What kind of tripod do you have?

Ah, this is how it starts. The slippery slope toward posting WIW pics is paved with photographic equipment geekery. At least for me. I haven't used a tripod since mine broke three moves ago. I'm willing to spend a bit in order to have a solid tripod -- and I'd love to hear any recommendations or warnings you might have based on your tripod experience. (Gosh, I'm cringing a bit at the phrase "tripod experience," b/c it sounds like a Cirque du Soleil production or some punishing workout series advertised on late-night television.)

In any case, I'll use the tripod often -- for my personal photography work as well as WIW shots AND my husband's b-day present... which would be self-portraits sent to him. (He's working in Turkey til May and I'm in Texas.)

Please ladies, don't make me go to those scary photographic equipment review sites. Tell me what tripod you use and if you like it. And if you happen to be a schoolmarm type (you know who you are) then feel free to ask me how the self portraits are coming along. Sometimes I need MUCH prodding. Thanks!!

12 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Do you have a DSLR, point and shoot, 3/4's?
I got mine, a Vanguard from a from a local photography store. It can handle my 3/4's but probably not a full blown DSLR.
I spent about $100.

Liz

Active Member

It's a Canon DSLR -- pretty heavy.

carter

Tripod? I use a tall plant stand!

I would go to Yelp, find a local highly rated camera store. Bring your camera and possibly lens.
You want probably want durable if you are going to use for personal projects. Do you go outdoors? There are tripods that are lightweight for backpacking, etc.
Plus if you go to a store, you can test it, see if it is really truly easy to use.

JAileen

My husband says you can have cheap, lightweight, stable- choose two.

Irene

I have this monster: http://www.georges.com.au/inde.....velbon-cam

But then I use it for personal self-portraits (or so I like to think) and have a quite heavy Canon 50D to put on top of it.
I have to say this one is very practical, with a release platform so that you don't have to ¿screw? the camera every time. Mine is usually attached to the body 24/7.
It's also pretty lightweight, sturdy and you can adjust every bit of it to your liking.

Thank you for the feedback, ladies. I appreciate it. Irene, I think a monster is what I'm after. I'm rather tough on my 50D.

rebekahphoto

I have a few different ones, this manfrotto is great & very sturdy, its also easy to maneuver & the removable mounting plates are very handy. you can get a ball head, or a pan head depending on which you prefer. Carbon fiber is also nice & super lightweight, but really only necessary if you want to go traveling with it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/.....ripod.html

this is also a nice one, but more expensive....it can be a very slippery and expensive slope to go down with camera gear as you know!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/.....ripod_Legs.

PS: I would love to see your self portraits! you could pm me if you would like t share....my students will be working on self portraits very soon

Rebekah, thanks for the recommendations. I'll be in touch!

April

I use a 1920s radiator cover. It's highly stable, in front of a window, and happens to be the right height for "headless" photos.

Jjsloane

I have a broken one that is missing a foot pad (so my photos are usually a little off kilter if I don't adjust them just right in Corel. I like that I can keep my old camera screwed into it and don't use if for anything else. I keep it handy in a spot so WIW pictures are easy.

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