A new tripod and ball head???

[TxPhotoShooter]

Well, I just pruchased the Kenko extension tubes. Now to upgrade my tripod.

I have been looking at tripods for about a month now. And this is how I feel: So many choices with so many prices. I have between $400-500 to spend for the setup.

My problem is that I have never been a tripod user since I don't own a good one. But I do know the benefits of shooting with a tripod. I want to do some macro work as well as being able to attached a long lens for some nature shots. (I don't anticipate the long lens ever being more than a 400mm.) And I don't plan to go wading into water nor do I plan to hike up the Andes.

So any suggestions? I am going to Arlington Camera this Saturday to cash in my Christmas gift from my wife.

Thanks

[jfoureyes]

I use a Gitzo 1227 CF with a short center post and Kirk BH-3 ballhead. The main reason I use this combination is because it's very lightweight and I can get flat on the ground with it to do macro photos of bugs and wildflowers. The heaviest lens I use is an AF 80-200/2.8D so it's well within the weight limits of that. I've used a tripod 100% of the time in the field since I got into nature photography in '93 so it's just part of my routine and I don't leave home without it. My only suggestion would be to get a setup that fits your needs and that you like using. That's how I decided on the setup I use.

[RedRaider]

Well after looking at Arlington Camera's website, I don't think my setup will be much of a suggestion, since they do not show to carry what I roll.

I love my Giottos MTL-9371B legs and AcraTech GV2 gimbal/ballhead.

[Richard DeYoung]

LOok at a Gimbal head very carefully. Good for what you do.

[TxPhotoShooter]

Well with the amount of money (store credit) I had available to spend, I purchased the Manfratto 055cxpro3 carbon fiber tripod. The tripod was very light yet appears to be very strong. Also, the tripod gets down very low for macro shots which I plan to start having some fun with those type of shots. Since I can't afford the gimbal head, the salesman at Arlington Camera convinced me to purchase the Bogen 501hdv pro video head with the 501PL QR plate. He said it would handle my largest lens not allowing any creeping forward or backwards.

Looking forward to having some shooting with this setup.

[RedRaider]

Congratulations on your purchase. I played with the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 and the non-carbon fiber version at Camera Co/Op a few weeks ago, nice tripod. But for me, I preferred the Giottos MTL-9371B a bit more. I also tried out the carbon fiber version of the Giottos, while very nice, weight isn't worth paying double for me at this time.

Nice to see a fellow Baytownian enjoying photography. I'll have a very slick macro rig setup within the next month, which I believe you will enjoy.

[jfoureyes]

Good for you David! I used an old 3021 and Bogen 3047 pan head for several years before getting the setup I use now...it's very workable but I really liked using a ballhead for closeups when I got one.

[TxPhotoShooter]

Originally Posted by RedRaider

I also tried out the carbon fiber version of the Giottos, while very nice, weight isn't worth paying double for me at this time.

Nice to see a fellow Baytownian enjoying photography. I'll have a very slick macro rig setup within the next month, which I believe you will enjoy.

Well, my wife was with me and I don't think her jaw ever came off the floor. I have a tripod which cost about $80 and she kept wondering how my new purchase could be that much better. I spent a lot of time comparing tripods and ball heads so my wife wandered around the store. Several times I saw her gawking at the prices of some of the equipment and just shake her head.

I look forward to your macro shots. Being retired, I am just interested in another aspect of photography to keep me challenged. Plus, macro shots are really neat. And I have lots of family members who would love seeing those kind of photos.

[sjthompson01]

I just bought a giottos mt pro 9360 with a mh-1300-657 ball head it is pretty nice for the money and has a articulating arm. But with my lens at 300 or even less I can't pull off sharp shot now. Have literally shot the same pic at alll diffrent settings no difference in sharpness. Still love the tripod though.

[jfoureyes]

Originally Posted by cloudfly

It is so good.

I learned from experience...the best teacher I know...

[sjthompson01]

I feel you there trial and error I guess!

[TxPhotoShooter]

Well, I don't know how good purchase may be but it appears to be popular. Arlington Camera said they had sold all of the tripods I was there to purchase at the Imaging Show in San Antonio. And after deciding on the ball head, the salesman spent several minutes looking for the only one the computer was showing in stock. As he was telling me he was giving up the search, he notices another customer checking out with the item. So I left emptied handed and now waiting for the back orders.

[SpeedRacerSlots]

Gotta say that I love my Manfrotto 055XPROB with a Manfrotto 460MG sitting on top of it!