Camera Tripod Advice

[Kilted_John]

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]

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