> Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 14:20:44 -0400 > From: "Tas Papadopoulos" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: EOS Which Tripod/MonoPod? > > Once again I need your help. I'm trying to decide on a tripod and monopod. > I think I've got it narrowed down to three brands, but since I can't go to > NY to look at them, I thought I'd ask your opinions. > [SNIP] > Manfrotto > Digi Tripod 714B 64.1"/17.3", 2.5lbs > Digi Monopod 676B 60.6"/18.9", 0.88lbs > [SNIP] > Thanks for your time. > > Tas Papadopoulos
Hi, I have the Manfrotto 714B and I can tell you is a good piece of equipment... for what I need it. I use it with my EOS300 (335g) + Battery Pack + 28-135 USM IS (500g) so I'm in the recommended weight limit of the tripod. So, the good sides of it are: - Manfrotto quality. Well respected brand in the market. - The design of the ball head and legs connection is VERY smart and saves a lot of space and weight. - It's light (only 1kg!) so when I travel I don't mind carrying it from early in the morning until night when I need it. My previous heavier tripod had a 5 weeks trip around western Europe and only used ONCE. This one, is always there. - It packs in less than 50cm and extends to 133cm without the central column extended (170cm with the central column extended but I hardly do it). This means I can attach it to the side of my rucksack and check in as luggage. On daily trips, I added a couple of hooks to my Lower Pro Orion Trekker and I just carry it attached there. Now the bad ones: - If you're planning to upgrade your camera later or get bigger/heavier lenses, you might want to buy a bigger one from the beginning. - It's a good tripod if you shoot mostly landscapes or things where you don't need to be too exact with your composition but I used to shoot at my wife's paintings (very big ones) and it's a nightmare to frame the painting properly. It's just not designed for that. - If you need to shoot vertical it is also very difficult to keep the camera steady enough. I found that after a while it slides down. - It doesn't have quick release which I wish I have some times when I just want to shoot a couple of pictures and move on (very important when you pick dangerous locations for your night time pictures of the city) - It's legs are four sections and many people don't like that. I hope this will help. Cheers, Carlos * **** ******* *********************************************************** * For list instructions, including unsubscribe, see: * http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/eos_list.htm ***********************************************************
