Decent Tripod??

Reef Pets · Nov 3, 2008

I mainly take top down pictures and wondering if this would be a decent tripod. I am far from a pro therefore this is in the price range of what I would like to spend. The only thing I take pictures of is coral, from top down.
Let me know what you think! If it seems to be crap please let me know that as well.

LINK: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130228091757&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37.l1313%26satitle%3D130228091757%26category0%3D%26fvi%3D1

saltwaternewb · Nov 3, 2008

Never heard of that one. I have this system and I love it... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505861-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html
Extremely sturdy and the holds my D200 with the Tamron 90mm lens with zero slip. Extends taller than me ( I am 6'2") and so low that the lens can touch the ground. It also has the horizontal center column feature so you can do top down shots.

Reef Pets · Nov 3, 2008

That is a nice set up! But, more than I am looking to spend. I need a side arm for the tripod and that would put it at about 300.00 or so. I have heard great things about Bogen.

killingseed2000 · Nov 3, 2008

both those are very high in price. any tripod is a good tripod i think. i got mine for 20 from walmart. not sure i would spend that much but thats just me.

Poseidon · Nov 3, 2008

killingseed2000 said:
any tripod is a good tripod i think.

Nothing is further from the truth.

Bogen, Slik, Manfrotto, you can't really go wrong with any of those brands.

That particular tripod "looks" good, but the fit and finish may be lacking, and at $149, it is not exactly cheap. For the money, I would be hesitant buying it sight unseen from a seller that says "no refunds".

I think you would be better off saving a bit more, and getting a tripod from one of the above companies, that way you know the fit and finish will be solid.

saltwaternewb · Nov 3, 2008

Poseidon said:
Nothing is further from the truth.

Bogen, Slik, Manfrotto, you can't really go wrong with any of those brands.

I agree One Thousand Percent. I had a cheap Wal-Mart tripod that I used when I first got my camera and it worked and that is about it. Just barely at that. The day I was adjusting the camera for a tank shot and the head fell off under the weight of the camera (thankfully in to my hands) I decided that a $250 tripod was cheap insurance for my $1200 camera setup. Other than nice lenses a nice tripod I think is the most important piece of equipment you can get.

saltwaternewb · Nov 3, 2008

reefer said:
That is a nice set up! But, more than I am looking to spend. I need a side arm for the tripod and that would put it at about 300.00 or so. I have heard great things about Bogen.

Side arm?

Reef Pets · Nov 3, 2008

I agree that Bogen looks like a great tripod. I would purchase one but for my use I dont want to spend that much money. All I do is take top down picture. With that amount I would rather upgrade om my lens, which is the next purchase. I want to get the Cannon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. I have a macro now but I have seen what the 100mm can do!
The side arm is what is attached to the top of the tripod that is pictured. This way I can extend the camera over my tanks.
From what you guys have said I may keep looking. But the side arm is a must for me.

Poseidon · Nov 3, 2008

You can certainly try the E-Bay model, if it doesn't work out, you can always try and resell it. I would be nervous though, IF your camera falls, you can pretty much count on the fact that it will need to be replaced. Saltwater is CRAZY hard on electronics!

This particular model sure LOOKS better then the wally world variety, but I am scared of the NO REFUNDS part.

Reef Pets · Nov 3, 2008

Yeah, the no refunds is sort of scary! Many times when people do this they know that they are selling something that is less than good! I have a cheap tripod that I use now but cant attach a side arm to it.

saltwaternewb · Nov 3, 2008

The tripod that I linked to has a center brace that will extend out to the side and hang over your tank so there would be nothing additional to buy if that makes any difference for you. If you look you can find that tripod and similar used for really good prices. I can take a shot of mine with the camera attached and the arm extended if you want to see.

Reef Pets · Nov 3, 2008

Chad - I am not seeing it in the picture. My lack of experience with camera equipment is most likely why I am not seeing what you are speaking of. If the arm extends, then thats what I need. If you have the time to take a picture of what you are speaking of that would be great! I have no problem spending the money on a nice tripod! I just need it do be able to take top down photos.
Thanks again!

saltwaternewb · Nov 3, 2008

Here is the picture...The tripod will go a good bit higher than it is in the photo. It will even go low enough that the lens will actually touch the ground. Great for bug and flower macros. I know that the cost is still a bit high and I had trouble pulling the trigger but I am glad I did. And just to let you know, the ball head on my tripod will hold my D200 with grip and a Tamron 90mm macro without slipping.

Reef Pets · Nov 3, 2008

I greatly appreciate the picture! That is exacrty what I am looking for. Being that the "extention rod" goes to the side like pictured I am a buyer! I dont care to spend the extra money knowing that I am getting a quality product. That is the the tripod that I will be purchasing.
Thanks again for taking the time to add a picture of the tripod.

Poseidon · Nov 3, 2008

Hey... I have one of those Smugmug straps too!!!

saltwaternewb · Nov 3, 2008

Poseidon said:
Hey... I have one of those Smugmug straps too!!!

He he...I like mine, especially for the price :bigsmile:

cparka23 · Nov 3, 2008

I think this would be the perfect setup for you. It's the Bogen Manfrotto 420B. That link has a nice little video review to go with it. You need to counterbalance the stand for stability, but it's a good brand and within budget.

gparr · Nov 3, 2008

The Manfrotto tripod pictured in Saltwaternewb's post is a very good tripod offering excellent stability and flexibility for the money. The 420B cparka23 suggested looks like studio equipment for holding lights, backgrounds, reflectors. Those legs do not appear to be strong enough to hold a camera. If you're going to do top-down shots with a horizontal arm and camera hanging over saltwater, the last thing you want to do is to rely on a cheap, lightweight tripod. You need something that is not going to easily tip or collapse and soak your camera and lens. The repair cost for a camera/lens soaked in saltwater will easily pay for a good tripod.
Gary

Reef Pets · Nov 3, 2008

I found a used Bogen / Manfrotto 055XPROB (Black) Tripod, with 322RC2 Grip-Action Ballhead for $160.00. They say its like new and less than a year old. I am waiting for a reply from the person. The best thing about it is that it would be a local purchase and I can get it quickly.

saltwaternewb · Nov 4, 2008

Nice. I have never used a grip head but I think Junior does and likes them a lot. I was going to get one when I ordered my setup but it was a bit more money so I opted for the ballhead. I am very happy with that though I would like to give a grip head a try.