which tripod/type of head

[manut]

I was looking for a tripod. My equipment is E500, 14-54, 50-500. There are a

lot of choices with teh types of head, ball head, offset head, 3way pan head.

 

Which is the better one when I shoot everything in general. Travel should also

be kept in mind as I would like to take it along.

 

Has anyone used Amvona/dynatran tripods, professional range. They are cheaper

but look sturdy. I have a monopod and I am very satisfied with it.

 

Thanks for helping with your suggestions/advice.

[macartney]

I have an old Bogen 3001 professional tripod with a Manfrotto #222 pistol grip ball head.

It was a Christmas gift from the Ex about 1990. It has always been a complete joy to use

and has gone through several cameras.

 

It is a bit to carry, but the ease of use and rock solid support taking any kind of

photograph is unmatched. I have used it everywhere from camping to travel to weekends

to shooting the kids growing up to letting the kids use it to make video movies with the

neighbor kids.

 

My kids will get it when I shrug off the mortal coil.

 

I have some other cheap -- $30 tripods that are plastic and aluminium to carry on hikes

and such. They work fine and take a bit more to set up with with multiaxis adjustments.

They are no match for the pistol grip ball head with built in circular spirit level that goes to

any angle or tilt with a squeeze and position. But, they are light and easy to carry.

 

One of these days I will get a monopod to finish it out.

 

You always get what you pay for and professional stuff with quality add ons will last a

lifetime.

[godfrey]

I went for a Feisol CT3442 and fitted it with an Acratech Ultimate Ball Head, upgrading

from Manfrotto legs and heads.

 

Not cheap, but it's very light (4.2 lbs complete in its carrying case), handles up to 20lbs,

stands 53 inches tall without extending the (optional) column, and packs down to 19 x 5.5

inches diameter. Without the column, it can be lowered to place the camera about 10"

from the ground. With the optional cross-tube support, it can do odd-angle macro work.

Very nicely made of top notch materials.

 

I'm very pleased with it and expect that it will last a long long time.

 

Godfrey