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

[Daniel Browning]

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? [img]/emoticons/emotion-40.gif[/img]

It's not 3X better -- the returns diminish the more and more you spend on the tripod. Going from no tripod to a $30 plastic junky one is the biggest improvement. From $30 to $90 is also a big improvement, but not as big as going from no tripod at all. Then $90 to $300 is another big deal, but again not as big as $30 to $90. Then $300 to $900 gets you something that is good enough for most conditions. $2700 will get you the best. In each case the returns diminish.


That said, the difference can be dramatic, but it really depends on the circumstances. I can get much sharper pictures with a $300 lens and a $5000 tripod than a $5000 lens and a $300 tripod.


Consider that a good tripod can last 30 or 40 years.

[mpphoto12]

save some money and buy a reallllyyy scratched up gitzo that is worth like 800 dollars new and by it for like 300 dollars thats what i did. I got a gitzo reporter (not made anymore) for 120 dollars when new they are around 700 plus a brand new ballhead... they work the same as long as there are no dents in the frame...

[Bombsight]

I wish somebody would come up with a chart rating where each tripod on the market stood when stability and load are considerd.


I have a Slik Pro 700DX. I feel like its really solid. But when somebody says a $300- $1000 pod is whats needed .... I still wonder.


Just how does a Slik Pro 700DX stand up to one twice or three times its cost?[^o)]

[Keith B]

I rarely use a tripod except for interiors and the occasional landscape. Then it usually just supporting a 5DmkII and a 16-35II lens.


I have a Manfrotto 190XPROB and 488RC0 ball head. Together cost about $300. I used it to shoot a shuttle launch with 5DII and 100-400 extended out to 400 and it was very stable. I know it's not the best, but very capable of serving my needs.

[bob williams]

I can get much sharper pictures with a $300 lens and a $5000 tripod than a $5000 lens and a $300 tripod.

As usual, Mr Browning makes "the point". I have recently found his point to be the case and decided to spend as much on a tripod/ballhead as I would on an "L" series lens.


A test---(I know, some of you have read this before, but perhaps this member hasn't)


1. Set up on your current tripod with your longest lens. ---2. Go to Live view (If Available)and magnify times 10.---- 3. Manually focus on some distant object---like a business card, or something else that will show detail. 4. If you observe vibration, get a bettertripod.


I found this to be a problem with a $200 Bogan aluminum tripod so, after a little research and lots of questions, I realized that a High quality tripod and ball head was next on the wish list, even though there are several lenses that are in my sights.

[Brendan7]

good to know.


I've decided that although a good tripod may be expensive, I am now convinced it's worth it. I have two options for tripods:


Gitzo GT3531s - gitzo systematic 3 series tripod. supports 40 lbs, carbon fiber (duh), minimum height 4'', $680


Benro C-358m8 - 8 layer carbon fiber tripod, supports 40lbs, minimum height 15'', $460.





The benro looks like a quality, cheaper alternative. any thoughts?


The gitzo is 3-section, the benro is 4-section. Will this affect stability?





thanks to everyone for their help


brendan

[freelanceshots]

A tripod with three sections per a leg will typically be more sturdy because of the size of the individual tubes. The downside to three legs instead of four is it will have a greater folded up height so it will be a little more cumbersome to carry around.

[Daniel Browning]

A tripod with three sections per a leg will typically be more sturdy because of the size of the individual tubes. The downside to three legs instead of four is it will have a greater folded up height so it will be a littl more cumbersome to carry around.
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Agreed. It's even possible to get legs with just 2 segments or even just 1. The latter tend to only be on the used market. Tripods from the good old days could be pretty big because photographers back then weren't a bunch of namby pambies like we are now. []

[Keith B]

because photographers back then weren't a bunch of namby pambies like we are now. [img]/emoticons/emotion-2.gif[/img]

Heard that!