Need recommendations on a boom tripod!

[MSX-Jeff]

We need to get a good tripod for doing top-down shots in our growout raceways.

The camera is a Canon Rebel XT (I know, there are better camera's, but we've got this one ), not a heavy camera, but we still need something strong and durable enough to not allow the camera to fall into the water

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I've found several, but most seem to be a fixed 90deg arm, and I need something that has tilt capabilities.

Any feedback on this item? The downside to this is that it is out of stock
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4822-REG/Benbo_BEN107C_Trekker_Tripod_Kit.html#specifications


I'm also researching a good macro that can stay super sharp at very close range. I currently use a Canon 50mm f 2.5 lens, and I HAVE to get very close to fill the frame, which is difficult for some shots and pieces. We also have a 100mm Canon macro lense, you can get great individual SPS polyps with it, but not much larger without getting several feet away, and that is difficult. What we need is a good "in-between" lense that will give grea clarity and focus from 12-18".


Thanks in advance!

 

[Reef Bass]

You could possibly use a "fixed 90deg arm" tripod with a ball mount head. That would give you very flexible angle possiblities on the end of the relatively horizontal tripod arm.

You could also possibly play the with length of the legs, setting them not all equal, to change the angle of the now no longer parallel with the floor tripod arm (horizontal center column).

Between adjusting the legs and having a ball mount head, I'd bet you could find that magic sweet spot you're looking for.

 

[MSX-Jeff]

the other issue with the fixed arm tripod is that I can't seem to find any that are any longer than 18"....our raceways are 36" wide and I want to be able to shoot anywhere in the raceway without having to move corals around for photographing.

Any thoughts on the Benbo tripod? I found that B&H does have them in stock, just not the "package"....they have the tripod, and I was looking at Giottos MH-1001-652 head ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=423960&is=REG ).

 

[MSX-Jeff]

Well, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Benbo 1 tripod and the Giottos MH-1001-652 ball-head. I'll post my thoughts on it when it arrives (supposed to be here on Thu.)

Oh, and I ordered a new Canon XSi while I was at it to replace the XT

Anybody use the Live View through a computer with the XSi? I'm hoping to not have to be on a ladder hanging precariously over the tank to line-up and focus shots :lol:

 

[Reef Bass]

I shoot remotely with my 50D when shooting my tank. It's awesome. Don't forget that you can't use auto focus with live view but you can control everything else remotely.

 

[Jacob D]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15589562#post15589562 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reef Bass
I shoot remotely with my 50D when shooting my tank. It's awesome. Don't forget that you can't use auto focus with live view but you can control everything else remotely.

IIRC, on my 40D I was able to autofocus in live view... but I never used it. It's a custom function in the camera that you have to enable.

 

[BlueCorn]

Both Benbo and Giottos are knock-off products but should do fine under your conditions. I wouldn't recommend either for field work.

 

["Umm fish?"]

I have the Benbo and I really like it, just so long as I don't have to carry it out into the field. It's very heavy and very stable but it takes a little while--and some practice--to get used to how to set it up. I do like that you can get your camera level on _any_ terrain with it. I just need a pack mule to get it to the terrain.

 

[MSX-Jeff]

Thanks for the info guys

I wasn't planning on attempting AF with the remote view, I was just hoping that it was going to be good enough to get good crisp MF shots using the laptop's monitor as a viewfinder.

I knew the Benbo was heavy, but I won't be going hiking with it, just shooting corals and fish

 

["Umm fish?"]

Yep, great for tank shots because the weight adds stability. Once the boom is extended out you will get some camera shake, of course. But it does seem to me like it'll be a good tripod for what you want to do with it.

 

[Whisperer]

I am also looking for a lens for my canon T1i for everyday use. My sigma is way too heavy.

 

[MSX-Jeff]

Thanks Andy I'm hopeful that this will work just as I envision it!

 

[Emster]

MSX-Jeff - Why the XSI and not the T1i? The reason I'm asking is that I'm looking at both of these.

 

[MSX-Jeff]

Simple...Price vs functionality.

The XSi had all of the features that I need/want, and I was able to get a refurb body for $440 from Adorama. They didn't have any refurb T1i's, and the new ones are double the cost of my refurb XSi...the T1i didn't really have any additional features that I needed over the XSi

The camera and tripod both showed up today. I had a few minutes to play with remote shooting from the computer...it worked just as I had hoped. The preview picture quality is pretty grainy, but it's good enough to get things into focus, and that's what matters to me. The photo's look great, and it's super easy to use.

I've got a Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro, but I'm looking at a longer focal length lens....now I have to decide between the Sigma 150mm and the Tamron 180mm

 

[Emster]

How did you like the tri-pod and head? Are the refurbished ones done by Canon?

 

[Jacob D]

For a new camera the XSi is a really good value right now, so is the 40D.

 

[MSX-Jeff]

Like Andy said...it takes some getting used to. It doesn't "behave" the same as a normal tripod. It does everything I ask it to, just may take a few minutes to get it there until I get used to how it operates

Did some shooting at a concert tonight,and took the Benbo along to get used to it. The Giottos head moves smoothly, and does just fine holding the XSi and the 100mm Macro. Moves fairly smooth, but not as smooth as I'd like it to for something like a concert. I'll be shooting at the shop on Monday night, so I'll let you know how it performs for my intended use after that.

Yes, the refurbs are Canon factory refurbs.

 

[ramone58]

I have 36" wide grow out tanks and I built a box out of 2x4's that when built the box spans the width of the tank. The width between the 2 x 4's is just enough to get the lens through. I also added sticky backed weather stripping along top of 2 x 4's so as not to scratch my camera. I am able to locate the camera anywhere along the top of my box. Focus in on my coral and hit my shutter delay. I would post a pick but it is pure ugly, but it does the job. I also put cleats on each end of the box, just to make sure I could not knock the box along with my Nikon D40 into my tank. The lens keep the camera from falling into the tank.

 

[MSX-Jeff]

Well, I got a chance to use the new set-up monday night for shooting corals. The remote view shooting worked perfectly, was firmly on the ground the whole time, not on a ladder focusing The Benbo worked great, the long boom arm allowed me to shoot near the back of the 36" wide tanks with no problem. The Giottos ball head is a little stiff, but by the end of the night I started getting the tension dialed in and things went smoother.

Here's a few before/after shots. All of the before were taken with a Canon Rebel XT and Canon 50mm f/2.8 Macro. The after shots are with the new Canon Rebel XSi (using remote view) and a Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro.


A. granulosa, has been fragged and new growth between shots, and the color has gotten a little better.

Before:

After:

A.echinita, slow grower, not much change between pics other than the angle of the photo.

Before:

After:

A. carduus, been cut and new growth between pics.

Before:

After:

Another observations: Accuracy of colors is much better with the new camera it seems...at least the colors in those "after" pictures is MUCH more accurate to what they look like in person.

 

[Emster]

Much better! I like it. How far away is the camera from the corals on those pics with the 100mm 2.8 macro? BTW I have the Benbo on order and should be here today