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Photo Forum / Photo Technique / Nature Photography / December 2003Lightweight tripod & ball head
I've pretty much decided on Gitzo G-1028 legs for backpacking. The next step up would be the G-1228, which is almost twice the weight and offers no advantage for me - the camera I'll be using on those trips weighs about a pound. My question is on ball heads. Unfortunately (maybe), B&H seems to be out of stock of most of the Arca-Swiss ball heads. They have the Gitzo heads in stock. I was hoping to use this tripod/head combination for another assignment next week. What is the collective wisdom regarding the Gitzo heads? They are light and relatively inexpensive. However, I could buy a junk tripod for my work next week, which will only be used to support a flash. Take a look at the Kirk ballheads. I have the smaller of the two and it is bulletproof. Doesn't weigh much and matches well with my Gitzo Explorer tripod while costing much less. Don't know anything about the Gitzo heads, but looking at them, they just don't seem to be of the "right" design for easy use. Scott > I've pretty much decided on Gitzo G-1028 legs for backpacking. > The next step up would be the G-1228, which is almost twice [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > tripod for my work next week, which will only be used to > support a flash. >I've pretty much decided on Gitzo G-1028 legs for backpacking. >The next step up would be the G-1228, which is almost twice [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >tripod for my work next week, which will only be used to >support a flash. Have a look at: http://acratech.net/PRODUCTS.HTM I have their ball head (just got it recently), and it works well. Not quite as smooth as my Linhof Profi II, but a lot lighter. > ave a look at: > > http://acratech.net/PRODUCTS.HTM Damn, $14 for a film can! >> ave a look at: >> >> http://acratech.net/PRODUCTS.HTM > >Damn, $14 for a film can! Yeah, isn't that something? Precision-machined aluminum film cans for your 120/220 rolls. Anyone know of a source for cheaper 120/220 film cans? > >> ave a look at: > >> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Anyone know of a source for cheaper 120/220 film cans? I've no idea if this is helpfull for people outside europe, but here in Germany Fujifilm offers a 'container' for five 120/220 films, the price is between one or two euro. A picture of this container can be found here: http://www.isarfoto.com/img/1173b.jpg And Brenner Fotoversand offers 12 120/220 film cans for 5.49 euro.  SignatureHelmut Faugel >Anyone know of a source for cheaper 120/220 film cans? Yes, the standard small-size plastic bottle for prescription drugs. John The Acratech ball head is VERY nice. I've been using it for a little over 6 months. The Arca-Swiss clamping system is the way to go if you use any long telephoto lenses. Focal length seems to be at least as important as camera weight. Replacing a bunch of quick release plates when you find your tripod head isn't good enough is very expensive. I went through 3 Bogen heads before deciding the quick release was a big part of the stability problem. A lot of trails have weeds/bushes that might be too tall to see over with the G1028. Also consider a 3 section leg rather than a 4 section leg. It saves weight and is generally more stable. (I use a G1026 and a G1227 ... both have their pluses) Finally read through the reallyrightstuff.com manual. It has some good thinking put into it. Good luck, -jeff > >I've pretty much decided on Gitzo G-1028 legs for backpacking. > >The next step up would be the G-1228, which is almost twice [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > I have their ball head (just got it recently), and it works well. Not > quite as smooth as my Linhof Profi II, but a lot lighter. > What is the > collective wisdom regarding the Gitzo heads? Servicable but you'll end up buying an AS or clone eventually. The offset head of the Gitzo is funky. The AS is a joy. >Servicable but you'll end up buying an AS or clone eventually. The >offset head of the Gitzo is funky. The AS is a joy. The offset head of the Gitzo IS kind of funky, but on the Explorer tripod mentioned earlier in this thread, it is just the thing. Because you HAVE to go horizontal with the center column to get down low with the explorer, having the ability to rotate where the notch is on the ball head makes it easier to get the camera in position. Dukephoto > >Servicable but you'll end up buying an AS or clone eventually. The > >offset head of the Gitzo is funky. The AS is a joy. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > having the ability to rotate where the notch is on the ball head makes it > easier to get the camera in position. The OP was talking about the Mountaineer, which I have, and it certainly doesn't need the Gitzo head, which I used to have. Personally, I wouldn't buy an Explorer but whatever suits you. Thanks to all who replied. It seems the bottom line is that this is not a decision to be made in haste based on retailers' stock. I will buy a cheap tripod to use with my flash next week and mull over the decision on the ultimate choice for my backcountry equipment. I used to frequent this newsgroup about 3 years ago. I have been gone for so long, I thought a reintroduction would be in order. I make my living as a photographer, specializing in Events and Sports. I also take some Nature photos, but not as many as I would like and I am trying to include more Nature into my busy schedule. Last year I switched from film to digital. I use Nikon equipment. I hope I can renew some of my lost techniques, learn some new ones and contribute where I can. I am based in Alaska. SignatureDavid C. Ramey David Ramey Photography photo@davidrameyphotography.com www.davidrameyphotography.com |
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