tripod for one - handed use? Gitzo ok?

I'm upgrading from a cheap Slik with a pan/tilt head. Just ordered

the Acratech Ultimate ball head with levelling base. Now I need to

sort out the legs.

Weight is not too critical - but ease of use is. Seems like the

choice is Manfrotto or Gitzo, I don't want to be doing this again

next year! I was nearly hooked on the Gitzo 2257 - but I need

feedback on how easy the twist locks are to use. I have limited use

of my left hand (can grip a chunky item but no fine motor control)

so I'm wondering if the Manfrotto / Bogen flip locks would be easier

to use.

Nothing too heavy will be on it - Canon 5D & 70-200/4 is the

heaviest combo (for now!).

Many thanks

Bill

The Gitzo 2257 should be cool. I have the older 4-section version 2228 and the aluminium 2220.

The twist locks are easy to use, though you will find yourself twisting more than one full turn to lock/unlock legs. The Al 2220 has better, bigger locks compared to 2228 (which has a bit mushy locks IMO). I never tried the 2227 (similar to 2257) so I don't know if that has identical locks to the 2220.

I never had any problem with Bogen flip locks but I've always felt they might fail in the long run, they just don't feel very rigid.

"I don't want to be doing this again next year" -- well, the flip locks will definitely last more than a couple years but somehow the gitzo twist locks are the best I have seen so far.

From your description of your needs, the Manfrotto 458B Neotec, one of the most revolutionary tripods in decades, is definitely worth a look. I love mine.

http://olympusdigitalschool.com/Global/Popups/Manfrotto/458B_Neotec_Tri_684B_Neotec_Mono/Basic_Setup/index.html

thanks for the quick responses guys. A couple of follow ups - I live in NZ, buying sight unseen, so greatly appreciate real use feedback:

Arnab: Do you notice much practical difference between the al & cf versions (2220 / 2258)? There is quite a price difference for a pound or so weight.

Ralph: good to hear your experiences, the neotec has been on my short list. That is a very informative link you posted.

Bill

"Arnab: Do you notice much practical difference between the al & cf versions (2220 / 2258)? There is quite a price difference for a pound or so weight. "

The biggest practical difference -- as you said -- is the price (BTW, I have the 2228, prior version of 2258). Apart from that and the slightly more weight, the 2220 is preferable in all other respects.

I purchased the 2228 first because it was lighter (not much difference as I found out later) and has shorter collapsed length. But I much prefer the weight, stability and broad leg-locks (I suppose 2227/2257 will have broad leg-locks too, because that too is a 3-section) of 2220.

If you do not mind the extra weight (I must admit even half-a-pound makes a lot of difference on long treks) or shoot mostly from a car -- the 2220 is ideal. I have heard carbon fiber tripods have been known to crack upon abuse, I don't worry about the 2220 ever cracking or bending.

Bill, buying sight unseen, given your left hand strength, is going to be somewhat risky.

Regardless of what you buy, I suggest you make sure whoever you order it from (I

presume you're talking mail order) has a good return policy, and find out how their

process works, in case you're not happy with what you get. I'd mention this situation

when you place your order, and get the order taker's name and phone extension should

you run into any problems with a return.

I have a Gitzo CF 1325 and while you don't have to turn the locks more than about half a

rotation (don't over-tighten Gitzo locks!), because the legs are round section there is some

basic grip strength involved. So of course, the larger the Gitzo model, the easier it will

probably be for you to grip. Check out their website or catalog for leg diameters to see

what you think. I haven't handled the new Gitzo 2257, which is an all new model based on

their Explorer series, but since it has an "Anti-Rotation Leg System", that should make it

easier to adjust than the regular Gitzo legs. The flip lock at the top of the Explorer leg

makes a noticeable "snap" sound when engaged, so if you're shooting shy animals this

might work against you.

