Need Suggestions on Tripod and Bag

[cshumpert]

I am a new CNPA member and hope to get some advice from a "hands-on" standpoint. I am close to broke from my recent purchase of a Canon 40D, 70-200/2.8L, 500D diopter and a Sigma 30/1.4, but now I need a new camera bag and a more substantial tripod. I am leaning toward a Lowepro Fastpack 350 for the bag (I do want quick/easy access and laptop transport)---any comments on this bag or other suggestions? I need to stay in the $125-$175 range.

I am at a loss for the tripod. I ordered a Slik Tripod with my camera kit and between the camera/lens/tripod I was going to have to take at least one more extra class at the gym! I returned the tripod as it was just too heavy. Does anyone have any experience with the Adorama Flashpoint Tripods? Any other suggestions? I am looking for something light , ability to go as low as possible for macro work, smooth ballhead and in the $150-$200 range. I know about spending as much as possible as a tripod is a great investment, but I need something NOW....not when I can afford more.

Thanks for any comments. And by the way--I may be nearly broke, BUT I LOVE THIS NEW CAMERA & LENS!

[rpk717]

Hi Cindy, welcome to CNPA. I don't think I'll be much help as I'm not aware of a tripod and ballhead that you can get in that price range that meets your requirements. Honestly I would wait until you can put some more money into the combo and buy what will serve you for the future.

As for a bag, when I made my big bag purchase I ended up with a bag I'll never use. It was too large for me. I eventually bought another bag for my primary lens that could carry a couple accessories and always leave the big bag at home. All LowePros are made of the highest quality so it's hard to go wrong there. After checking the Fastpack 350 out, it looks pretty good for the kit you've purchased. I'm not sure how often you will want to carry you laptop into the field but it does provide you that option.

[rpk717]

By the way the best tripod brand is the the Gitzo, and the rumor is they named it Gitzo because in the field it "gets-so" heavy. For a tripod weight usually means stability. That's a good thing!

[SkipP]

I purchased an "Amvona" tripod off eBay that I've been surprisingly pleased with. It's a "CF-94" that is made of carbon fiber and magnesium so it's fairly lightweight. I don't think it's as sturdy as my old Bogen 3021 but but it's just as tall and weighs 1/3 less. On a roll, I also got an Amvona ball head off eBay. It locks down very securely but lacks the smoothness of the higher priced brands. Take a look at: www.amvona.com

Skip
www.pbase.com/skipp35

[cshumpert]

thanks for the input!

Gary from Hunt's put me in touch with Keith at Hunt's and he's offered up some suggestions on tripod kits, so I am on my way to spending that $600 tax refund! I am one of those really anal people who will research something to death before I make a purchase. With current rebates, it looks like I can stay in the low $200 range.

Robert-you are right in that I won't be taking my laptop in the field very often, but I want to keep all my things together when we travel so that's why I'm looking at a big bag with that option. I'll use the space for other things when the laptop isn't included. At some point I will get another bag to use for everyday, but this one will have to do double duty for now.

Skip- I will check that out as I've never heard of that brand.

[Photobiologist]

Best of luck!

You might cruise eBay watching for a deal?

Let us know what you end up getting!

[cshumpert]

Well the money has been spent---
I ended up with a Lowepro Fastpack 350 as my new bag.
I purchased a Bogen 190XPRO Tripod with a 486RC2 ballhead.
I ended up purchasing these from Biggs Camera in Charlotte on Friday as I was there on business and was going to a shoot at the Raptor Center on Saturday.
Had a great time at the shoot, met some nice people and enjoyed the new equipment.

Thanks for your opinions