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Post by NCPhotoTrekker on Sept 25, 2009 7:28:45 GMT -5
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OrcaBob
Lead Photographer
Frank Zappa lives
Posts: 394
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Post by OrcaBob on Sept 25, 2009 21:25:03 GMT -5
Solid review of the equipment, Greg. Well done.
My experience with a Manfroto monopod parallels yours with the tripod. Other than the obvious difference of three legs vs one, the big difference between our choices is weight. You're concerned with lugging the gear cross-country; I have only to worry about getting from the parking lot to the sports field. But it appears Manfroto builds stands that are uncommonly strong, whether it's a featherweight tripod or a "oh, who are we trying to kid?" beefy monopod.
I was a little ill about spending $120-125 for a monopod when I could get a no-name one at Walmart for $20, but I'm glad I did. I'm guessing you feel the same about your tripod.
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OrcaBob
Lead Photographer
Frank Zappa lives
Posts: 394
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Post by OrcaBob on Sept 25, 2009 21:28:41 GMT -5
As for sealing up your tripod watertight, I'd be concerned about trapping water *in*. Water always manages to find a way in, no matter how well something's sealed. Have you considered going in the opposite direction: providing drain-holes so water could escape more easily?
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Post by NCPhotoTrekker on Sept 26, 2009 6:09:47 GMT -5
I was a little ill about spending $120-125 for a monopod when I could get a no-name one at Walmart for $20, but I'm glad I did. I'm guessing you feel the same about your tripod. My first tripod was a Walmart special and cost about $20.00. At the time I thought it was a tripod, what's the big deal? I quickly realized that pieces were falling off of it, and it could barely support my Sony F828 with a hotshoe flash. I moved up to a Best Buy special that appeared to be heavier duty. It was, but still lacked the strength and featureset of the Manfrotto. I'm sold on the concept that you get what you pay for when it comes to tripods/monopods/heads. I spent a lot of money to determine that fact. I wish that I had used the money from the first three tripods to just get the Manfrotto first. |
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Post by john101477 on Sept 27, 2009 21:37:44 GMT -5
I also have a POS walmart special that was given to me. I have bought two others that work ok with small lenses but are not tall enough. My next tripod needs to be a CF. That mag fiber is pretty slick. A good light weight tripod is expensive though.
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Post by Steve (FloppyDog) on Oct 4, 2009 9:30:01 GMT -5
Last year I flew down to Arizona to visit my Dad and left the tripod home. I stopped by WalMart and picked up one of the $20 ones thinking it would be of good "temporary" use for the weekend. Dude, it was so unstable I was afraid to mount my camera on it (I used it for maybe 3 or 4 frames). I gave it to my kid when I got home, he uses it for a "light sabre".
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Post by NCPhotoTrekker on Oct 4, 2009 9:37:27 GMT -5
Last year I flew down to Arizona to visit my Dad and left the tripod home. I stopped by WalMart and picked up one of the $20 ones thinking it would be of good "temporary" use for the weekend. Dude, it was so unstable I was afraid to mount my camera on it (I used it for maybe 3 or 4 frames). I gave it to my kid when I got home, he uses it for a "light sabre". Yep, I know the tripod you are talking about. Its the same one as my first one. It isn't capable of holding anything more than a point and shoot. |
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Post by jimhobson on Oct 6, 2009 11:40:19 GMT -5
I guess everyone goes the same route. I too, bought a cheap tripod when starting out. I used it until I started working in a studio doing illustrative advertising. There, another photographer loaned me his Majestic tripod. 11/4" legs, geared head, 35lbs. He quit and never asked for it back. Thirty years later, I guess it's mine.
Last Christmas I received a Manfrotto #785B. At 2.2lbs. it not bad. I removed their ball head and replaced it with mine and added a Stroboframe tilt bracket. Works for all my cameras except the 4x5s.
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Post by jimhobson on Oct 6, 2009 11:45:31 GMT -5
Just a picture of my setup. If I use a lens with a rotating collar, I remove the Stroboframe bracket. Attachments:
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Post by NCPhotoTrekker on Oct 6, 2009 17:25:49 GMT -5
Not a bad way to aquire equipment Jim.
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Post by Steve (FloppyDog) on Oct 6, 2009 17:27:57 GMT -5
He quit and never asked for it back. Thirty years later, I guess it's mine. You'll never get that price at B&H.   |
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Post by jimhobson on Oct 8, 2009 10:38:10 GMT -5
This is my Majestic tripod with a Mamiya 645 for size reference. I'm pretty sure it will support a Buick. ;D Attachments:
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Post by john101477 on Oct 8, 2009 13:43:38 GMT -5
This is my Majestic tripod with a Mamiya 645 for size reference. I'm pretty sure it will support a Buick. ;D Holy crud what does that chunk of metal weigh? looks like a handy tripod though. fits the camera perfect lol. |
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Post by jimhobson on Oct 8, 2009 14:29:00 GMT -5
Lol, it weighs about 25-30lbs. It doesn't go out much. It's a studio tripod for something very large. The original top plate was 8"x6". I made a smaller plate to fit my 4x5s. Rock solid! It has no problem supporting my weight.
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Post by john101477 on Oct 8, 2009 15:02:14 GMT -5
HAHAHA I need a jack for my truck. That might work better than my hi lift  |
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