Tripod Vibration

[FaithfulPastor]

My tripod vibrates, so I set my camera to take the photo 10 seconds after I press the shutter release.

The tripod legs are fully extended and the center post, (one that elevates or lowers the camera) is all the way down.

The camera and flash are heavy. So where do I begin? I don't think my current tripod is up to the task. How do I choose a good tripod?

Faithfully Yours,
FP

[Mark1616]

What tripod is it and what head do you have?

[FaithfulPastor]

It's a Dynax Model: DX-NW080.

It's 53 inches tall and I bought it for our video camera a few years ago. It has a detachable/quick release plate.

I think it qualifies as a tripod only because it has 3 legs.

FP

[Mark1616]

The main problem is that lightweight and strong don't really go together. I have a Velbon Sherpa Pro that does a pretty good job and is very solid, for my video work I use a Velbon DV-7000 which although cheap is not too bad with short to medium lenses.

I would go to a local store and try a few out but don't be shocked by some of the prices.

[FaithfulPastor]

High prices for photography equipment? You're kidding???

Photography: Definition: A hobby or vocation that is more expensive than illegal drugs and more frustrating than an ex-wife.

[Mark1616]

Originally Posted by FaithfulPastor

High prices for photography equipment? You're kidding???

Photography: Definition: A hobby or vocation that is more expensive than illegal drugs and more frustrating than an ex-wife.

Sounds about right to me. I've spent getting on for $18,000 on this hobby and I'm about to add the 5D mkII to the mix and probably move to Apple from PC so I won't disagree with you.

[StevieDgpt]

Originally Posted by FaithfulPastor

High prices for photography equipment? You're kidding???

Photography: Definition: A hobby or vocation that is more expensive than illegal drugs and more frustrating than an ex-wife.

The only thing more expensive are fast cars and good looking hookers.

[Wil Davis]

Originally Posted by FaithfulPastor

…How do I choose a good tripod?…
FP

(1) Buy the heaviest tripod you can find/afford

(2) Go for something with an established name (e.g. Bogen (made in Italy by Manfrotto))

(3) If you're serious, get something with a quick-release plate (see 2)

(4) see (1)

repeat until happy…



- Wil

PS: There are some other tricks you can do like hanging weights under the tripod to help stabilize it, or using a bean-bag (I made mine back in 1972); perhaps that's a topic for another thread…

[Wil Davis]

OK, some more thoughts:

Fewer sections = more stable, but less portable (and vice-versa)

Also, a heavy camera, having more mass, is less susceptible to shake and vibration than is a light camera; the same can be said about a tripod.

Carbon Fibre = lightweight, easy to carry, but no matter how strong the tripod is, if it feels light and flimsy then I would reckon it to be less stable; to be stable it has to have MASS!

Don't skimp on the $$; think of it as buying one good tripod as an investment for life.

er, that's it…

- Wil

[TCav]

Originally Posted by StevieDgpt

The only thing more expensive are fast cars and good looking hookers.

... and horses. (Trust me on this one.)