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> > My girlfriend is looking for suggestions of gifts to get me for
> > Christmas. One of the things I know I need is a tripod.
> >
> > The problem is, she doesn't know what to look for in a tripod, and I
> > really don't know either, apart from the weight of the camera/lens.
> >
> > I use the Canon Elan IIe, and will use a small variety of my three
lenses,
> > none of them particularly heavy). I'd like to do landscapes and some
> > macro-level stuff, maybe fireworks some time. On very rare occasions,
> > some figure skating photography.
> >
> > What should I tell her to look for?
> >
> > --
> > Terry Carroll | "It is unconvincing to argue that a process struc-
> > Santa Clara, CA | tured to render a vote tally more accurate somehow
> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] | dilutes the voting rights of the electorate."
> > Modell delendus est | Bush, Cheney, et al. v. County Canvassing Bds.
>
> For starters you want the camera at eye level before cranking the center
> post up. Then you want a decent ball head.
>
I agree that getting to the eye level is important. However I have never
personally needed met that requirement without cranking up the center (I'm
193 cm tall, thats about 6'4" in the ancient measures). So I guess a little
kneeling Isn't that bad.
After I bought the a.m. 5.4 kg tripod I realised I wasn't taking that many
pictures with tripod anymore. Lesson learned: buy lightweight!
Another point is the shutter shake. Buy sturdy. But that contradicts the
weight issue.
Ultimately a wooden tripod is the best for dampening vibrations but they are
hard to find. Carbon fibre is the next best thing and also solves the weight
issue.
Another important point is: do you take low level shots? If you do, a tripod
with split ability is a must.
Extending the legs: speed locks ( i.e. operated with a lever ) are handy but
not as solid as the ring type tighteners (which are generic to round profile
legs, known to be more rigid than the odd shapes used with speed locks ).
Ball head or pan and tilt type are a matter of personal preference.
Ball head is (perhaps)faster to lock and unlock but p&t is better for
panning.
I've got a Velbon carbon fibre Mountain series tripod with a p&t head and
I'm quite happy with it. Light weight and good support with split
capability. All I could ask for a tripod. Much lighter than my old 5.4kg
monster (which will find use if I decide to go medium format) and not much
heavier than my monopod.
Merry Christmas
Olli
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