Something like the Manfrotto Neotec is probably the easiest leg mechanism on the market

to use, followed by their flip-lock leg adjusters such as the (hmmm... they've recently

changed all their product names!) 055PRO. Some consider the Sachtler tripods best of all,

but they're hardly cheap.

As you're in NZ, you might call around some pro photographers, or photo rental

operations down there, and see if someone has a Gitzo you could handle before ordering.

Hi Bill, talk to Greg Bramwell at Photo & Video International, Merivale Mall 189 Papanui Rd Christchurch. Free phone is 0800camera,

about your tripod requirements and your hand.

Good prices, plenty of experience, supplier to many Pro photogs around New Zealand, and can source any current product in record time.

I have had plenty of great transactions from Greg.

Erin: don't worry, I know all about P&V in ChCh and have spent plenty of cash there. However I wanted to look outside the Manfrotto range they carry - I may well go to them if I decide on Manfrotto. What I was looking for here (and recieved plenty of) was user experience.

Bill

Hi, Bill,

I'm afraid that I haven't exactly understood your situation, and also I fear that it might be a little too late, a pan/tilt head seems more suitable for one-hand operation.

The Acratech ballhead is superbly designed, but it has no friction in the ball and your expensive combo will fall to any side the moment you loosen the clamp unless you hold the combo properly, which will require another hand.

On the other hand (sorry, no pun intended), when you are operating a pan/tilt head, you always end up holding the very lever you loosen.

If, as you said, the weight is not too critical. you'd better purchase a better pan/tilt head either by Quickset Husky, Gitzo, Manfrotto, Velbon or even Slick.

Hope this would be of any help.

"The Acratech ballhead is superbly designed, but it has no friction in the ball and your expensive combo will fall to any side the moment you loosen the clamp unless you hold the combo properly, which will require another hand. " - Akira S.

Akira, both of my Acratech heads have a screw-knob on the upper edge of ball-cradle that can be used to adjust friction/tension. It just does not have the progressive friction control of Arca Swiss because it doesn't have an aspherical ball.

The only problem with one-handed operation of Acratech could be at time of flopping the camera down to portrait orientation. The panning lock may need to be loosened and the head panned a bit before you can switch to portrait.

As I have stated many times in these forums -- I much prefer my Acratech heads over the A/S B1/

I have both the Manfrotto/Bogen 3021Bpro and the 055. I like the lever clamps on all the Bogen tripods. If you can hold the tripod so it will not fall then you can move a lag with one hand. Sometimes as I walk alone, I will move the lags. Pop the clamp move the lag close the clamp.

If you can go with the 055.

Jim

Bill, I use a number of tripods, but ended up doing all my field photography with a Bogen 3047 quick release head. It uses the hexagon, not the square release plates. I've got every tripod-mountable piece camera and telephoto lens equipped with the mounting plates. All I have to do is put the camera on the head, and push down. The plate "snaps" securely into place. To remove, I pull one lever all the way out, and I can lift off the equipment and it's ready to snap on the next camera or lens.

Also, a number of Bogen tripods have quick-release legs where you pull a lever and the leg extends. I also own other tripods, including a Gitzo, but I think you'll find the Bogen the best bet for one-handed photography.

A tripod that you may want to look into is the Dutch Hill P900; a description is available via

http://www.charlescampbell.com/products/index.html#tripod

It has lever type leg releases that are situated near the top of the tripod head rather than down around the leg sections. The manufacturer makes surveying tripods primarily, and also makes tripods for the military so quality should not be an issue. Only problem is your being in N.Z.; you may want to check the manufacturer's site for distributors in your region.

A big thank you to everyone for all the good info. I may not have clarified the one handed issue well enough - I had some nerve damage which means reduced grip strength and no fine 'twiddling' ability in my left hand. Hence I was worried that the Gitzo twist locks might need a good grip in both hands to operate. From what I gather they would be workable - as would a ball head - but the flip lock/pan & tilt combo would still be easier.

