Peter Witkop
(K=3189) - Comment Date 2/10/2004
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Not knowing just what wal-mart stocks for tripods, I'd venture a pretty confident gues that you'd need to invest in a better tripod. Most of the cheap tripods will tilt the cameara vertically in one direction (have the hinge on one side of the camera, and as you noticed, have a more limited range of motion. In addition, they are generally _much_ less stable, and do not have sperate legs and heads, that can be interchanged. A more "proffesional" tripod is probably going to be worht the investment, one that you buy the legs and head sperately (my brand preferance is Bogen/Manforotto, but there are cerntainly others). It's likely to be a bit heavier, but take alot more abuse, and be much more stable, particularly if there's wind of any kind.
Peter
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Joe Blow
(K=1918) - Comment Date 2/10/2004
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I second Peter's recommendation for a Bogen/Manfrotto tripod. They will add more stabilty and last longer than your current tripod. It's well worth the investment.
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Barry Wakelin
(K=7838) - Comment Date 2/11/2004
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Rebecca
I use a Slik 400DX tripod which is available at very competitive prices, below those of the Manfrotto/Bogen tripds, including a pan and tilt head (which is fine to start with but you may choose to replace it in the future with a Manfrotto ball head). The tripod is light, sturdy and portable and compares extremely favourably with all but the most expensive carbon fibre Manfrottos in my experience. Just don't extend the third leg extensions too often as these are a bit flexible.
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Bill Morgenstern
(K=7157) - Comment Date 2/21/2004
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I've used a Bogen/Manfrotto tripod model 3221 for years and swear by it. I used a bogen ball head which allowed me to shot at any angle I need but I have recently switched to a heavier and more precise Kirk ballhead. All of thesewill give you fine results and if you want top quality images they area must. They may be a bit weighty at times but the stability is there for that winning shot.
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Stan Pustylnik
(K=6768) - Comment Date 2/21/2004
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Rebecca, I looked at your portolio, and I can see that you need good tripod...... Good one is stable as possible. Ball head is very good feature. I got mine (steel, ball head, about 7 lb) from ebay for about $50 and think it's best accessory of mine. Go to ebay, and do searsh for "tripod ball head" you will get long list.
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Dirck DuFlon
(K=35779) - Comment Date 2/22/2004
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Hi Rebecca,
I've been really happy with my Velbon MAXi 343e tripod that I got from B&H (www.bhphotovideo.com). It's light weight, about 2 lbs., has independent 4-section legs (not connected by braces to the center column) and has an all-metal ball head. Pretty tough to beat at $70 in my book!
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Adrian LeRoy
(K=32) - Comment Date 3/3/2004
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Suggest Bogen/Manfrotto unless you have the $$$ for Gitzo. Manfrotto makes essentially everything and if you settle on one quick release style (rectangular is the most popular), everything is compatible and you won't have to get rid of everything when you want to upgrade.
Get a model recently superseded for a new one from a well-regarded seller on eBay. Key issue is what kind of head you want. Most people use ball (fast but needs to be good quality) or the three-handle adjustment kind. Head can be sold on eBay and replaced with another type for most Manfrotto products.
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anton albert
(K=291) - Comment Date 3/10/2004
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Rebecca, next to good lenses a good tripod is the best investment you can make in photography. I use bogen and Gitzo. The Bogen I use about 75% of the time due to its ruggedness. For me, weight is critical but if I know I won't be lugging it all over, I choose the Bogen. The Gitzo I use when I shoot weddings. It is lighter and I don't need all the bells and whistles for wedding photos. My Bogen cost me about $150. My Gitzo was about $400.
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Orris Grefsheim
(K=152) - Comment Date 3/12/2004
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Hi Rebecca,
First I would clean up and return that Wal-mart tripod if you still can.
For field work (nature/backpacking) I usually take my Velbon Victory 550. I think Velbon also refers to it as a "Grounder", as it will adjust flat all the way to the ground.
It is a good compromise for weight,support, and is very versatile .
What seems to make this tripod unusual is though the legs can be adjusted individually the legs each have a support from the center column, maintaining good rigidity for its weight and construction.
I didnt like the head that comes with it either, so changed to a Giotto MH-1001 ball head.
I think these still can both be had for $100 or so.
Good luck in your search.
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Gary Marx
(K=716) - Comment Date 6/1/2005
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I would suggest going to a local camera store, if possible and trying out the different tripods with your camera and lens, see what works and what doesnt. I saw some very nice heads and tripods, but they only looked nice, they weren't as functional as I had wanted them to be.
You want something sturdy--I have been to walmart to price tripods, but walked away because the quality wasnt good enough. The ones they had would have easily been blown over by a small gust of wind, and I wouldnt risk it.
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Michael Kanemoto
(K=22115) - Comment Date 6/22/2005
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Rebecca:
Three outcomes:
1. You can get a quick lock ball head, cheap. If you are shooting those nature shots (nice fog) on the side of the road, light use, go ahead and go for lowest price.
2. Medium expense - Slik. Works well and is lightweight.
3. I'm cheap - and I got a Bogen. I'd call this expensive, and looking back I'm glad I got it. It is robust, won't ever break, and is heavy but can hike with it. #3221 has a ball head and the legs can go flat to the ground. You can also retighten the settings.
I'm fairly confident that after wiping out on a mud slide with it that it can take a beating without breaking.
4. The gitzo sounds good and expensive. Dunno.
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Kambiz K
(K=37420) - Comment Date 2/18/2006
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The best one that I have is Unilock. It is amazing that what you can do with it.
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