Could not resist putting this in:

http://photorumors.com/2011/02/01/the-arca-swiss-d4-d4m-get-an-us-price-world%E2%80%99s-smallest-and-lightest-tripod-head/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PhotoRumors+%28PhotoRumors.com%29

Now THAT's a compromise. Looks good, acts like a ball, moves like a gear, costs more than your tripod!!!

There is something to say "Looking the Part". If I hired a photographer for a shoot and he/she came with "homemade" looking gear,...I would be very concerned.

I remeber seeing a "Judge Judy" episode where the hired wedding photographer took HORRIBLE pictures for a few thousand dollars. When asked by the judge, What type of gear do you use? She replied she used an entry level camera, lens, flash. End result, the judge rulled in favor of the plantiff.

Again,...it's not only having the gear you need to get the job done right, it's also looking the part too.

aetas said:
Hope all this advise is helping the op out.

Very much, thank you everyone for your contributions

Seems as a lot of people like ball heads. I don't think they'll be to my preference. But ill give them a second look.

Gareth said:
the plato is meant to be able to be used with flash, ahhhhhh as i type this i realise you need a flash with pc sync...

One thing I want to try it for is a stereoscopic rig with two D7000 cameras connected to the same receiver with a Y adapter so that it gives a simultaneous shutter release. I actually ordered the adapter and have two cables but I moved last summer before it came in the mail and I never saw it. I'm off to order another.

For a post little over a day old this is growing fast. Its like everyone has the "right" answer=) My right answer is manfrotto ball heads. I got mine for abound $200 and it is going strong. Its been in sand and salt water. I just always remember to clean what I can. Hope all this advise is helping the op out.

my plato stopped working on the 700 but still works on the 300s, so must be the contacts. the sinc cover on the 300s is much better than on the 700, which always come open.

the plato is meant to be able to be used with flash, ahhhhhh as i type this i realise you need a flash with pc sync...

Mike Gunter said:
Hi johnnyapple,

I have both and use them for different reasons. I guess I should have made that clearer. If I had to settle for one, I really don't know if I would get the wired release.

I wasn't aware of the Phottix model. It looks absolutely terrific. While I have what I need, I'm curious to see if it works for the D90 or D7000 (and of course, whether Nikon will have the same connectivity for the D800)? ;-)

Thanks so much for the info and my best,

Mike

Actually it works for any recent Nikon camera because both the receiver and the transmitter (which can be used as a cable release) have the 2.5mm TRS jack to output to the camera and then it's just a matter of having the right cable: N10 for D90, D7000, D5000; N8 for D200, D300, D3, D700; or N6 for D70s, D80.

The only ones I see right now on ebay are actually with the N10 cable or N6 cable, but you can just ask them for an N8 cable when you order it. That's actually what I did because I wanted to use it with a D200 as well as my D90 and they just charged me an extra $5 to get both cables. (In my heart of hearts I admit I also wanted to cover any upgrades to the D700.)

I'm not trying to hijack this thread, but one cool feature that the plato has is that the transmitter has a light that lights up when the receiver is getting the signal, so even if you're too far away to hear the shutter you can know you were within range (and you can periodically check that you're within range by pressing the shutter button halfway).

jonnyapple said:I have a phottix plato (~$40 new on ebay) that will also plug in as a cable release.

If I go to ebay and find a $40 phottix plato wireless release for a ten-pin connector I'll have someone's babies!

EDIT:
wow!
I can't justify one, but now I know.
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and knowing is half the battle.

Hi johnnyapple,

I have both and use them for different reasons. I guess I should have made that clearer. If I had to settle for one, I really don't know if I would get the wired release.

I wasn't aware of the Phottix model. It looks absolutely terrific. While I have what I need, I'm curious to see if it works for the D90 or D7000 (and of course, whether Nikon will have the same connectivity for the D800)? ;-)

Thanks so much for the info and my best,

Mike

Mike Gunter said:
Granted, a fast shutter or a strobe lighted scene should 'freeze' a scene, but a firm support is added insurance in any shot.

Great advice and reminds me of a strobist article about how a tripod can be your most powerful light. With a tripod you can pop a flash on your subject and then let ambient light fill in the rest to the level you're looking for, but without a tripod you'd have to light the whole scene yourself (which can get pricey).

+1 on the remote release, but instead of a cable release I'd recommend an RF remote (not IR as they're not as useful). I have a phottix plato (~$40 new on ebay) that will also plug in as a cable release.

