The Slik Pro 700DX opens up new possibilities

[JBW]

Because I have constant albeit minor tremors in my hands I was unable to use some of my cameras features in the garden. The new Slik is incredibly solid which means I get to use the features I couldn't use before. This shot is one example. I was able to set up the tripod where I needed it because of the multiple independent leg positions. Once it was set up I could capture 8 shots with no change in the framing and no tremors getting transferred to the camera.

The downside is that this is not a grab and go tripod. It takes a bit to set up for the shot. I'll get faster as I get used to it but it does take some getting used to after how many years with one tripod.

ISO 100 ~ Shutter Speed 0.1s ~ F/18 ~ Natural Light ~ 8 Shot Stack in FIJI ~ Sony Alpha a58 ~ Tamron 90mm 272E

[ajohnw]

Nice shot Brian.

When you mentioned multiple leg positions I wondered if it was Benbo like or the more expensive version some one else makes.

http://www.patersonphotographic.com/benbo-tripods.htm

Been there and done that with both types. Extremely flexible but slow to set up and still needed a remote release when the top arm was extended and was real "fun" to set up. I have bought one of their monopods though for macro and more extreme telephoto work as it's very easy to adjust the height. I've been to busy of late to really make much use of it though. It looks promising.

That slick does look to be a very rigid tripod. I've tried various carbon fibre ones and suspect your choice could be better than a lot of them even some well known makes. The so called weight saving on some of them when stiffness is compared isn't always as great as it appears to be either. I have a giottos now. It was rather strangely priced at the time I bought it. Cheaper than smaller ones for some reason, circa £150 if I remember correctly. It seems that the UK distributors are a bit of a joke and have problems supplying the correct bags but I found one eventually. This may have explained the price. It has a pretty high carbon content so needs handling with some care. Chips from knocks wont be a good idea. They aren't on fishing rods anyway. Maybe not so important on a tripod.

John
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[JBW]

Nice shot Brian.

When you mentioned multiple leg positions I wondered if it was Benbo like or the more expensive version some one else makes.

http://www.patersonphotographic.com/benbo-tripods.htm

Been there and done that with both types. Extremely flexible but slow to set up and still needed a remote release when the top arm was extended and was real "fun" to set up. I have bought one of their monopods though for macro and more extreme telephoto work as it's very easy to adjust the height. I've been to busy of late to really make much use of it though. It looks promising.

That slick does look to be a very rigid tripod. I've tried various carbon fibre ones and suspect your choice could be better than a lot of them even some well known makes. The so called weight saving on some of them when stiffness is compared isn't always as great as it appears to be either. I have a giottos now. It was rather strangely priced at the time I bought it. Cheaper than smaller ones for some reason, circa £150 if I remember correctly. It seems that the UK distributors are a bit of a joke and have problems supplying the correct bags but I found one eventually. This may have explained the price. It has a pretty high carbon content so needs handling with some care. Chips from knocks wont be a good idea. They aren't on fishing rods anyway. Maybe not so important on a tripod.

John
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from the description I would say the more expensive position. Each leg has a system that locks the leg in any of three positions.

[Mike Buckley]

Enjoy your new tripod!

The downside is that this is not a grab and go tripod. It takes a bit to set up for the shot.

The decision for me to use a tripod inherently is a decision to slow down and savor the entire process of capturing the image including setting up the legs, center column, sandbags (if used) and head exactly to meet my needs.

[JBW]

Enjoy your new tripod!



The decision for me to use a tripod inherently is a decision to slow down and savor the entire process of capturing the image including setting up the legs, center column, sandbags (if used) and head exactly to meet my needs.

I am and I shall. I don't mind slowing down and savoring the moment but the bugs get a little impatient

[Mike Buckley]

[rpcrowe]

Good luck with your new tripod... Although the use of a tripod slows one down, it also opens new vistas.

[JBW]

Good luck with your new tripod... Although the use of a tripod slows one down, it also opens new vistas.

Even without the tripod I'm slowing down

[NorthernFocus]

Glad the new tripod is working out for you, Brian. Like any tool it takes a little while to become proficient. But any way you look at it tripods are cumbersome beasts.

[JBW]

Glad the new tripod is working out for you, Brian. Like any tool it takes a little while to become proficient. But any way you look at it tripods are cumbersome beasts.

which just might make me more intentional about what I shoot and help me to the next level