I am not thinking about camera's and lenses, but stuff like tripods etc. I bought new stuff, and dumped my old useless Slik tripod. I was SO unhappy with it. So I looked, and had decided to buy Gitzo... Until I saw the price Then I ran away screaming So what do you use? And where can you buy gear to attack to cars, at reasonable prices. But stuff that also work. One would not like to drop the camera on the ground.
Take a look at this--> http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=258473 All you need is an iPod Nano and some tape. Interesting solution imo...
Gitzo is expensive, but it's so nice, especially the CF models. For better value than Gitzo, consider Bogen/Manfrotto. But if you're talking about a travel tripod (versus a studio tripod) recognize that anything that is stiff enough to be useful, but light enough to always carry is generally 1) a compromise to some extent, and 2) not going to be cheap.
Gitzi ia nor carried here in DK so I had to order it outside DK. And with those prices I would get taxed to death as well. Robbery in broad daylight I went with Manfrotto. So far I love it. I decided to get the "pistol grip" head to begin with. If I get a heavier camera and lens later on I can always add a different head. But so far this is AWESOME I think.
I read some reviews online and ended up getting a Bogen/Manfrotto combo, spent about $250 on amazon but it seemed to be a good combo. I usually don't go to an expensive route but it seemed like something I will use for awhile.
Handy link, some good advice in there. I'm also in the Manfrotto camp with a 190XB tripod and 486 ball head. A remote will also be really useful as well. Other than that the only extras I have are some filters, spare battery and memory card.
My tripod: Quantaray QSX Digi-Pro 8500. (2) Light Stands are: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/262758-REG/Impact_LS_6B_Light_Stand_Black_.html
I compromised because of the high prices and the limited use it will see. Bought a Chinese carbon fiber tripod off Ebay and a Manfrotto head. Very pleased.
Also going to pick up a 10-stop ND filter, very cool for long exposures during the day. Does anyone not use a flash? I just upgraded to a 5D and it has no flash and I was thinking of getting one but then realized I've used the flash on my 40D maybe 2x in the year.
I use flash a lot, even in daylight. I have the 580EX. I SERIOUSLY NEED a remote for the flash though. What are the prices for such a ND filter?
Unfortunately around $90, but its for a good one, and I can't find anything cheaper. It really is amazing though, say during the day you meter and get a 1/400th shutter speed, popping one on will drop it to 2.5 seconds, pretty amazing.
Know that they are a PITA. You can't see through them, nor can your camera, so you have to focus, figure out your ideal exposure, add the filter (hopefully not affecting focus or framing), and add ten stops of shutter. I have the 2-8 stop variable ND filter from Singh-Ray. It's pricey (about $400), but it makes it a whole lot easier.
Yeah I heard they are pretty much solid black, but focus shouldn't be an issue shooting a f9-11 or so and framing would be fine with a decent tripod. I think Ill get one and if I don't like it I can always sell it, they are usually in pretty high demand. Really I would just like the ability of long exposures during the day.
It's just like putting on really dark sunglasses. Yah... just saying if you bump your lens or rotate it out of focus or change the zoom (push-pull) while putting on the filter you're going to be annoyed Have fun with it.
