What is your weight limit? A design like the Zone VI (is this or its
equivalent still made?) has several advantages:
- Goes to ground level as the hinging at the top provides full movement
- Constructed of wood, so your tongue won't stick to it if you decided to kiss
it... nor will your hands get numb on real cold days
- Overbuilt for an OM with most lenses, but great for long lens use
- Rock solid
- Comes without head so the world is your oyster
- Comes with built-in bubble level (a definite must-have in my book)
- Does duty for up to 5x7 (smaller version) or 11x14 (larger version)
- Legs are 2 sections, not 3, but with enough extension for most tall folks;
but that means it's > 32" in in most compact configuration
- Looks cooler than metal IMNSHO
It's not light, but I've hefted metal jobs just as heavy, especially when
considering stability
Earl
*********** REPLY SEPARATOR ***********
On 12/23/2003 at 10:50 AM James Royall wrote:
>Thanks for all the replies and valuable info on this. The first reply
>from Skip said there will be as many opinions as answers and he was
>right. I've got plenty of reading up to do (and some money to find
>too). To answer AG's question I'm 5'11, but not averse to bending my
>knees. :) Seriously, I've looked at a couple that have been cited as
>favourites and they can be big when folded - I'm going to end up
>leaving behind something that doesn't get any smaller than 32 inches
>long. I know that more joints make for less stability which dictates
>telescope-ability. I'd be happier to stoop to use a smaller tripod than
>not have one with me. Who knows, maybe I will end up with more than
>one, but portability is going to be very high on the list of
>priorities. For the same reason I'm sure now I'll go for a ball head,
>so I'll be interested to hear views on Mike's question.
>
>James
>
>>
>> Most important question I've got to ask is how tall you are.
>> The traditional belief is that the camera should be at eye level
>> at full height--without center extension. I'm 6'4" so that
>> means I'd need a pretty hefty tripod. Do I use it at that
>> height? You betcha! I use every inch, sometimes, when shooting
>> over fences, tall grass, etc. But that combined height and
>> weight are a problem when you need to lug it beyond the car.
>
>
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