Tripod Advice?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by cirillonb

I've used cameras on tripods back to the days of large format film. With the lighter digital cameras, even slr type, I am very comfortable with the vivatar-type. One of the secrets to motion free pictures, especially closeups like orchids, has been mentioned above...shutter release. If your camera as an old fashioned socket for a shutter release cable use that. Lacking such, I agree to set the auto timer to its shortest period, push the release and get your hands off the camera, tripod and table the specimen is sitting on.
Also, be sure the subject is in focus in the first place.
Nick

I've been at this since the early 1960s. At first glance your advice seems sound, but there are too many things missing. Affect of wind on the setup. Affect of movement of the subject. Affect of latent vibration in the camera due to shutter. And lots more. My point is (and my images stand as a testiment of which I speak) that the more solid the setup, the more clear and distinct the image. I would never go back to a cheap tripod. It sends a false signal that the setup is solid thus the fuzzyness must be the camera or something else. With macro work (especially long exposure work of several seconds exposure) you get what you pay for. I personally have two scenarios: for studio and working from the car, I go with the Gitzo (Manfrotto) tripod. Heavy? Yes! Solid? Like a rock. For walking around, hiking etc. I use a "foot pod" strap. Both have Arca-Swiss quick release mounts.

[cirillonb]

Ross,
I apologize if my note seemed to contradict you but I meant to add to your excellent advise. I too use a heavy when I can, especially outdoors where wind is a consideration. You advise was on target and certainly you images do speak for themselves
Nick

[flhiker]

Originally Posted by Ross

I've been at this since the early 1960s. At first glance your advice seems sound, but there are too many things missing. Affect of wind on the setup. Affect of movement of the subject. Affect of latent vibration in the camera due to shutter. And lots more. My point is (and my images stand as a testiment of which I speak) that the more solid the setup, the more clear and distinct the image. I would never go back to a cheap tripod. It sends a false signal that the setup is solid thus the fuzzyness must be the camera or something else. With macro work (especially long exposure work of several seconds exposure) you get what you pay for. I personally have two scenarios: for studio and working from the car, I go with the Gitzo (Manfrotto) tripod. Heavy? Yes! Solid? Like a rock. For walking around, hiking etc. I use a "foot pod" strap. Both have Arca-Swiss quick release mounts.

Ross I totally agree with you that a expensive tripod is the way to go if you can afford the price. And I'm sure once you get one you should never need another. In the original post price was a issue!!. Again there are ways around the not perfectly stable tripod, I already mentioned one and the other is (my) camera has image stabilization which will compensation for shutter and motor movement plus most wind and minor earthquakes. Does this Nikon have IS?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by flhiker

Does this Nikon have IS?

With Nikon D bodies, that is a function of the lens. VR is a help, but not a cure for camera shake or operator error. That's why I depend on a foot pod for the cheap, weightless alturnative.

[Lilandra]

thanks for all the feedback

ross et al: i shall try to do more research on bogen and gitzo..and manfrotto...hopefully i'll understand it all

ipv6ready: yeah, since i haven't actually bought the lens i'm dreaming...and would probably just end up with the 1.8 anywayz

[Faz]

Originally Posted by Lilandra

I need a tripod. I think I have the unsteadiest hands ever. I'm fed up of blur and I know I can't blame my camera (maybe I can blame the lens...heh).

I have a Nikon D80 with an 18-55mm lens (yes...terrible). It's very limiting and I crave another lens...either longer because what does an 18-55mm get you...not much! :-( or a 50mm f/1.4 or a 60mm f/2.8D macro or something even longer...90mm macro? or something even longer ;-)

But well, two major reasons I can't justify spending it...

1. i quit my job not too long after buying the d80
2. how can i buy a new lens if i haven't "mastered" the camera or even the starter lens first??

Well, I mention the lenses I want so that they can be taken into account for advice.

I shoot mostly food and flowers (and well family...and some landscapes...and my cat)

I was thinking a table top (but then how does this help me with my flowers outside??).

I've tried researching but I get kind of lost.

There's no deadline because even after I figure out what I want I have to figure out how I'm going to buy it.

I hope someone can help.

