Show me your camera gear!!!!
#1201
03-31-2010 | 02:42 PM
Master FitFaker. CHEA!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,317
From: Marble Falls, TX
Torrents FTW
#1204
05-27-2010 | 05:27 PM
"Youngest FitFreak"(without a Fit)
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,222
From: Miami, Florida
I have a question regarding using "bulb" on Nikons. Do you have to keep it pressed, or is there a way to press it once, then let it sit until you press it again, where it then closes the shutter? I hate having to sit holding it still, and I want to take some really long exposure shots.
#1210
06-23-2010 | 01:33 AM
just purchased a nikon d5000. I was wondering if anyone would recommend any sort of tripod for it. prefer 50"-72". saw some on ebay. Link.
That said, keep in mind it really is a crappy tpod - too lightweight so not very stable, plastic is flimsy, quick release mount is downright scary with anything heavier than a simple P&S camera (especially when you go vertical), and to get the height you really have to extend the center column, which makes it super-wobbly and thus, pointless. Still, I use mine for my P&S, my small film cameras, toy cameras, and compact camcorder, so it's not entirely useless.
For a real tpod, check into the Manfrotto 190's or 055's in aluminum, plus a decent ballhead. Manfotto often sells them as a set, and they are excellent quality. Don't bother with carbon fiber tpods - too expensive in most cases, and the really cheap ones suck. Their main value is weight savings, but if you're not gonna be hiking etc. for long distances, or the weight isn't a big deal, why spend the money? Besides, heavier is better and more stable, especially in wind. Tpods like anything, you can go nuts on money-wise, but most cases it's not necessary. Get a good mid-grade tpod like the Manfrottos and you'll be set for a while. Also, make sure the one you pick (as well as the head) will support the heaviest weight/load of the camera setup you're going to use (body, lens, hood, flash, etc.) Otherwise, you're asking for real trouble.
Look here to start: Complete Tripods with Heads
#1211
06-23-2010 | 02:05 AM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,405
From: Santa Ana/Newport Beach, California
Save yourself the grief and about $10 and get that tripod at Wal-Mart if you really want it. I have practically the exact tpod and that's where I bought it.
That said, keep in mind it really is a crappy tpod - too lightweight so not very stable, plastic is flimsy, quick release mount is downright scary with anything heavier than a simple P&S camera (especially when you go vertical), and to get the height you really have to extend the center column, which makes it super-wobbly and thus, pointless. Still, I use mine for my P&S, my small film cameras, toy cameras, and compact camcorder, so it's not entirely useless.
For a real tpod, check into the Manfrotto 190's or 055's in aluminum, plus a decent ballhead. Manfotto often sells them as a set, and they are excellent quality. Don't bother with carbon fiber tpods - too expensive in most cases, and the really cheap ones suck. Their main value is weight savings, but if you're not gonna be hiking etc. for long distances, or the weight isn't a big deal, why spend the money? Besides, heavier is better and more stable, especially in wind. Tpods like anything, you can go nuts on money-wise, but most cases it's not necessary. Get a good mid-grade tpod like the Manfrottos and you'll be set for a while. Also, make sure the one you pick (as well as the head) will support the heaviest weight/load of the camera setup you're going to use (body, lens, hood, flash, etc.) Otherwise, you're asking for real trouble.
Look here to start: Complete Tripods with Heads
That said, keep in mind it really is a crappy tpod - too lightweight so not very stable, plastic is flimsy, quick release mount is downright scary with anything heavier than a simple P&S camera (especially when you go vertical), and to get the height you really have to extend the center column, which makes it super-wobbly and thus, pointless. Still, I use mine for my P&S, my small film cameras, toy cameras, and compact camcorder, so it's not entirely useless.
For a real tpod, check into the Manfrotto 190's or 055's in aluminum, plus a decent ballhead. Manfotto often sells them as a set, and they are excellent quality. Don't bother with carbon fiber tpods - too expensive in most cases, and the really cheap ones suck. Their main value is weight savings, but if you're not gonna be hiking etc. for long distances, or the weight isn't a big deal, why spend the money? Besides, heavier is better and more stable, especially in wind. Tpods like anything, you can go nuts on money-wise, but most cases it's not necessary. Get a good mid-grade tpod like the Manfrottos and you'll be set for a while. Also, make sure the one you pick (as well as the head) will support the heaviest weight/load of the camera setup you're going to use (body, lens, hood, flash, etc.) Otherwise, you're asking for real trouble.
Look here to start: Complete Tripods with Heads
Well said!
I would save up and get real tripod... it worth the investment!
#1215
06-23-2010 | 04:28 PM
I'll make a guilty confession here though - once, I had the $20 tripod holding my $6000 camera.
I had no choice at the time, and the pucker factor was extreme. It lived, but never again!
#1216
06-23-2010 | 04:48 PM
Look at it this way - a good tripod/head setup will last almost indefinitely as long as your gear doesn't change so much as to go over the load rating and you take care of it; 20-30 years is not unrealistic. If you plop down $400 for a tripod, that equates to about $16 a year paid over 25 years. That's a good investment. Of course, you have to have the $400, but it's worth saving up for a bit in the long run.
#1217
06-23-2010 | 05:09 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,405
From: Santa Ana/Newport Beach, California
This is true, to a point. The problem with those is the head, and specifically the quick-release. At that price point, they're generally plastic, which is not acceptable. With a lighter camera like the D5000 and a kit lens, you can definitely make them work, but use a longer lens, or even better, shoot vertical w/ an external flash mounted like an SB-600/800 or, even heavier, an SB-900, and now you're really stressing the release with all that weight and leverage. Would you really trust your investment to a $0.99 plastic quick-release plate? I wouldn't. Plus, if you shoot in cold weather ever, that plastic gets very brittle very fast and will handle even less weight and stress, by maybe at least 50% drop and probably more. Not to mention the flex and vibration that comes when the head is pushing the limit.
Look at it this way - a good tripod/head setup will last almost indefinitely as long as your gear doesn't change so much as to go over the load rating and you take care of it; 20-30 years is not unrealistic. If you plop down $400 for a tripod, that equates to about $16 a year paid over 25 years. That's a good investment. Of course, you have to have the $400, but it's worth saving up for a bit in the long run.
Look at it this way - a good tripod/head setup will last almost indefinitely as long as your gear doesn't change so much as to go over the load rating and you take care of it; 20-30 years is not unrealistic. If you plop down $400 for a tripod, that equates to about $16 a year paid over 25 years. That's a good investment. Of course, you have to have the $400, but it's worth saving up for a bit in the long run.
I agree 100%.... tripod alone has cost me about $1k and I don't look back and regret...
#1218
07-07-2010 | 10:52 AM
Hey guys i have not been on here in a long time. I'm looking for some new lens need inputs on what to get. I like shooting building,cars,and back grounds. I have a D40 with a 18-55 and a 55-200VR. What lens should i try to pick up next? Also i am still working on geting editing programs.
