Reader's Comments - Index of - Free

Tripods -- Cheap and Compact
Text and pictures (c) Copyright 1996, Dr. Ross.Alford
Reader's Comments
I recognize the dilemma between big & heavy vs. small and light support. I used to
try all sorts of things to not lug heavy tripods around; I tried the five feet of light
chain with a 1/4" 20 threaded eyebolt attached (screw the eyebolt into the tripod
socket, drop the chain, step on it and lift), I tried monopods, beanbags (including
ziplock bags filled with handfulls of the local dirt--that's travelling light), and I had
a Slik with square, not tubular, legs. It flexed, the leg latches slipped, the head
would droop (particularly with a long lens) and I finally realized that a tripod is a
tripod, and if you must lug one around then lug around one that will do the job.
Most of my shooting was outdoors in the western US, where it wasn't crowded or
close quarters, so I can only speak for myself when I say that if you're going to
make a production out of taking pictures, drag that heavy old three-legged beast
along.
-- Donald Gentz, May 13, 1997
I've used a SLIK U8000, and gotten really good pictures out of it. At 3.75 pounds,
it's light and easy to carry around, and comes with a pan-tilt head that works. You
do have to wait for things to settle down if you vibrate the tripod, but what else is
new?
I paid less than $60 for mine, and have used and abused it in many situations. A
good buy for a beginner.
-- Piaw Na, September 18, 1997
After reviewing the helpful comments here about tripods, conferring with Bryan
Geyer of RRS, and reading Galen Rowell's books on field photography, I just
decided to supplement my solid but heavy mid-weight Bogen 3030a ( the faucet
lever leg lock model) with a Gitzo/"Le Splurge-o" model# 224, which has three leg
sections. Definitely enough leg sections! This is a rather small tripod in Geetzo's
formidable lineup, just old aluminum alloy. Without the center post extended,it is
shortish for me, but I don't find that to be really limiting( except for binocular
astronomy use-which is another story). I think it is safe to elevate the robust, non
geared center post--carefully please- another 4". I agree with our site host Phil that
the leg locks are not for the clutzy at heart. They have the beauty of backpacking
well and not tearing fabric and jabbing body parts as the Bogen Manfrottos can.
I am much impressed and grudgingly credit the French with the fine machining of
the Gitzo. When one releases the legs, there is a partial vacuum 'whoosh".
http://www.photo.net/equipment/tripods/cheap (3 of 15)7/3/2005 2:21:27 AM