Tripod

[bryan71]

Having just purchased the sigma 80-400 for my d80.Should i buy a tripod or monopod.And which model.Thanks bryan

[kshotton45]

There's so many !!!

Have a look here for advice.

Keith.

What tripod - Nikonians JRP FAQs

[David Hyde]

Hi Bryan
I am a great believer in tripods. I use an old Mk 1 Benbo because I like the versatility of the unique head/column arrangement. Its thick tube leg section makes it very sturdy. I have been using it with the Benbo ball head, up until now.
I have recently bought a 500mm lens and found the head a little lacking. I bought a Benro (yes Benro, nothing to do with Benbo) KS-2 ball head with a 53mm ball. This is a copy of the Kirk or Arca-Swiss heads at about one third the price. I am most impressed with the quality of this head. They also produce a range of Gitzo copy Carbon tripods within the £100 - £200 range. I have heard they are well made and sturdy. If they are like the ball head then they should be excellent. If I were to change my tripod I would seriously consider this range. They are made in China (no surprises there) but there are a couple of UK suppliers – check out ebay or visit the Benro’s website.
Whichever tripod you consider, decide on the one you think will do the job and then buy a bigger one. Nothing sorts out a weakness in a tripod or heads like a big lens.
Hope this helps, David.

[glsammy]

I'm a monopod user. Mainly for the simple reason I can't manage a tripod. I do use a tripod at home occasionally, but for the vast majority of my shots I used my Manfrotto 694 Magfibre Monopod with a 234RC QR Tilt Top head.
This set up works very well, it's slick and fast to set up, and I've managed some surprisingly slow shutter speed shots using it.
If your fit and can manage it, a tripod is usually the preferred way, although for taking insects shots, I'd argue long and hard it's much quicker and easier with a monopod. Many here will no doubt disagree!

[kshotton45]

Bryan, further my earlier reply, may I suggest that you consider buying a Tripod AND a Monopod ?
The Monopod is a tad more portable . I use both.

Keith

[pressld2]

If you would find the weight of a tripod difficult then go for a monopod, otherwise get a tripod because it will do both jobs. A tripod with it's legs together (or only one leg extended) is a monopod!

Dave P.

[wildlifesnapper]

Originally Posted by pressld2

If you would find the weight of a tripod difficult then go for a monopod, otherwise get a tripod because it will do both jobs. A tripod with it's legs together (or only one leg extended) is a monopod!

Dave P.

Hi

yep , I quite often use my trekker like this.I've got a monopod but never use it.
With a telephoto I'd go for a sturdy model. I use Gitzo but Manfrotto are good.

neil

[Interpreter]

There are ways around not having a tripod or monopod with you. As well as IS systems, the old fashioned way was for the photographer to press him/herself against something solid. A wall or a tree or something similar. The idea was to prevent the operator from inducing movement by bodily movements. Using this method, I have taken successful photographs of over two seconds exposure. I was younger then and using a Contax 35mm SLR. I doubt that I could do it now. Normally, the tension caused be pressing yourself against a solid object will lock the camera into a stable position. It will never be as good as a solid tripod, but can help out in an emergency. Give it a try before taking any important shots.

Be careful in choosing what to press yourself against. I watched a young man in a Shackleton aircraft open the window and rest his camera, with a 12" lens against the side of the window frame. The camera picked up all of the vibrations from the aircraft and ruined his images.

[rlchew]

Hello Bryan

I have a Nikon D80 and the Sigma 80-400mm lens.

With the latter, you can get away with hand-holding due to the OS (optical stabilisation) but most of the time I prefer to use a tripod with my larger lenses.

I started off with a Manfrotto 055MFV View Magfiber tripod and 701RC2 head which is very good but I got fed up with keep swapping between my telescope and camera.

Therefore I recently bought a Slik PRO 700DX tripod and 3365 head for my camera and Sigma 80-400mm and Sigma 500mm lenses .... a heavy duty bit of kit to support the weight of the 500mm lens.

Although I sometimes use a beanbag, someone's shoulder or some other means of stabilising the camera and lens, I would recommend a tripod. I can not really comment on a monopod as I have never used one.

Richard

[kshotton45]

I use a Slik Carbon Fibre tripod. I often use it in 'Monopod mode' , but I still use a monopod when 'travelling light'. You could use one as a walking stick! But the lightness and compactness of a monopod makes it a useful piece of kit.

Keith