First, USPS delivered a package that originated with the UK Royal Mail
with the Tokina 80-200/2.8. It's in really beautiful condition, with
only one tiny paint chip to show from use. What really impresses me is
that it weighs almost a pound less than the Tamron SP 80-200/2.8 that
I've been using! It's also a little smaller, but the weight is the big
thing. As others have pointed out, the tripod mount is less obtrusive
and probably stronger than the Tamron. The plastic lens hood is much
flimsier than the sturdy metal Tamron, but also a lot lighter. Gary's
lens tests give the edge to the Tamron, but the Tokina looks very good
too. With less weight and bulk, I'll probably use the Tokina more often.
Second, UPS delivered 2 packages, neither significantly damaged. The
small one was (another) Vivitar 2x Macro-Teleconverter. How could I
resist for $26?
The big one contained a tripod. OK, so I already have tripods. I love my
Bogen 3236 with 3047 head for use at home or near the car. If I had
bearer (native or whatever), I'd carry it everywhere, but at 14 lbs, it
doesn't travel much. The little Velbon 343E is tiny, only weighs a
little less than 2 lbs., fits in even modest travel bags and fulfills
the 'any tripod is better than no tripod' role admirably. The problem
was in the middle where I have a Cullman 2903 tripod/pan-head. It's not
a bad tripod, very quick to set up, quick release plates, flexible leg
angle adjustment, but with the usual light aluminum problems of
vibration and flex. Also, there is some movement in the center column
even all the way down and the vertical pan action isn't smooth, even
after relubing. I inherited it from my dad, so I've tried to like it for
years but I really don't, same problem I have with the Nikons he had.
I've been not too seriously looking at CF tripods and ball heads for
some time. I came to the conclusion that the Gitzos, Velbons and SLIKs
were just too expensive and the Bogens, in spite of great features, just
aren't rigid enough, too much flex in the legs, esp. on the 4 section.
So I'd been looking at the Hakubas, where the slight weight penalty of
aluminum vs. magnesium top of the Velbons resulted in better prices. I'd
been weighing the merits of a little more height and a little less
weight in the 3 section against the smaller package of the 4 section.
Last week, a new Hakuba 6240 showed up on *Bay in a Ritz camera auction
and I got it for $220, significantly less than Web prices and way below
the $363 at my local shop, Looking Glass.
Now I needed a head. Lots of reading and research left me confused, but
interested in a Gitzo 1276M on another Ritz auction, so I headed down to
Looking Glass for some hands on. Didn't like the Gitzo, too big and
heavy for my purposes and a stiff action (somebody got a good deal on
the *Bay one at $102). After lots of playing, I was impressed by the
Velbon PH-253. I had heard nothing about it. It's amazingly small and
light cast magnesium, yet is smooth and easily clamps very securely. I
went home and could find almost nothing about it on the web when I
looked, but did find good words about its big brother, the PH-263. I
also realized the head on my little Velbon 343E was its little brother,
a PH-243. The next day, I took down an OM and the Tokina 150-500/5.6, a
5 lb. lens. The 5.6oz. (159gr) head held it easily! The head is $60 at
B&H, but I decided all the hands on time I'd spent checking out tripods
and heads there mandated buying it from Looking glass for $77.
I put the 2 together today and am very impressed. The combination weighs
a little less than 4 lbs., half a pound less than the Cullman and is
much more rigid and vibration resistant. There is a centerpost tension
adjustment for load weight adjustment and the column clamps very
solidly. I prefer clamp leg locks to twist locks and woudn't mind
tension adjustment on the ball, but I think I've got a great combination
of features, performace and weight at a great price.
Hope sharing my joy is also helpful for those thinking about buying a
tripod and/or head. Now it's time to take some more pictures!
Moose
< This message was delivered via the Olympus Mailing List >
< For questions, mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >
< Web Page: http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/olympuslist.html >
|