Redux

Aperture Priority, 1/5 sec, f5.6 @ 63mm ISO 1250

Aperture Priority, Shutter speed 1/4 sec, f4.6 @ 28mm, ISO 400

Shutter Priority, 1/5 sec, f4.0 @ 21mm, ISO 400

Can you see the difference a solid platform provides? My previous post showed a handheld shot without PP and above are shots I made a few hours ago also without PP. Click on the photos to enlarge. The only difference was the 40 was sitting on 2 Italians, I mean a tripod and ballhead, both Italian-made. Individually, the ‘pod and head can kill a person when swung. Together, they provide some upper body workout.

Changed into my decommissioned 2120s and a t-shirt, I waited for sundown before heading out. I’d planned my “shooting tour” the day before and was a bit upset that the vendor didn’t deliver the RC2 head as promised yesterday. After pestering the fella 4 times today I finally laid my hands on the thing. In case you’re wondering, I opted for Manfrotto. Other brands that were in the shops I checked simply didn’t cut it. Playing with the other makes didn’t give me the confidence to attach my 40 to them. But with the Mannys, you feel the difference the moment you lay your hands on them – the build is typical Italian. While I can’t afford an Italian-made car, I’ll settle for their mid-range support system! I felt the pinch but it was a necessary “burn” if I wanted some decent shots and not waste my time committing basic mistakes. After all, unlike the camera, this equipment is for life. And I want to get on to the "serious" shots quickly.

Prior to my purchase, I searched the web and came across this review - http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7063 . This shooter’s set up is coincidentally exactly the one I have (the 40D) and was eyeing (the best-selling 055XPROB tripod and the 488RC2 ballhead)! You’ve to check his review out – not because he covered my gear but because I felt that’s how gear reviews should be done – with lots of pictures. I felt that he saved me some money as I had considered the Velbon, which isn’t really in the affordable range anyway. If I'd gotten the Velbon just because I wanted to save some cash, I might have regretted it. With photography, you’d want to get the gear that you’ll be satisfied using, and not having to change anytime soon. You wouldn't want to find out just a month after your purchase that the item just couldn't perform. Might as well get a good one from the start. My gear is just in the midrange. What's important for me is to have a reasonably good platform to start the learning process. There are potentially many other brands and make out there that have more value for money or performs better. So be sure to expand your search if you’re in the market.

As usual comments and critique are most welcome.