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Hi all,

I am heading to O'reillys this weekend and don't really have a decent tripod. My original therory was to ask some of you at the weekend what you used and how you like it.

However as the weekend draws closer I'm thinking that I'd much prefer to have something to take with me for the weekend. With Byron being the camera shop mecca it is, I would most likley pick it up on the Gold Coastway thru (any thoughts on where to buy would be appreciated as well)

At present my thoughts are Manfrotto 055 with Joystick head as a starting point. I surf and like to use my camera at the beach a lot.
So here's where I throw it open to you guys and ask for your opinions on what you use and your likes and dislikes.

Hi Mark,

I currently use the Manfrotto 055CL and it has worked fine for me.

It however struggles when fully extended with my long lens (500 f4) and D2X. I think this is due to the weight of this combo.

Used with shorter/lighter lenses and bodies it works fine for me.

I'll probably be upgrading as soon as I can afford it/get permission due to the long lens issue.

Paul

Thanks Paul.

At this stage I only have a D50 + 18-55 kit lens and a 70-300G, but as I like to take pictures of surfing I have my eyes set on a faster lens most likley a 80-200 f2.4 or 70-200VR plus Teleconverter later this year.

How do you think that weight would go? Perhaps I should spend more on the tripod legs now so I don't have to update them. What do you think?

mark wrote:
How do you think that weight would go? Perhaps I should spend more on the tripod legs now so I don't have to update them. What do you think?

I think that is a good idea

If the largest lens you ever go for is the 80-200 then you'd most probably be fine. I use my Sigma 100-300 + 1.4xTC on mine with no problems at all.

Read "Thoms Maxim #2" at the following link
http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

Paul

mark wrote:Thanks Paul.

At this stage I only have a D50 + 18-55 kit lens and a 70-300G, but as I like to take pictures of surfing I have my eyes set on a faster lens most likley a 80-200 f2.4 or 70-200VR plus Teleconverter later this year.

How do you think that weight would go? Perhaps I should spend more on the tripod legs now so I don't have to update them. What do you think?

Mark,
Make sure you do a full stop there! then you'll be right!.

Investment in a sturdy tripod is much more sense and buy one for life.

Thanks Birdy.

I'm onto it, just reading the link Paul Provided.
I'm in LUST big time. I'm not yet sure on the legs yet but I like the look of the Wimberley sidekick - http://www.tripodhead.com/products/sidekick-main.cfm
bet that would be easy to use for Surfing Photo's and birds as well.

mark wrote:Thanks Birdy.

I'm onto it, just reading the link Paul Provided.
I'm in LUST big time. I'm not yet sure on the legs yet but I like the look of the Wimberley sidekick - http://www.tripodhead.com/products/sidekick-main.cfm
bet that would be easy to use for Surfing Photo's and birds as well.

Mark,
Pls. don't look at it, it's sin

Yes, they are nice and very handy same as flexibilty in shooting surfing, bird, chick in bikini on the white sand etc....

birddog114 wrote: chick in bikini on the white sand etc....

Have you been watch'n me???

Mark,

I've just recently bought a Manfrotto 055 MF3 (Mag Fibre) tripod with a ball head and it has been great. For the gear you have listed, this would be a perfect combo for you. I'll show you them at O'Reilly's on the weekend.

See you there

Cheers

Michael

I just bought a full wimberley wh-200 head and have a gitzo 1325 on order.

I am using birdies 1325 and found the good tripod to make a big difference.

I found that with wide angle stuff and out of wind the cheaper stuff works but when the wind is blowing and you have long lenses on ( or a combo of both) you start seeing where the money goes.

Also, I went for a hike on the weekend carrying a bunch of stuff and found that carbon fibre was much lighter than the aluminium. my back was happier with carbon, but my wallet isnt


Steve

Was the 600mm 'rock solid' on the 1325 when at full height?

I'm wondering that when I upgrade my tripod (...probably end of the year) weather the 1548 would be a better option for the D2X and 500f4 or weather that would just be overkill? (I have my back and my wallet to think about)

Paul

Another vote for the Manfrotto 055 series. I have the 055ProB. Love it. It's tough and sturdy.

I use the Manfrotto 323RC2 joystick/pistol head on mine, and it's great when you need to work quickly. The head holds lighter lens/body combinations well, but if I was going to use my 80-400 with a D2 series body (test on w/end) a lot, I'd upgrade the head to something with a higher load rating.

I wouldn't be concerned about the 055 not being up to the 70-200VR with a D70/100/200. In my set up, I think the crappy 80-400 lens collar is the source of any wobbles - it's as bad as what you read. I'll eventually upgrade to an Arca-Swiss RRS job and get the aftermarket A-S collar for it.

avkomp wrote: my back was happier with carbon, but my wallet isnt

I have a feeling that's where I'm heading.

Thanks Michael for that, I'm going to hold off buying and have a chat to everyone on the weekend. See you there.

Was the 600mm 'rock solid' on the 1325 when at full height?

sure felt that way.

the wimberley helped too!!

when I get some shots it will be great!!

interestingly enough, the 1325 and wimberley weighs less than my manfrotto (cant remember model right now) with 141rc1 and is much more stable.
Scarey stuff!

Steve

mark wrote:
Thanks Michael for that, I'm going to hold off buying and have a chat to everyone on the weekend. See you there.

Do you want my bank account ? send me a PM

birddog114 wrote:Do you want my bank account ? send me a PM

This is a friendship I'm sure my wife is going to regret.
PM Sent

mark wrote:

birddog114 wrote:Do you want my bank account ? send me a PM

This is a friendship I'm sure my wife is going to regret.
PM Sent

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