My Vivitar manual macro lens is great, but since I don't like to shoot with a tripod, it's quite unwieldy (so heavy!). I would like to get the Nikon 105mm VR macro sometime. There's a much-sought-after Tokina 90mm macro lens that I've been trying to find used, but no luck so far.
I also got to try out this Sigma 10-20mm wide zoom from a friend of ours, and it's pretty awesome. I'll have to buy my own of this lens, or preferably a similar wide zoom that can work on both full-frame and digital SLRs, since I also shoot with a Nikon F100.
Do you do most of your "shopping" for lenses and stuff online or do you have some favorite local camera shops. In the past I mainly used PJ Camera in Glen Ellyn but in recent years haven't been that pleased with their service.
IIRC, I bought most of my lenses online. I like Adorama, and B&H is good, too. Now that I think about it, the only lenses I got locally were my 50mm and the kit lens that came with the D70, since I bought it from Circuit City (IIRC?).
I wish there were more good camera stores in the area. I now go to Calumet Photo in Oakbrook for my camera needs when I don't buy online, but it's a pain to drive there everytime, especially if I'm just dropping off a couple rolls of film, like I did today in the pouring rain. :P
I get most of my stuff online from B&H these days as well, too. They usually have better prices, and then the lack of tax on top of that can more than pay for (express) shipping and then some. I have gotten some stuff from Helix downtown, too. Helix is actually better for lighting equipment than B&H a lot of the time. And Helix also has their rental department which is handy if you want to try out something before actually buying it, or just need something for a one-off event. I've never personally been to Calumet Photo, but I know a lot of people who like them as well.
@jezlyn: The Nikkor 105 sounds like it would probably be a decent size for you. My parents have the Canon 100mm macro, and use it without a tripod or monopod. Whereas the Canon 180mm macro that I have, my mom complains is much too heavy. However, with a small, lightweight monopod, they've had good success with heavier lenses. I know you said you don't like using a tripod (and I agree, they can be very limiting for spontaneous use), but how do you feel about a monopod?
I have a couple monopods, but sometimes I feel like I'm worse off trying to use one rather than just bracing my elbows to my side, exhaling, and trying to shoot a few pics in a row, hoping one will turn out right. I haven't really studied up on the most effective ways of using monopods, I guess. I've tried placing the monopod so that my legs act as the other two legs of a tripod, but a lot of the time my body somehow moves the monopod during the shot. :P
I should try to improve my technique using monopods, I suppose. It's a lot better than carrying around a tripod.
I find that I do the "option 2" variant the most when I use a monopod with camera+smaller lens. With a supertele on a monopod, option 1 is the only thing I've found works.
I've tried option 3, but I don't think I'm placing the monopod quite right against my leg, hence the instability. Option 2 is the stance I should practice most, I think.
Ok, since we are on "pods" instead od "lenses" now...
My ancient tripod (probably 20 years old) broke recently. Good time to get a new one. The old one was a bit heave, but it was solid and did the trick. It was a SLIK U-212.
Looking for good but reasonably priced tripod recommendations. By resonably priced I mean under $200. Brand? Place to buy?
I'm interested in a Monopod, but I think I probalby should have at least a good working Tripod again first.
@JavaDog: The biggest thing to consider is the load rating. Far, FAR too many pods out there have useless load ratings -- they can't hold anything more than a tiny point-and-shoot. Almost every pod I've seen in the "consumer" camera stores like Wolf Camera/etc are guilty of this. When looking for a new pod, figure out how heavy the biggest bit o' kit you want to put on it is and then filter out anything that doesn't meet that load rating. Better pods will require you to purchase the head separately, so you must also ensure the head you select has a suitable load rating as well.
With regards to weight, carbon fiber models provide the most support for the least weight. However, they tend to be more expensive.
Personally, I use carbon fiber stuff from Gizto (tripod: 1548, monopod: 1588). Gitzo makes high-quality stuff, but tend to be on the pricier side. Bogen/Manfroto is another good brand, that is generally less expensive than Gitzo.
10 comments so far
I need to pick up a good 50mm for mine. I've got the 70-300 kit and a few v. old "manual" lenses.
1 year, 3 months ago by JavaDog
My Vivitar manual macro lens is great, but since I don't like to shoot with a tripod, it's quite unwieldy (so heavy!). I would like to get the Nikon 105mm VR macro sometime. There's a much-sought-after Tokina 90mm macro lens that I've been trying to find used, but no luck so far.
