Camera Tripod Advice

**Mael Coluim** · 8th December 07, 08:21 PM

In past postings, I remember Hamish and Riverkilt mentioning their use of a tripod to take photos. I am ready to make that leap. As I haven't used a tripod before, I am seeking advice on their use.

I will be using one with my new digital Canon Powershot in taking shots with the self timer. One question I have is it best to go with a full size tripod or compact. Other advice and suggestions are welcomed!

**ChromeScholar** · 8th December 07, 08:34 PM

Whether you use a full-size, or compact depends upon the conditions you are shooting under. I own both. If you are going to take pictures around your home, then it doesn't really matter, as weight is not an issue. If you intend to do any walking with it, then a compact is nice to have. In any case, buy the best you can afford, since you get what you pay for, and a higher end tripod will work better, and be more stable.

**demobud** · 8th December 07, 08:34 PM

I use a Platinum Plus by Sunpak, it is a fullsize but collapsible tripod and works well for me. I imagine one of those small "bendy" tripods would be useful for travelling about and taking "location" shots, though.

**Don Patrick** · 8th December 07, 09:14 PM

The full tripod will provide you with more flexibility in taking photo shots. I've used both - each has it's own place, but the full sized tripod will never let you down. Even better I find myself in more of my photos now.

**Archangel** · 8th December 07, 09:26 PM

Full size can always be smaller, small can never be bigger.

For kilt shots, keep the camera at about belly button height. Otherwise, kilt looks long when it might not be.

GG · 8th December 07, 11:53 PM

Originally Posted by Mael Coluim

I will be using one with my new digital Canon Powershot in taking shots with the self timer. One question I have is it best to go with a full size tripod or compact. Other advice and suggestions are welcomed!

I have three tripods in various sizes, all of the make Manfrotto (Bogen) and I am taking a lot of pictures. All of my tripods really stable. Most brands, unfortunately, are NOT. That I know from experience.
The one I use almost exclusively, however, is a really tiny one. It is a table top tripod, Manfrotto 209 with camera head, Manfrotto 484RC2 (with a practical quick mount). For your camera you could use a lighter and smaller head, like the 482, but then you cannot have the quick mounting, which I really appreciate. The height is only 8” folded and 5.5” when ready to use. That is why it is stable even with my SLR cameras and medium weight tele zoom lenses. It actually goes into a Stillwater Nightstalker nylon sporran and still leaving room for keys, coins etc.!
I should go for the ultra compact. If not satisfied with the frog perspective you can almost always find something suitable to place it on. Better to have an excellent compact tripod at hand when you need it than an excellent full size tripod that you have left at home.

Greg

**Kilted_John** · 9th December 07, 03:37 AM

With my gear, granted I'm still shooting Nikon film SLR's, including a Nikon F5 body, I use an early Bogen 3221 (Manfrotto 055B) with a Bogen 3055 ballhead (Manfrotto 168RC)... Has the capability of getting low for when I want to do macro shots in the field, but can be taller than I am, if needed.

The only thing I'd change would be either to modify my current ballhead to have an Arca-Swiss quick release on the top, or I'd replace the head with one of the Arca-Swiss monoball heads... May do that when I've some cash. The quick release system works, but it'd be nice to be able to use things like the RRS L-brackets and have permanently mounted quick release plates on each of my bodies (except for the F5, which would wear the L-bracket)...

Been shooting since 1984, when I was 9. Started out with a meterless Pentax, then switched to Nikon in the summer of 1987... Haven't looked back.

-J

**auld argonian** · 9th December 07, 07:50 AM

I also have several tripods and would reccomend Bogen with no reservations. While I have some really heavy duty stuff, I've grown to love the "small" legs and a ball head that was, I think, the second one up in size.

A quick look at the Manfrotto website shows me that they may have changed their model numbering system. The legs that I'm refering to are 3001 in the old system and the head is 3262. This will hold most cameras up to digital SLR's, which aren't anywhere near as heavy as the film SLR's are.

Do remember to lock the legs and remember that when you have a tripod with a friction (non geared) center column, hold on to the camera when you're loosening the locking knob to adjust the height of the column...same thing with a ball head: hang on to the camera...otherwise "oooops!".

When looking for a tripod you have to balance stability versus schlepability...heavy tripods tend to get left behind. Please avoid "generic" brands, though...they really don't hold up.

Best

AA

**ChromeScholar** · 9th December 07, 08:27 AM

Please avoid "generic" brands, though...they really don't hold up.

My tripods are Manfrotto. I highly recommend them.

**pdcorlis** · 9th December 07, 08:41 AM

Its like I tell my students - you can't afford to buy a cheap tripod. They're made of flimsy materials and will wear out or fall apart far too soon. A decent tripod with head will easily cost $100 USD or more. A quality tripod (Manfrotto) will last a lifetime, and should you do something really dumb, they sell replacement parts!

Just make sure your tripod is rated to support the weight of your gear and that its tall enough so you don't have to hunch over when you work with it fully extended.

Looks like we have a fair number of photo geeks around here - brilliant!