Getting the right tripod and head

I might need to upgrade my tripod at some point, it's an old aluminium one with fixed ballhead I inherited from my father. So here's some pointers to tips for buying tripods.

http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

http://www.naturephotographers.net/articles0206/rb0206-1.html

http://www.light-fantastic.com/html/phototips.html

http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=18633

The first suggests getting a tripod that can get you up to eye level -- those aren't common, esp. if it's without extending the center column.

Good test tip: If you are uncertain about whether a tripod/head is steady enough, try mounting your camera on the setup, then attaching a laser pointer, pointing along the lens at a surface 4 or 5 meters away. Fire the shutter using delay or a remote release. You'll see the laser spot move.

Head details

A thread on LL gave a number of recommendations for good ballheads. Mentioned as good are Really Right Stuff, Markins, Arca-Swiss, Kirk, Acratech, and Manfrotto (geared).

Here's some features to look for:

• Friction control -- Markins M10/M20 has this: allows you to set the 'friction point' for a camera lens combo so that you don't have to loosens and tighten to change camera position, but the camera doesn't move on its own.
• Level -- RSS has a round level in the base, making it easier to get your horizons straight. I would prefer two separate levels, so I can ignore one if shooting uphill/downhill, but that may not turn out to be a problem.
• Quick release
• Camera attachment that doesn't unscrew on its own
• One or more notches for vertical shooting -- the RSS has two
• Panning
• Ergonomic screws/handles

-- LarsClausen - 24 Oct 2007
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