Tripods - how sturdy does it need to be?

[Brendan7]

How sturdy does it need to be?

How sharp do you want your photos? [img]/emoticons/emotion-2.gif[/img]

Will the Manfrotto be sturdy enough to handle a 300 f/4 on an Acratech GP ballhead without too much vibrations?

In some conditions, yes. In others, no. For example, if you anchor the Manfrotto with extra weights, don't have any wind, use a shutter release, and allow for a short time after camera movement, then it will be fine. But if you don't anchor it, use it in heavy wind, and shoot in rapid paced circumstances, then it will not be enough.

Are you saying that the sharpness of my shots in general will be very different if I use gitzo 3 series or manfrotto? Well, I know it'll be different, but dramatically different? Since the Gitzo is 3x more expensive, is it 3x better? Is it that big of a deal? [^o)]


brendan