Tripod idea

Hey all,



So I just bought a 1ds mark ii and I need to get a decent tripod setup. I usually try to stick with Bryan's recommendations since I haven't been dissapointed with his advice thus far but unfortunately I can't splurge the money this time to get the Arca Swiss and Gitzo setup. I was wondering if it would make sense to still buy the Arca Swiss and go with some Manfrotto legs (aluminum for now until I can replace it with carbon fiber). I figure this approach will save me a few hundred dollars since those gitzo legs are pretty $$$



Right now I plan on doing mainly landscape photography.


Thanks!


Henry

What you are considering is exactly what I did. I bought the arca swiss z1 (used) and a manfrotto 055xprob. It is a pretty heavy setup, but I love it. I highly recommend it. The manfrotto is very versatile.


I

I think you might find this story a little interesting.


http://www.bythom.com/support.htm


It does kind of make sense but doesn't help you out "right now" if you haven't got the budget. I'm a firm believer in the "Do It Once, Do It Right" mentality. I rarely buy anything second rate, instead I spend a bit more and buy something that will be exactly what I really want and last a long time. I unfortunately didn't follow this principle with my tripod for precisely the same reasons as you but the next one I buy will last me a lifetime.


However, if you don't have the budget for a good set of legs I think a decent ballhead is a wise investment. There's nothing worse than a weak, droopy ballhead.


Ben.

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The Manfrotto legs are good for the money. I would go with a 3 section version if you choose a lower line model in order to increase rigidity. The 4 sectioned version is better for traveling. I totally disliked the Manfrotto quick release ballhead. I think you're on the right track by looking for an Arca Swiss style, but it doesn't have to be the Arca Swiss brand.


Another good pair of legs for the money is Feiosl or Induro. Here are a few Arca Swiss style ballheads to check out; Markins, really right stuff, Feisol, Induro.


http://www.feisol.net/rapid-tripods-tournament-tripods-c-1_14.html





http://www.feisol.net/feisol-ct3441s-with-cb40d-ball-head-center-column-tripod-p-91.html





http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548524-REG/Manfrotto_190CXPRO3_190CXPRO3_3_Section_Carbon_Fib er.html $259 Legs





http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/584476-REG/Manfrotto_055CXPRO3_055CXPRO3_3_Section_Carbon_Fib er.html $365 legs





http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=2636&amp;N=4291756643+4291403927 Induro Legs





http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/655335-REG/Induro_479_002_BHD2_Ballhead.html Induro Ballhead $197





http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/Q3T.php Markins Traveler $289





http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=BH-30-LR-II&amp;type=3&amp;eq=&amp;desc=BH-30-LR-II%3a-Compact-ballhead-with-AS-II&amp;key=it $290 ballhead





I'm not sure of your budget or height or weight requirements, but these brands will give you a start.





Rich
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@btaylor, I completely agree with buying the right thing the first time. I kind of get myself in trouble with that mentality but I never regret my purchases :) For some reason I

Quote:

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Originally Posted by henytran

Also, for the head, it sounds like they don't come with the quick release plate. Do most people use the quick release plate? I would think I'd like it so I was a bit surprised that the head doesn't come with one.


Henry

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Yes, a lot of the heads offer a quick release plate, however you have to make sure that you stick with one manufacturer for the Camera Body Plate and/or Lens Plate, otherwise the knob clamp plate is more forgiving of differences in Arca Swiss Specs.


I think that Really Right Stuff, Kirk and Wimberely plates are very similar. I have a Markin Q20 Ballhead that I purchased it without a clamp, and then I put a Really Right Stuff Quick Release clamp on it. So, now I only use RRS L-plates and Lens Plates, as well as Wimberely lens plates and they all fit perfectly.


Now that I just thought of it, Kirk is another company to consider for ballheads and plates.


http://www.kirkphoto.com/BH-3_Ball_Head.html


Rich

Gitzo carbon fiber tripods hold their value well, they are easy to resell in case you decide to part way with photography, it

Thanks for the info. I doubt my setup is more than your 500 f/4 IS combo. My 8 -15 pound guess was just a rough estimation. I figure I

IMO, Manfrotto offers the best compromise between cost and quality.

IMO, Manfrotto offers the best compromise between cost and quality.

I have the Induro CT213 carbon fiber tripod &amp; Induro BHD2 ballhead. I

I would add .. look at the max. height specs carefully since you are since 6 feet tall ... you will be very uncomfortable with a 5 foot tripod !!

I second Neuro on Manfrotto tripods.


I am currently on my second Manfrotto tripod, first I had 055MF4 with a midi ballhead then replaced it with 055CXPRO4, only to be able to repositionmy central column horizontal quicker for my macro shots.


I am exactly 6 feet tall and the hight of the tripod and the head works for me perfectly. If the folded lenght is not important to you you can get a 3-section equivalent. Manfrotto claims there is no difference in stability between 3- and 4- section legs. The load capacity of the legs and a midi ballhead is 8kg or over 17lbs.


I like this combination because it is relatively light butsturdy, folds short, opens up very low close tothe ground for my macroshots, and what is important, it ismuch less expensive than Gitzo counterparts. I use my legs with the mentioned midi head(RC4 quick release), but alsowith Manfrotto 393 Gimball head and 500L, as well as Nodal Ninja 3 MKII pano head. Couldn't be hapier :)


Hope this helps


Pete

Hey guys,


I wanted to follow up on this. I was able to score a used gitzo g1327. It

Hey guys,


I

Quote:

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Originally Posted by henytran

I'm about to buy this and wanted to ask some last minute questions.


First, do you guys think that the quick release is worth the extra money? The thumb screw seems perfectly fine but I don't mind spending a little extra money if it will make my life a lot easier.


Also, I'm not sure which plate to get (want to stick with what's available on amazon since I have gift cards). Will this work with the 1ds m2?

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Hneytran


I have had both releases. To me it doesn't matter whether it is the quick kind or screw kind. I like the screw type because it feels more solid to me. Especially if I carry the tripod and lens around much. I have had the quick release not lock solid before.


I wouldn't know why the plate wouldn't work with the 1Ds M2. Check to see what screw size it takes for the tripod, and even if the plate is wrong they make adapters as long as the hole in the 1D is larger. Which I think the plate you listed has a 1/4"s screw. But you should check to make sure.


Rick

Cool thanks Rick! I