Tripod

It seems that my major problem (with what I would like to do) is that my pictures are too soft.

I think a tripod would help with this, I would be intersted in the types and peoples experience of them.

Thanks

use this link as a starting point - use the search facility above. Either way i'm sure you will find some useful advice.

http://www.yophotographer.com/page.p...hlight=tripods

Hannah
There are a couple of things to think about when buying a tripod. First where do you want to use it? if it is going to be used mainly in say a studio type setup then you could go for a heavy duty one such as my Manfrotto 055XPROB, but for carrying about for most of the day then look at a lighter tripod.
Couple of other things. you could just fix the camera to the tripod and adjust the angle via the feet, or go for buying a head, there are so many to chose from, also ask yourself do I want a quick release head or not.
You do need when buying a tripod to make sure it will accept the weight of your gear on top, there is no point in rushing out getting the cheapest if the load on it is too heavy.

One test I use is to extend the tripod fully with the camera on top, Why? because shutter "slap" can move the camera in this position on a weak tripod so defeating the object of a tripod in the first place. An over light tripod will move in the gentlest of breezes so it has to be fairly firm, you can on some hang weights suspended in the middle of the 3 feet but thats extra to carry in the first place.

Look how high and low the tripod can go to, its no good if you want to take pictures of objects at ground level and the tripod doesn't go low enough.

Buying the right tripod for your needs is harder than deciding which camera to buy.

A tripod of the right type is really a must, but purchasing the wrong one can be of no use at all, you need to really look hard at whats out there, obviously within your price bracket.

Bazza

Thanks a lot -thats great advice.

I do need something fairly light weight as I will be lugging it about and also something that goes down quite low (I am more often than not sat down when I am trying to get actions shots of the guys), but I do also do horses for a friend....so need to be higher up.

I knew it was best to ask the experts first

Don't confuse soft with shake. A tripod is a worthwhile addition to your kit but is also very restrictive on mobility. Ensure soft isn't out of focus, focus problems (i.e. back focussing etc.), wide open lenses not performing, failing to sharpen in PP etc. etc.

Yeah there are some good threads on tripods here well worth a read

Here's another: http://www.yophotographer.com/page.php?t=7272

To echo what's been said above, tripods will generally help in cases where the camera needs to be still, such as for long exposures or multiple exposures

Take a look at the Slik range they have some good tripods even some good lightweight ones, the 700DX is very well regarded and not unduly heavy.

Velbon Sherpa 600R was voted 'Best Value' for a lightweight tripod in my Canon mag. I have tried one out myself and think it is impressive for the money, it also goes high too (170cm) which is useful (min height is 29cm), considering it is light it is more sturdy than some of the heavier ones that I tried. It takes a max weight of 3kg. I'm sure this is the tripod that Nicola said she uses with her Bigma.

The other tripods in the canon mag test were:-
Giottos MTL3271B with an overall score of 95%
Manfrotto 055XB " 90%
Velbon Sherpa 600R 82%
Kenro Large Pro HT1730 88%
Manfotto 190XPROB 77%
Silk Pro500DX 74%
Giottos MTL9351B 72%
Cullmann 3430 65%

I would say go and try some out, what looks and sounds good on the net and in mags might not be what you need, there's nothing like a good feel I've found having Warehouse Express near by really handy as I can go and try everything out (then buy cheaper off the net )

I have the pro700dx and would have another one in a shot.

I have the Manfrotto 055 XPROB -max height 69 inches (without a head)- minimum height ground level- support weight 7kg (16lb)- cost £110 or thereabouts, together with the Manfrotto 322RC2 pistol grip head ( £80 approx). This combo will support anything put on it and is rock solid in any position. A bonus is the centre can be swung sideways without removal from the legs.

Out of interest total height to top of Nikon D300 is 80 inches (2.3 mtrs), or in other words tall enough to photo over the garden fence at 6 ft with ease. Very handy if your a giant.



taken at ground level with tripod without right angle viewer. Taken with previous D200 so no live view to go lower like the D300 Nikon


Phil

Am I correct in assuming that that particular head is the only one Slik does that supports that weight 15lb? the others only seem to go up to either 2.5/5 lb which would just about support my camera with additional battery unit without a lens and flash added. Also can you swing the centre column sideways to get it at ground level? only it doesn't say in any of the adverts.

Bazza