We've all seen this type of post..."Looking for an inexpensive tripod or head". As is typical with these type of inquiries, you learn the person just spent a $1,000 or more on their new SLR and another grand on a heavy, high quality 300mm lens (or other combination of body and lenses that are not likely to yield optimum results by hand holding at very slow shutter speeds even with in-camera or in-lens shake reduction systems).
Having just spent this type of money for a great system, it always concerns me how these folks think they'll be able to take advantage of their great optics if they do not buy the right support. In many cases, learning that one can't cheap out on key accessories like legs and the proper head unfortunately comes from experience. And I can attest to learning this early in my career (smile).
Part of the challenge in buying support accessories is first realizing that there is no single set of legs and head that will serve you well for all your various photography pursuits.
For instance, I have a wonderful support system that I acquired years ago when I was spending a lot of my time shooting surfing with a big 600mm lens. Without a doubt, the Gitzo Carbon Fiber 1325 set of legs with my Wimberley Gimbal Head is perfect for surfing and nature photography. The Gitzo legs provide the type of rock solid support I needed and the Wimberley head provides unparalleled freedom of movement when working with large telephoto lenses.
However, the Gitzo/Wimberley combo is far too heavy, cumbersome and certainly overkill for my everyday photography, where a minimal amount of support is needed. Therefore, I use a much smaller set-up for my walk-around photography...a 10-12 year old support combination using the Linhof Universal I Ballhead I and a fairly lightweight, compact Bogen 3000 series aluminum tripod.
Now, before anyone posts a rebuttal or starts a debate on whether the Linhof/Bogen combo is the best combo, please remember choosing the correct support for your camera, range of lenses and your type of photography is a very personal decision. The fact that I have found this combo to work very well for my type of photography and I have not had to upgrade it for over ten years is one of the key points of this post.
Don't run out a buy the first support system you find. Don't make your purchase decision based on looking for the lowest price solution. I can't tell you how many times I have told fellow photographers that I can save them a lot of money by helping them buy the "right" support from the start.
There is also a lesson in economics at play here when discussing camera accessories. Unlike most camera bodies which will depreciate rather quickly, high quality optics, tripods, heads actually retain their value over time. In some cases, a well cared for head or tripod can be worth the same amount years down the road, as when you bought them new.
I thought of this point last weekend when I was using my Linhof ballhead. So, I rummaged through my closet to find the original Linhof box. (Note, although my wife thinks I am excessively anal, make sure you keep all your camera gear original packages. It definitely increases the resale value if the day comes and you want to sell that mint lens, set of legs, or ball head.)
To support my recommendation about considering your accessories an investment in both pleasure, functionality and potential ROI, it looks like I bought the Linhof ball head from Cal's Camera for $140 over 10-12 years ago. Since this was the sticker price, I probably paid $120 or so for this item. In checking prices for this same head today, it appears it's going for $200-220. While it's highly unlikely I'd ever want to sell this item just to realize a slight profit on paper, it's somehow comforting to know that I've had years of wonderful, reliable use from this Linhof head and it hasn't lost any of its value.
So, just remember, it's very tempting to want to immediately accessorize that new camera or long, heavy lens with a new tripod or head. However, don't cheap out and get the first one you find on sale. Experience shows you'll regret that impulse buy and within six months you'll be on your way to buying that "second" tripod or head, which if you've taken anything away from this post, should have been your "first" purchase.
There are many sources for reading up on how to select the right support for your camera and lenses. While I don't see a need to list them all here, Thom Hogan has a rather old editorial on camera support that is still valid and insightful today. Here's a link if you're interested:
"...just buy the right stuff the first time"
