The *Official Photography Thread*

Its a 28. And im in the nothing spectacular price range at the moment lol.

 

Don't waste your money on cheap gear. Trust me. I've spent $150 on cheap tripods over the years and they all broke or didn't hold the gear securely. With my camera, battery grip and 70-200 on that tripod I would be close to the limit on it. Ask yourself this. Where will I be in a year or two with my photography? If you can't afford a better one now, wait till you can and buy once.

I just bought one about a month ago. With the discounts it was $268. A manfrotto 055xprob and 498rc2 head. It holds 17lbs, or it holds my $3000 investment securely. A lot of the smaller ball heads will creep on you when they get a decent load on them.

That Slik 700dx up there is a nice tripod and would serve you well. I wanted something heavier that would be rock solid when I do time exposures or use big lenses.

This^^^ I've wasted enough money on cheap tripods that I could have bought a nice one. It cost less in the long run to get something that will last you ten years or more.

 

Ah no that one is nice. Better then the 18-135

 

Nice pic. What is that?

Nice! I like the hair light on them. Did you use fill flash on this? Reflector?

 

Teaser image from my weekend, going go throughout the week

 

That is HDR.

 

^ envious of the smells you got to smell all day shooting the cars!!!

 

plus when you spends thousands on equipment, an tripod/monopod is something you don't want to skimp on

 

Bump it up then bud! Show us your editing skills.

What software are you using to do your HDR's?

 

What do you think about the reviewer's comment on the quick release mount?

Do you trust it with $3k sitting on it on a 90 degree angle?

 

It was a great race.

The Mazda prototypes were silent compared to their petrol burning counter parts. My dad and I didn't hear one coming up behind us while walking the paddock.

 

Most of the time I like them to look as natural as possible, sometimes I'll go a little crazy with them. Haha
I am using photomatix.

 

That leaves a little to be desired then doesn't it? But he doesn't say what lens he is using and if had a lens mount that it should be mounted on to balance the rig out. I would recommend to search out your head and legs and decide what best fits your needs.

I went with a ball head because I didn't like on my previous tripods how it was hard to get the camera vertical and get it to stay where I locked it with the 3 way head. Those were cheap tripods too though.

The 498rc2 I got has a safety on it when you pull to release the quick release it stops, you then have to pull a second little bar under it to actually release the plate.

If price wasn't as big an issue I would recommend the Manfrotto tripod and head. He could get a 190xprob with a 496rc2 for $184 right now. Supports 11 lbs.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480322-REG/Manfrotto_190XPROB_Pro_Aluminum_Tripod.html


When I bought this time I wanted a tripod that would get the camera to eye level without using the center column. The combo I got did that well.

 

I definitely agree on the lens mount. There's a reason long and heavy lenses have them, and there's a reason spare quick-release plates are cheap (if you can find them for a cheaper tripod). If the rig is balanced on the head, then the head will adequately support it even if overweight unless you start getting into an extreme angle.

My concern is the design of the disk and how it is retained.
Most of the reviews are glowing, but the one I quoted raises doubt.
Sadly, the 500D seems to come with a less than optimal mount.

That Manfrotto looks nice, not sure that I'd like the ball head though. I really do prefer the traditional clamping handle.

 

This is my first ball head and so far I love it. You can adjust the tension on the ball when it's loose and then clamp it down to hold the camera wherever you want it. No slip at all with over 4 lbs of camera, grip, and lens. It's very easy to get the camera level with it. I wanted overkill to make sure mine was held really well and with any bigger lenses in the future.


This is the one I have. They didn't have the kit when I got mine. I bought the legs and head separate. It also showed last month supporting 17 lbs with the ones I bought. lol Funny how it changed this month.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/718590-REG/Manfrotto_055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Kit.html

 

IMO getting that is pointless because you already have 18-250mm covered. Save the money and get a nice tripod or a 50 f/1.8

 

The $50 monopod is one exception. The Manfrotto is a bargain compared to the $300 Gitzo. The Manfrotto fits either tripod mount. For the Gitz, you need to unscrew and reverse to switch-the leg locks suck too.

In general, you should look for a tripod rig that will support your gear in a stiff breeze. So buy the best. Even if it means waiting a bit longer to save up.

 

I would say jump on it. I just got one for a steal at $150 and it is soo much better quality than my kit lens.

 

Another thing is right now I'm using the camera I bought my gf for Xmas. When she gets more time she will be using it so I'll but myself one. Already having the 28-135 for mine would be good.

 

Hmm good advice.