The *Official Photography Thread*

Nice! ^ And for everyone, I like this one. Anyone like these or have one? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._BA_00_AC_1300_3_Section_Aluminum_Tripod.html

 

I've seen this one recommended here before...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/131427-REG/Slik_615_315_Pro_700DX_Tripod_with.html

 

I prefer to keep it under $100, but that one is pretty nice.

 

I hear ya there. Just passing it along since i'd seen it praised here before

 

I don't know anything about it but I saw some people talking about the new MeFoto tripods and how much they liked them for a good all around budget tripod.

I didn't pay much attention because I already have one but the one feature that peaked my interest was that one of the legs screws off and is a monopod. So you have both in one kit and don't have to choose which to get. Cool feature. Might be worth checking out.

 

MeFotos are sweet. Even their cheaper one. Just not sure if I'm ready to put a good bit of money into a tripod. I don't need something real fancy. Just a decent tripod that can fold out as well.

 

My tripod setup was $450

 

Why? lol. If you do photography for a living and make a lot at it, yeah, I would spend that much on a tripod too. Well, probably not. Maybe $200.

 

I'd rather pay 200 for a decent tripod (just a random number)

than 100 for my first crappy tripod and then 200 later for the one I should have gotten for a total of 300 and then have the hassle of selling or storing the first one. ha

 

True, but still. All I need one for is stars and low ground shots. I wouldn't need to buy one if my cheap hand me down one folded low to the ground.

 

I do it as a money bearing hobby at the moment and cheap tripods are too wobbly and even $100 tripods are too wobbly if they have thin legs.

I shoot video too, so mine is compromised of a manfrotto 701HDV head for video and a manfrotto 496rc2 ball head and OX55PROB legs. Yes I use two different heads haha.

 

And the legs get super low to the ground and don't twist like other tripod legs

 

Oh, I see. Yeah, for video that is a must.

 

There's always a Gorilla Pod. I think those are cheap ha and low to the ground. You could always wrap it on a railing or something if need be also.

 

They don't hold long lenses very well. Not even a 70-300.

 

I'm aware ha but if he's using it for star and low shots it's likely with a normal to wide unless he's shooting the moon in particular and when he gets a big sturdy tripod one day they can compliment each other for different jobs rather than having two tripods that do the same thing. Just a suggestion.

 

Ditto.
I generally run in the $50 range, but now that I'm starting to get some more serious gear, I'm sure I'm going to run into the limitations of my cheaper gear.

I already hit a limit on my tripod. Pistol grip, squeeze, move, release.

Didn't work out so well with the 500mm (+ doubler) shooting the moon. I couldn't center it for the life of me, and I couldn't track it as it moved.

I ordered a head with a longer handle and screw type friction lock.
Panning, I can handle a wingnut to lock.

The trigger grip was an all-around mistake. Spend time getting the camera level with the horizon (easy with the level on the head... unless it's dark), then squeeze the trigger to move the FOV down or over, and it's not level again.
Also very limiting for sideways shots. I don't shoot them often, but when I do, I like to have some vertical movement... and it doesn't have much, maybe 10 degrees.

I like the looks of that Slik, and I like the way the legs fold out to maintain stability when you're getting down in the dirt.
But check the reviews... a couple of reviewers loved the legs but didn't trust the round quick release... one commented that he exchanged the 700D for a 500D, which has a more standard quick release.

 

Do any of you use a 28-135 3.5 lens? I have a chance to buy a canon one for 200$. I have the 18-55 kit lens and a 55-250

 

It's rare that I've found 55 lacking unless I want to work into the longer zoom, but I think a 28-135 is really a very good "do everything" range.
For $200 for a Canon (assuming it operates with your camera's AF and metering) I'd be on that in a heartbeat.

 

28-135?? You mean 18-135?

I have an 18-135 so does Marc. Great lens. Nothing spectacular tho