Hi all,

I read Hogan's pages and like what he has to say (and who wouldn't), but he's a bit of an elitist. I tend to think that most folks who shoot aren't professionals earning enough to pay over a grand for a tripod. :-)

One can get 'pretty good stuff' and do very well.

What you get will largely depend upon how much you want to use it. I would encourage you to think about that some. I use mine a lot, so it's a big deal to me. Left and right axis is bigger than you might think, too, especially if you use Creative Lighting System. It's bitch if the light is to the left and your axis on the head is on the right for a vertical shot and you need your pop up flash on the wrong side - there are many ways around it, but you may not have them in your gadget bag with you when you need it.

Toting it around will be a drag if you use it and it's heavy - a conundrum you don't want to have. Lighter tripods aren't the best either, unless they're made of carbon fiber and then they are expensive.

That's why Drab is suggesting go lightly into supports. See what's there and how much you need it and what you're willing to do. You might find that it's not so much for you, or you might find that it dramatically improves your shots. If you do it right, it will. A rock steady shot will just be better than one hand held.

Nonetheless, a few dollars spent to check things out will certainly be better than jumping in to find out that it just isn't a fit for you.

You'll also need one of two things: a remote control or cable release. I prefer the cable release. Don't try to use your hand to fire the shutter, it will defeat the reason for the tripod in the first place, regardless of how fast the shutter - a firm support needs a firm shutter release to fire it.

Granted, a fast shutter or a strobe lighted scene should 'freeze' a scene, but a firm support is added insurance in any shot.

My best,

Mike

jonnyapple said:

(especially when combined with buying used).

Is there any other way? If I could stop visiting this forum and finding out there is newer stuff around or coming up I would think my D90 is the latest and greatest...
Here is my nice cheap tripod and pano head - all for £90.

Goes up to my eye level without using the centre column and is pretty solid.

Can't help being a cheapskate! Seriously - I'd love the best if I could afford it.

Drab said:
I don't know if it is a language barrier or if I am failing to get my point across, but this is the second time you have totally misunderstood my point.

My point is, counter to Thom, that one can save money in the long term by starting cheap and learning what compromises to make.

Sure I could have bought a $1500 tripod and head from day one, but I don't NEED a $1500 tripod and head. If spending $50 now (resellable, so not even $50) on a cheap head teaches me what I NEED I won't spend more than I need in the future.

Oops. I also wish to make clear my statement. I too work and put money aside for retirement, children, etc. I may have access to money, but that money is definitely needed elsewhere. Just because you can, does not mean you should.

As for advice, I followed a strategy since the beginning of buying a bit better than I need in phases. I've done research and everything has made sense quality/price/satisfaction. Unfortunately the phases get shorter and the entry-level budget gets much higher.

It may sound silly, but every time I use my tripod, I feel an energy because I enjoy it that much. I agree mostly with drab, do not buy the high end pro stuff without need, but I think $300 is very reasonable for a tripod and head. At this price point, I do not think you will fall into the trap described by Thom's article. If you do regret your $300 purchase and trade for higher end $1000, it will be because you know you need it...exactly what drab is saying.

Don't the little Knobbies that you have to turn hurt your fingers after using it a while?

I agree with jerl. For stills, I'd consider a ball head. Look into the 496RC2 for about the same price as the 3-way you mentioned. I have the discontinued 488RC0 and the only complaint I've had is that it's heavy.

edit: FWIW, I agree with Drab on the learning strategy. Reselling (especially when combined with buying used) can make experimenting with gear more affordable. Besides, sometimes you may find that what you bought to 'learn' on is enough for what you do.

That's what happened with me and my tripod. I read Thom Hogan, as well, and so planned on upgrading once I found where I was limited by my tripod (manfrotto 2021pro legs and the 488 ball head that I mentioned). I found out that I didn't (and don't) really feel limited by it. Someday I'd like to get a pano head to get rid of parallax for panoramas.

adamz said:
drab, micron49 - unfortunately I'm not in Your position guys, I have to work my money hard, and each time I spend some money on my camera gear means that I don't spend it on some other (sometimes crucial, sometimes not) stuff. maybe because of that, I can't afford to buy one things just for learning,

I don't know if it is a language barrier or if I am failing to get my point across, but this is the second time you have totally misunderstood my point.

My point is, counter to Thom, that one can save money in the long term by starting cheap and learning what compromises to make.

