Camera Support Systems Thread (Tripid, Monopod, etc.)

[xrapidx]

Since we have a lens thread, I thought I'd start a thread for listing what you use, and maybe why you recommend it?

Feel free to change thread title, couldn't think of anything else.

 

[Leftfoot]

Still or Video use?
For Video....
I have:
1 Manfrotto 503 Fluid head 055 Legs....nice but slips on smooth floors.
2 Manfrotto 501 head (non fluid head - ok performance) 055 Legs
My main one is a
Manfrotto 503HD Fluid head on a Ball fitting to Legs Manfrotto 525MVB (it might be too pro for consumer use though - But I love it)

I also have a Manfroto monopod 682B that has 3 litte legs that can be unscrewed at the base for a little stablity.

 

[xrapidx]

I meant still - but whatever goes

 

[threegee]

Manfrotto 055 PROB with a Kirk BH-1 Ballhead. I have been using this combo for over 2 years and it is probably one of the most stable tripod & head combos I've ever used.

I am often photographing in winds in excess of 60km/h and do not get any shake with the above whereas very expensive carbon-fibre tripods can not make the grade for the type of work I do. The BH-1 is certainly not cheap but the tripod itself is under R1500 and easily replaceable. It's also entirely aluminium, has been in sea water a number of times and is still perfect as day one, no rust or damage.

 

[xrapidx]

Whats the head go for?

 

[mercurial]

Links please

 

[threegee]

The head will set you back about R6K with today's exchange rate, BUT will be the best money you ever spend on anything photographic. Adjustments using the BH-1 are instant and when you lock it it stays where you lock it, there is never that tiny fraction of a movement after you lock it, even with heavy lenses.

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/14791?livid=68&lsf=68&child=2

http://www.kirkphoto.com/ballheads.html

 

[BigAl-sa]

Whats the head go for?

Not cheap

I have mentioned it in another thread, but I use
Manfrotto 055CLB legs
Manfrotto 701RC2 video head (which I have modified)

In a vehicle, I use
Ergorest vehicle mount (In that review, I used a Kirk BH3 ballhead, which was too light for the Bigma. I now use the Manfrotto 701RC2).

I also use
Manfrotto 679B monopod
Manfrotto 234RC2 monopod head
Together with the monopod I also use a belt mounted pouch, which is also available from Outdoorphoto.

I must say it's quite scary how the prices have gone up

 

[bwana]

Wow - people spend a lot on their tripods - what do you do that you need a steady tripod in 60km/h winds?

I'm afraid I'm going to have to make do a little while longer with my crappy vivitar (sp?) tripod, Pod bean bag (which as it turns out is perfect for the 150-500 in the car), and the bean bag heating pad I got from Clicks.

 

[BigAl-sa]

Wow - people spend a lot on their tripods - what do you do that you need a steady tripod in 60km/h winds?

My tripod has a hook from which you can hang a sandbag for this (beats me where you get the sandbag from )

 

[bwana]

My tripod has a hook from which you can hang a sandbag for this (beats me where you get the sandbag from )

So does my crappy vivitar - I usually hang my camera bag from it - its a knapsack with a carrying loop/handle at the top. Actually the only problem I really have with the vivitar is the P&T head.

 

[threegee]

My tripod has a hook from which you can hang a sandbag for this (beats me where you get the sandbag from )

Sandbag is just one more thing to carry around I just rather have the heavier tripod. It very happily supports my 600mm prime and has been in some very high winds with no camera shake. As for vehicle mount, the badger is in a class of it's own, I have an Ergorest too but it just cannot support my lenses and bodies whereas the badger is in a league of it's own but also very pricey in comparison to an Ergorest.

Well .. each to his own, whatever works for you is the right solution for you.

 

[BigAl-sa]

Just to expand on the previous poster's comment:
Badger door bracket
Badger bean bag and accessories