Tripods

I have been trying to decide on what tripod and head to get for well over a month.  There are so many brands and models and the prices range from $15 to well over a thousand.  I did a lot of research and knew I didn't want a cheap model, but I certainly wasn't going to spend over a thousand so that narrowed it down a little (HA!).  One time I did settle on a brand and a model but by then it had been discontinued and another time I found the model I wanted, but it would take up to 4 weeks to be shipped and I didn't want to wait that long.  Ironically, if I'd just ordered it, I'd have had it by now.

Then I asked the student advisers at the New York Institute of Photography for advise. (Just FYI - I got a reply in 24 hours.)  The advisor said she used a Giottos tripod and was very happy with it so I thought "What the heck? You can't make up your mind anyway.  Get a Giottos." The advisor also recommended that I go to a camera shop where I could try out the tripod and head before buying and the staff could help me decide what I needed.  This was excellent advise. Unfortunately, there isn't a camera shop near to me so I ordered the tripod shown below from Amazon.com.  It was what I considered a moderate price and had good reviews on several photography websites.



I got it this week, but haven't used it so my opinion on its virtues and foibles isn't worth a lot at this point. However, in my opinion:

• This tripod appears quite sturdy.
• It weighs almost 5 pounds which is only about 1/2 pound heavier than a similar carbon fiber tripod which costs more than twice as much.   I'm an old lady and that 1/2 pound may be important when I'm out in the field carrying it around, but right now it was the price that was the considering factor.
• It's easy to operate, but not if you have weak thumbs.  You have to pull out a thingee (they call it a "Quick Release lock") to change the leg angles which isn't hard to do once you know how, but it does takes some strength in your thumbs. 
• Comes with a 'tool kit' that attaches to the  tripod.
• The "spiked" feet are covered with rubber like material so they can be safely used indoors.
• It came with a "deluxe" case as well as a carrying strap that can go on the tripod or the case.  The case really does seem to be of good quality and I had no problem zipping it up with the ball head attached to the base.  I have read that this was a problem with some cases, but not this one.
• When folded, it's longer than I would have liked, 26 inches without the head. 

I purchased the ball head shown below which also got good reviews on Amazon and other websites. 



Again these are just my first-sight opinions:

1. It seems sturdy and well made
2. I have a very difficult time getting the quick release lever to budge and had decided to send it back, but I finally got it to move by using more force than I thought should be necessary.  I do have a problem with weak thumbs due to old injuries so maybe it was just my problem.  
3. In the opinion of a beginning tripod user, the directions for this product stink.  The directions for the quick release lever are presented on 1 side of a 2" x 3" card attached to the head.  However, there are a couple of YouTube videos YouTube  videos that were helpful.  After watching them and playing around with it a little I know what most of the knobs do and how to use them, but better instructions for beginners would be great.
4. It comes in a nice leatherette bag with what I think is called an Allen wrench.
5. I had read a couple of reviews that said the quick release plate had rough edges.  One reviewer even said he had cut himself twice.  However, I found no rough or sharp edges on the plate I received.  It was quite smooth. 

There are a lot of articles, blogs, and videos on tripods and heads for beginners.  Most have good information, but I think the article at lensrentals.com on Choosing a Ballhead was one of the better ones on explaining ballheads.  (They also have an article on how the earthquake in Japan is affecting the availability of cameras and accessories that is rather interesting.)

I usually order from Amazon.com because I have an account there and am quite satisfied with their services, but if you want more complete information on cameras and camera equipment I suggest you check out Adorama , B&H, or one of the other photography shops on the web.