Sure I could have bought a $1500 tripod and head from day one, but I don't NEED a $1500 tripod and head. If spending $50 now (resellable, so not even $50) on a cheap head teaches me what I NEED I won't spend more than I need in the future.

forgot to say that you can mount a camera to a monopod directly and still have adequate usability.

I personally would not recommend using a 3 way head, because they are a little more troublesome to use than a real ballhead. I'd suggest trying one out first (or buying from a place that lets you return this stuff) before committing.

iChilliPepper, you are not alone by a long shot. Take solace in the actual comfort of learning all about the things you simply want for the sake of wanting. The fact that you are disciplined enough to not just stick it on the credit card shows you have more impulse control than a lot of us. To everyone: when I hit 50 I had the WTH moment after over a year of reading about digital photography. There was a break point where I just looked at the right side of the menu, said to myself, I am going to do this and I am going to do it for the sake of the end product. I have taken great comfort in reading repeatedly (here) to keep my mindset on the photograph. One of the best photos I took when I took my college level intro to photography was a self portrait where I put the camera on timer, propped the camera in the crotch of a tree, and went over and struck a pose. The teacher was certain that I had help until I took him to the spot where I had taken it, and the sweet light time of day where the light was poking through the trees. Later that week I saw him carefully picking his way in the direction of that spot with his 5 X 7 camera mounted on his favorite wooden tripod and a kit bag. Connections people, don't forget connections...

Hi Guys

Thank you all for you feedback. Much appreciated.

pbull221 said:
Do we know what tripod he was referring to that is in need of a head?

Hi yea. I haven't bought the tripod yet but I am planning to buy a Manfrotto 055XPROB. With a Manfrotto 804RC2 3way head once i get some cash.

First impressions seem good.

At the beginning I was just planning to use the tripod indoors on level ground. And thought if I bought an adapter then it would be a quick fix till i have enough money for the head.

I might leave that idea now and just wait a month and buy it all together.

Trouble is my mind works like a kid in a toy store

"I WANT IT I WANT IT NOW!" :D

Yup. +1

drab, micron49 - unfortunately I'm not in Your position guys, I have to work my money hard, and each time I spend some money on my camera gear means that I don't spend it on some other (sometimes crucial, sometimes not) stuff. maybe because of that, I can't afford to buy one things just for learning, and than to buy another stuff only after I realize that the cheap stuff I bought before doesn't work as expected. my mother always says that: "we are too poor to buy cheap stuff". at the same time, I don't say that You need to get the most expensive things one can get, I say only that You have to get the best You can afford/suites You for Your stuff.

Drab said:

I, myself, am able to afford a D3s, the "holy trinity" of zoom lenses, and a most impressive tripod and head.

...and even the richest man is a fool who trains on an expensive bike.

Exactly my problem to a lesser degree...50% of the time you should just do it because you squander 2 yrs thinking about it, but 50% of the time you say WTH am I thinking spending this much??? (Pros aside of course.)

Seriously, when the D800 comes out, I will need counseling. I just shot my kid's basketball game and ISO 1250 @ 2.8 is still not great on D90. I am leaning towards the "just do it" if the FX can see in the dark, but it's a ridiculous amount of cash.

Photography is becoming like cars where you look at it as an investment to justify it all. The only person you're kidding is yourself. :-)

BTW, my Manfrotto XPROB055 legs and RC322 grip are doing very well for me. Oddly though, when I bracket 3 shots, I see a tiny shift for one of them in post-processing. I need to see again if that happens with or without remote.

We have not heard from the OP(?) for a while. Do we know what tripod he was referring to that is in need of a head? I have several tripods after 40 years with photography. My Mom and Dad were very wise when they got me an hefty Bogen when I was about 17. It was the last tripod I got but have been learning recently about the super teles and have dreams of humping it up a hill and down through the valley to pick off some never been shot by Me photographs. Personally, I now save until I can afford what I want and thus do not compromise, it is not my profession (being creative on demand makes me lock up inside), it is what I do to rescue myself from the day's computer networking job. It is not using a computer for the sake of computers, it is using a computer because it is part of the work flow. I guess you could say it is compromise because I am limited by time, but the wait is virtually always worth it.

As somebody with a limited budget, I followed the path that was mentioned first in that link - I learned by trial and error. I have a little Manfrotto Modo which is too twangy and a nice Slik which isn't. I use the Manfrotto for hiking and hang my pack off it to stabilise it because the Slik is too heavy to tote up a mountain.

Manfrotto £30, Slik AMT £80 - there are bargains out there if you search.