Join Now
Join ePHOTOzine, the friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more for free!
I'm needing to change my tripod. I currently have a Velbon Sherpa Pro 541EF which is carbon fibre - I'm spoilt from the onset!
The problem is that the quick release plate on the ball and socket head (which I like) slips when I turn the camera to portrait position. I have recently upgraded from the Canon 350D to the Canon 40D but it slipped even with the 350D. I tried tightening the screw etc.
My heaviest lens to date is the Canon 17-55mm IS USM but I may plan to get a mid range lens - perhaps a zoom up to 300mm.
I think it's fair to say that my camera equipment may be 4 or 5kg in future.
In choosing a tripod weight is a big factor since I am slightly built female. I have been looking at the Manfrotto 190 series but I'm confused as to whether it will be sturdy enough and also which head to choose - there are so many - even of the ball and socket type I like at present.
I tend to do quite a bit of macro but also action, landscapes, portrait - general use really. It says the ball and head isn't a good style for macro but I've been getting on fine with the b&s head I currently have - apart from the portrait angle slipping.
Can anyone suggest what they use for macro and general photography and also suggestions as to makes and models that will support up to 4-5kg, but are lightweight too. I know there has to be a compromise somewhere - I just don't want to end up with something where my camera will slip.
Many thanks,
Sarah-fiona
I have the Velbon tripod head 'Velbon PHD-61Q ' it's a steady as a rock.
I use a Manfrotto 190ProB with a 322RC2 head for my 40D. Seems very sturdy to me and has taken a fair amount of abuse in its stride.
The biggest lens to date that has been on it is a 100-400 + 40D with no problems at all.
As Redsnappa said, if the legs are ok, just change the head. Can recommend the 322RC2.
Anthony
Quote: 322RC2
I think you might find it difficult to get that tripod head to a 90 degree angle.
I have a 322RC2 and have no problem at all putting it at 90 degrees.
Me neither.
Once you get the knack it's a doddle to get as much forward and backward tilt in portrait mode as you need. (I think that's what Merl was driving at 
)
And although I'm right handed, I find it much more intuitive to swap it to left hand use.
My 322RC2 holds a D3 and any lense I have in portrait orientation and it's rock solid.
Getting used to it takes a short while and it isn't very good at accurate placement if you are doing stitched panoramas, but I tend to avoid that problem by getting the tripod centre column vertical and just rotating that instead of moving the 322 itself.
I swapped the handle to the lefthand position which, as Ex said, is a much more usable configuration. It's a very fast head to position, but if you need extremely (and I mean extremely) fine adjustment it can be a bit of a fiddle to get bang on the mark, especially with a tele lense, however I think that small gripe is far outweighed by it's sheer versatility and maneouvrability.
I find it exceptional for macro work when I have to get the head as low to the ground as possible (I use a Benbo tripod) or in other awkward situations.
I cannot recommend the 322RC2 highly enough.
Quote: fine adjustment it can be a bit of a fiddle to get bang on the mark
...and that can be sorted with the 410. Bit of a halfway house between ball-head and pan & tilt with handles...(but no handles to poke you in the chin etc..) Nifty way of making swift - coarse adjustments with a spring loaded collar behind the actual stubby adjustment knob, (it'll 'flop' rapidly in any of the 3 planes ) then fine, controlled adjustment with the stubby knobs themselves.. It's taken over from a ball type 486RC2 for me..much more controlled and precise for macro stuff..
Meaty QR plate - a rectangle almost the size of a packet of fags.
Kevin.
Thanks for replies. It would certainly make sense to keep the legs and maybe put a manfrotto head on it. However, not sure that the leg are sturdy enough. They weigh 1.23kg. Can anyone tell if they would be sturdy enough to support a Manfrotto head and fit my requirements? Otherwise I would need to change legs.
The 33RC2 - I like that it's good for macro. How would it be following a subject - bird, insect, dog in action etc?
Sassie
Quote: They weigh 1.23k
With a tripod head they will weigh quite a bit more and if it was any heavier would you be happy to carry it?
Merl
Maybe only you can judge how sturdy/supportive the Velbon Sherpa is... but are we searching for the holy grail here?... firm support means 'well engineered' and that usually means 'heavy-ish'... you can't have 'light-as-a-feather' and rock-solid support together..(can you..?)
Kevin.
This is the tool you need!
Follow the instructions and it will come up with the right combination for your requirements.
Go on, but a new tripod and head.
You know you want to...
Add a Comment
ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more.
Login or Join Now
New to ePHOTOzine? Join ePHOTOzine for free!
Related Content
Join Our Free Newsletter
Awards
Current Competitions
foliopic 'Movement' Competition
1st May 2012 - 31st May 2012
This month's competition theme is 'Movement' which can be interpreted in a number of ways. You could photograph an animal running, a person walking or a car speeding...Featured e2 Photo
Featured Directory Listing
May's Photo Month
Check out ePHOTOzine's inspirational photo month calendar! Each day click on a window to unveil new photography tips, treats and techniques.
Interact
Photography Gallery Photography Forums Recent Forum Activity Members' Meetings Members' BlogsSearch ePHOTOzine
Having trouble or would like to make a suggestion? Create a report
Calibrate your monitor so you can see 16 different shades.
ePHOTOzine © 2001 - 2012 Magezine Publishing | Contact Us | Site Map | Top