Tripod Advice

[HiMtnHntr]

Finally got my dream cam, Nikon D80. I'm looking for some suggestions to handle my current Nikon 70-300 lense and a potentially larger lense in the future. Something versitile, something on the cheaper side, but with smooth operating head, etc....I have a ball-type on my slick, which should handle the camera, but not witht the larger lenses. Lots to learn, but it's fun. Any other advice on the D80 would be great, I know there are some real pros on the site...Thanks.

 

[TFinalshot]

how much do you have left to spend on a tripod and head?

Go with a good, mid range bogen and a medeum size ball head of the same maker.

That would be a good place to start. How much hiking to you plan to do with your new set up?

Congrats, hope you have lots of fun with it!

 

[HiMtnHntr]

Thanks TF. I'll be hiking with it on a regular basis, so weight is a concern, but I don't want to sacrifice height. I'll do a bit of research on the bogens. I'd rather keep the cost around 100 bucks for now, but if I hold out a bit I could shell out a little more??? I've also yet to get a case. A case that has detachable pouches for lenses would be optimum, as well as something that isn't too akward to pack around in a backpack. If I'm just shooting somewhere where I don't think a situation will arise that requires a big lense (rare), I'd like the ability to reduce the size of the case. Seems like a full-time job just getting aquainted with the camera!

 

[TFinalshot]

forget the case, use on of your 25 hunting packs instead.

100 bucks wont get you both light wight and tall.

I packed a bogen 3020 for years, it's a tank but you can find them for under 100 bucks on ebay.

You still will need a head, get a good middle sized ball head, keiser, or Bogen, or any other of the big names will last you a lifetime. . .

 

[HiMtnHntr]

T, thanks for the advice. I haven't really got a chance to use the camera yet, so I'm sure many more questions will pop up. I've been shopping a bit for tripods on bhphoto, lots to choose from. I'll check out that 3020.

 

[74cj5]

Fellow Monster Mulley member Browtine led me to this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/PROFESSIONAL-CA...ryZ30094QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I love it! It's definately closer to your price range, and a great tripod for the price.