I also got to try out this Sigma 10-20mm wide zoom from a friend of ours, and it's pretty awesome. I'll have to buy my own of this lens, or preferably a similar wide zoom that can work on both full-frame and digital SLRs, since I also shoot with a Nikon F100.
1 year, 3 months ago by jezlyn
Do you do most of your "shopping" for lenses and stuff online or do you have some favorite local camera shops. In the past I mainly used PJ Camera in Glen Ellyn but in recent years haven't been that pleased with their service.
1 year, 3 months ago by JavaDog
IIRC, I bought most of my lenses online. I like Adorama, and B&H is good, too. Now that I think about it, the only lenses I got locally were my 50mm and the kit lens that came with the D70, since I bought it from Circuit City (IIRC?).
I wish there were more good camera stores in the area. I now go to Calumet Photo in Oakbrook for my camera needs when I don't buy online, but it's a pain to drive there everytime, especially if I'm just dropping off a couple rolls of film, like I did today in the pouring rain. :P
1 year, 3 months ago by jezlyn
I get most of my stuff online from B&H these days as well, too. They usually have better prices, and then the lack of tax on top of that can more than pay for (express) shipping and then some. I have gotten some stuff from Helix downtown, too. Helix is actually better for lighting equipment than B&H a lot of the time. And Helix also has their rental department which is handy if you want to try out something before actually buying it, or just need something for a one-off event. I've never personally been to Calumet Photo, but I know a lot of people who like them as well.
@jezlyn: The Nikkor 105 sounds like it would probably be a decent size for you. My parents have the Canon 100mm macro, and use it without a tripod or monopod. Whereas the Canon 180mm macro that I have, my mom complains is much too heavy. However, with a small, lightweight monopod, they've had good success with heavier lenses. I know you said you don't like using a tripod (and I agree, they can be very limiting for spontaneous use), but how do you feel about a monopod?
1 year, 3 months ago by CAW
I have a couple monopods, but sometimes I feel like I'm worse off trying to use one rather than just bracing my elbows to my side, exhaling, and trying to shoot a few pics in a row, hoping one will turn out right. I haven't really studied up on the most effective ways of using monopods, I guess. I've tried placing the monopod so that my legs act as the other two legs of a tripod, but a lot of the time my body somehow moves the monopod during the shot. :P
I should try to improve my technique using monopods, I suppose. It's a lot better than carrying around a tripod.
1 year, 3 months ago by jezlyn
This is one of the pages with some tips (including photos and drawings) for monopod techniques: http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3
I find that I do the "option 2" variant the most when I use a monopod with camera+smaller lens. With a supertele on a monopod, option 1 is the only thing I've found works.
1 year, 3 months ago by CAW
I've tried option 3, but I don't think I'm placing the monopod quite right against my leg, hence the instability. Option 2 is the stance I should practice most, I think.
1 year, 3 months ago by jezlyn
Ok, since we are on "pods" instead od "lenses" now... My ancient tripod (probably 20 years old) broke recently. Good time to get a new one. The old one was a bit heave, but it was solid and did the trick. It was a SLIK U-212.
Looking for good but reasonably priced tripod recommendations. By resonably priced I mean under $200. Brand? Place to buy?
I'm interested in a Monopod, but I think I probalby should have at least a good working Tripod again first.
1 year, 3 months ago by JavaDog
@JavaDog: The biggest thing to consider is the load rating. Far, FAR too many pods out there have useless load ratings -- they can't hold anything more than a tiny point-and-shoot. Almost every pod I've seen in the "consumer" camera stores like Wolf Camera/etc are guilty of this. When looking for a new pod, figure out how heavy the biggest bit o' kit you want to put on it is and then filter out anything that doesn't meet that load rating. Better pods will require you to purchase the head separately, so you must also ensure the head you select has a suitable load rating as well.
With regards to weight, carbon fiber models provide the most support for the least weight. However, they tend to be more expensive.
Personally, I use carbon fiber stuff from Gizto (tripod: 1548, monopod: 1588). Gitzo makes high-quality stuff, but tend to be on the pricier side. Bogen/Manfroto is another good brand, that is generally less expensive than Gitzo.
1 year, 3 months ago by CAW