the range I’d probably move to in the future, unless I can justify a gitzo mountaineer, with a bit more max weight and size. As for the head go for one with a large max weight capacity and not one that will just cover the weight you expect, it will give a bit more stability, the heads I’d be recommending are probably more that you want to spend at 250-350 but they would be the kirk and arca ball heads, otherwise go for an over specked manfrotto or giottos. And then get something like a kirk quick release plate and clamp. than look here
Thanks for that. I've actually bought a Manfrotto 190 series and I've opted for the slightly pricey Manfrotto 054 ballhead with Q2 attatchment. I think it should be a pretty solid performer. I'm going to be purchasing a 300mm f2.8 around xmas time, so it should be good for supporting that too.
that ball head should be fine, but if you move to the 300mm 2.8 you might want to look at switching the clamp on top from the Q2 to a arca compatible type, the small quick release plates will start to twist on the bottom of the camera as its only the friction of the rubber keeping it secure with the screw in plate. the kirk plates can’t move due to the metal ridge at front and back which snuggly fit the base of the camera. Very noticeable difference if the camera is in portrait mode on a tripod.
Yes that's a very good point, and something that I will do when the 300mm arrives. I think for the 70-200 f2.8, the Q2 should be fine.
Jeezzz Deadbeat, when did you become a millionaire. How many camera bits are you getting! Seems only yesterday you got your D7000.
Yeah I guess I have spent a fair bit on photography equipment recently. I'm just really enjoying it, so I keep buying kit to satisfy my hunger. It is rather addictive.
Yeah really is. I've become addicted to getting stuff second hand. Managed to nab some real good bargains, just wish my camera wasn't still at the repair shop. Don't use a hotshoe flash when you're pissed, it doesn't end well. And get yourself a flash, it makes SUCH a difference.
Manfrotto 190. I have an old 190QCB here... had it for around 17 years and it;s indestructible! A D700 and 70-200 f2.8 is a hefty weight to hold steady so you don't want to go too light, or skimp on quality. I have the 141RC three way head, but they don't do that any more. Keeping weight down can be achieved by using a smaller head though, and it will still support a surprising weight. The 3D super pro head is fantastic, but very heavy. I'd actually go for the standard 808RC4 head. Lightweight, great action, and good grips but very light.
Yeah, a proper flash unit is next on my list. Compared to the rest of the required kit, they're relatively inexpensive, so I'll pick one up in due course. Not sure which model to go for though. I was looking at the SB-600.
I have the SB700 and I love it. Especially with my 50 1.4 it takes an amazing photo. I'm currently looking into bellows, just 3rd party ones off ebay as they're amazing fun but very situational.
I have a Manfrotto 190ProB with 486RC2 ballhead. Have not regretted this purchase yet. It's not too expensive (for photogear), not too heavy, not too light, decent height and a few fun options that come in handy more often then I would have expected. For example, you can mount the central column straight up, straight down but also sideways. Also the legs lock in, I believe 3 different positions. It hasn't failed me yet and I have used it quite a bit over the years. If you are going to travel with it a lot, lots of hiking etc.. then I would strongly suggest going with a lighter carbon fibre type though. Tripods need some weight, but you can always hang your camerabag under the tripod for added stability. Just keep with the better brands (Manfrotto Gitzo) and choose a style of head that fits your style and consider the weight and you should be just fine! Would recommend my setup in a heartbeat for any amateur to serious photographer. ::EDIT:: For a 70-200 I would suggest using the tripod ring to balance out the weight it a bit. Else it might move a bit after tighting the ballhead, mine does with heavy long lenses without a tripod ring.
