Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainYooh
That's negative thinking, Buzzard  . Gitzo makes the best tripods and monopods on the market today, so the retail prices start to reflect that. They weren't nearly as high just a couple of years ago. If there's one thing I have learned in this hobby, if you don't really need something right now, a little patience will bring good rewards. People get in and out of the hobby; they often sell stuff that's nearly new or even never used. I have three Gitzo tripods - Traveler (light), Mountaineer (medium) and Series 3 (heavy-duty) plus a really heavy Bogen for studio macro photography and I spent less than $1,000 in total buying them. Your bird photos suggest to me that you are a patient guy. Why not do some bargain hunting and get the best for less than half-price?
Also, good tripod is only part of the deal. You also need a good reliable tripod head and quick-plate. Gitzo makes decent heads (although not the smoothest). Markins ball heads are the best - they work like butter, but again, you will need to hunt for one to get it for 50% of retail. In the beginning, I suggest hunting for an all-in Gitzo (tripod+head) deal on eBay and you will find one within budget if you stretch it a little. I have a decent Gitzo head with Gitzo quick-plate, which I don't use anymore (I switched to all Markins heads and arca-swiss plates); if you end up buying a Gitzo tripod without a head, let me know, I can let you use it so that you can try it out and see if you like it.
These are quick examples right off eBay today:
Mountaineer:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/401265328203?...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/201790929753?...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
One more thing, total height is VERY important and relevant to your eye level. If you plan on spending more than a couple of minutes at the tripod, bending even slightly down to the viewfinder for more than a few minutes strains your neck and back a lot. This means - to Fuzz's point - there are compromises for leg height/column height/weight/folded size and, of course, price. This is where 3-section vs. 4-section becomes important. |
Ha, patience definitely isn't my strong suit! I'm more lucky than patient, that's for sure.
I didn't think to look on ebay for used. I looked on kijiji and didn't see any Gitzo. I think I will be patient though and keep watching. Looks like there may be some good deals to be had on ebay.
Thanks for the info and the offer on the Gitzo head. I'll figure out something and if I go that route, I'll let you know.