I think I may have read too many posts here where people enthuse that a carbon fibre Gitzo with a great ball head is the ultimate. I didn't want to take an intermediate step, but it does sound like the 055 with a good p&t head may be the tool that lets me actually get out and take photos with the least fuss - which is what this is all about!

Bill

Arnab,

Thanks for the correction!

Bill,

FWIW, Gitzo's Basalt and new Carbon 6x triopds in series 2 adopt Anti Leg-Rotation system, which means that you don't need to hold the leg-pipes when you loosen and tighten the rings.

I personally use a Basalt 1297 and one-hand operation is a breeze.

Bill: given what you have said concerning your lack of fine and gross motor control in your left hand, an 055 would be an excellent choice if you do not need the weight reduction provided by carbon fiber. I have used the 055 in the past and it is a solid, versatile and economic performer.

As far as the collars on the Gitzo tripods: I am currently using a 1228, and appreciate the fact that it has no levers that can snag on brush, etc. However, the collars can be frustrating if overtighted (easy enough to do even when being careful not to), as they can take a fair amount of grip pressure and twisting force to loosen: I have mild carpal tunnel in one hand and even the occasional application of such twisting force over a day takes its toll; given the severity of your condition, you perhaps should stay away from twist collars.

As you are now considering a pan & tilt head over the Acratech head, have you considered acquiring a Bogen 410 gear head instead. Such a head would provide a finer degree of control than with a pan & tilt, although not having the quick versatility (and potential unexpected slop) of a ballhead. Sort of puts you in the middle -- and if you intend to do macro or other pursuits that require fine adjustments in composition, then a gear head will be your ticket.

> have you considered acquiring a Bogen 410 gear head instead

Wayne

good info just keeps on coming! Looks like I have the legs sorted, 055 seems to be the ticket. Interestingly I had looked at the geared heads and wondered about them. They sound like a good option.

One concern I had about the Manfrotto heads was their different quick release systems - I was hoping to use a standard Arca Swiss type, to open up the whole range of L plates etc by third party outfits like RRS. Do other Manfrotto users feel limited by the options?

Bill

Bill: just remembered, flip locks such as those found on the 055 can also take a fair amount of pressure to loosen if overtightened. The difference between levers and collars in this respect lies in the type of motion necessary to tighten/loosen them: collars require a twisting motion; levers a pushing or pulling motion. Choice would more or less come down to what type of repetitive stress you can more easily endure.

A principle reason why I suggested the Dutch Hill tripod is that it has only three levers to operate; the 055 has six that may well all come into play at times. Placement is also an issue: adjusting an 055 sometimes requires gripping a leg tightly with one hand (in your case, probably your left) while using the other to operate the lever. Since the levers on the Dutch Hill are near the top, you could just press down on the tripod crown with your left hand while tightening/loosening the levers with your good hand. Which do you think would be easier on your left hand in the long run?

I did some checking, and there Dutch Hill distributor in Australia (though not N.Z.); it is: Stadia Instruments, 5 Bookham Street, Morley, W. Australia, 6062.

9 . 275 . 9877

For what it is worth I am not hawking Dutch Hill; just presenting an option that is not widely known. In all truth, a Berlebach or similar wooden tripod may well do the trick for you. My heavy-duty tripod is a Ries, and it is by far the easiest-to-adjust tripod I have ever used (apart from professional cine tripods) -- though somewhat more cumbersome to sling over long distances. Berlebachs use similar adjusting screws, and though I have never used a Berlebach I suspect that they are similarly as easy to adjust. Of note is that some Berlebachs models have a built-in levelling mechanism, and you may not need the Acratech levelling base.

Basically what I am getting at is that while Manfrottos and Gitzos are quite popular, either may not be the most suitable to the limits that your left hand presents. Do check out other options; in the long run your hand and pocket-book may well thank you ;-)

I just wanted you to know that I am offering the Dutch Hill P900 Carbon Fiber Photo tripod on eBay.

Thank you,

Mike Herring<div></div>