This is my flickr account

thanks for any pointers/help

Lilandra - - I have used a Manfrotto tripod (Model #055CB). This tripod is excellent in many ways...First it is quite heavy, which eliminates any shake if you use timers or cable releases when taking photos. Second it raises up to 6 feet, which saves the back. (No bending over to focus etc. Remember the weight and height are not a problem as you probably won't be carrying it great distances. Third, the individual legs are independently adjustable for lower or higher photos. It's just a great tripod in all respects. On top I use a Manfrotto ball (Model # 168) to attach the camera. I use a Nikon D200 and this works well together. Take a look at this item and I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Hope this gives you another idea for your camera.

All the best......Faz.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Faz

Lilandra - - I have used a Manfrotto tripod (Model #055CB). This tripod is excellent in many ways...First it is quite heavy, which eliminates any shake if you use timers or cable releases when taking photos. Second it raises up to 6 feet, which saves the back. (No bending over to focus etc. Remember the weight and height are not a problem as you probably won't be carrying it great distances. Third, the individual legs are independently adjustable for lower or higher photos. It's just a great tripod in all respects. On top I use a Manfrotto ball (Model # 168) to attach the camera. I use a Nikon D200 and this works well together. Take a look at this item and I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Hope this gives you another idea for your camera.

All the best......Faz.

Good advice! I personally use the Gitzo, but only since I am so tall. I also use two Manfrotto tripods since they are a bit lighter. I use the Kirk Ballhead similar to yours. So I think we are on the same track. Get good solid stuff and that aspect of softness will be gone.

[Faz]

Originally Posted by Lilandra

I need a tripod. I think I have the unsteadiest hands ever. I'm fed up of blur and I know I can't blame my camera (maybe I can blame the lens...heh).

I have a Nikon D80 with an 18-55mm lens (yes...terrible). It's very limiting and I crave another lens...either longer because what does an 18-55mm get you...not much! :-( or a 50mm f/1.4 or a 60mm f/2.8D macro or something even longer...90mm macro? or something even longer ;-)

But well, two major reasons I can't justify spending it...

1. i quit my job not too long after buying the d80
2. how can i buy a new lens if i haven't "mastered" the camera or even the starter lens first??

Well, I mention the lenses I want so that they can be taken into account for advice.

I shoot mostly food and flowers (and well family...and some landscapes...and my cat)

I was thinking a table top (but then how does this help me with my flowers outside??).

I've tried researching but I get kind of lost.

There's no deadline because even after I figure out what I want I have to figure out how I'm going to buy it.

I hope someone can help.

This is my flickr account

thanks for any pointers/help

Lilandra - You also mentioned a lens to use with your new Nikon D80? Look into the 90mm Tamron macro lens...It is less expensive than a Nikon lens, it is also a great lens for the type of photos that you are interested in. Don't be frightened off because of the plastic feel of this lens as it does a great job and is fairly lightweight compared to the Nikon lens. You can get beautiful photos without being right on top of your plant, which makes it a good lens for outdoor flower pictures also. You will be surprised at what a nice lens this is...it comes in F2.8 opening so light is not a real problem.

Regards.....Faz.

[Lilandra]

Hi Faz!

Next year for sure I'll get my new lens.
I'm travelling all of December without my DSLR...so...not now

[silken]

Hi Lilandra,
I didn't see this thread till now, but I will put in my 2 cents as well in case you haven't purchased a tripod yet. If you talk to any pro photographer, they will tell you that the most important part of your camera gear is your tripod. The cheap ones just don't cut it and Ross is correct in insisting that you get a good one. Having said that, since you are not a pro photographer, you could likely be very happy with a Manfrotto tripod rather than a Gitzo or the other really expensive models. If I had unlimited $$ to spend I would definitely go with a Gitzo but Manfrotto does make some excellent ones as well and I think the price is not quite so steep. Another thing that I consider a MUST is a ball head of some sort. I had an old but good tripod with the multiple handles to adjust in every direction and all it did was discourage me NOT to use the tripod. By the time you twist and turn everything and get the camera set just so, the subject has moved (unless its an orchid!). A ball head is a dream, making it so easy to frame your subject in mere seconds. I have a Nikon D80 as well and I bought a little remote shutter release. I'm quite sure I didn't spend much $$ to get it and I use it a lot when shooting still subjects. That way you don't have to set the timer to avoid camera vibration-just step back and press the remote! Someone asked if your camera has image stabilization and Ross said it is part of the lens-he is correct. However, VR (vibration reduction as Nikon calls it) should be turned off when using a tripod anyways. so it won't help if a flimsy tripod is shuddering in the breeze, although I guess in that case you should leave it on! However the purpose of a tripod is to stabilize the camera so it just shouldn't vibrate ever. I hope this helps.