Camera Gear, Reviews and Recommendations

3 Great Budget Carbon Fiber Tripods

Ask most people what they want in a good tripod for shooting landscapes and general outdoor photography and they’ll probably say Carbon Fiber. There’s a reason for this, and not just because CF is sexy. Carbon fiber offers excellent strength to weight ratio and good vibration damping, which is why they build mountain bikes and fighter jets out of the stuff.

Of course, the tradeoff is that carbon fiber is more expensive than aluminum, so when it comes to tripods, most of them cost well over three to four bills, sometimes over a thousand dollars if you want a high end Gitzo.

However, you don’t have to melt your credit card in order to get a decent carbon fiber tripod; here are 3 good, budget models that cost under $250. There are other OK models out there, but in my research, these are the best ones that fall into the “affordable but not cheap” category. If you’re looking for an even more affordable, yet quality tripod, check out my review from the other day, 5 Budget Tripods for Outdoor & Landscape Photography.

1. Manfrotto 190CXPro4 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod

In my mind, the best budget carbon fiber tripod around is the Manfrotto 190CXPro4. It’s not as light as some ultra light tripods, but it will hold a heavier camera/lens setup. With a max load limit of 11 lbs, it will steadily support all but the heaviest camera/lens combos.

Derived from the 190XPROB, which won the American Photo Editor’s Choice award, the 190CXPro4 uses the same Q90 Quick Center Column that allows it to swing into a horizontal position.

The 4 flip lock legs can be arranged in any one of four angles for wide versatility of placement. Extending to 54″, weighing 2.9 lbs, and closing to 19.8″, the Manfrotto 190CXPro4 is a great lightweight tripod that offers excellent stability at a very reasonable price. ($249.)

2. Slik Pro 634CF 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod

Slik makes great budget tripods; my first tripod was a Slik and I think that they’re great legs for the money.

The Slik Pro 634CF ($259) breaks the two pound mark, weighing only 1.8 lbs without head. It’s listed as holding 8.8 lbs of camera gear, but people say that it’ll hold 11 lbs find. Max height on the screw lock legs is 44.7″, and the reversible center column allows for extremely low angle and macro shooting.

Travel photographers, take note: The Slik Pro 634CF closes down to only 18″ long when folded. That’s makes it an awesome budget tripod choice for backpacking or world hopping.

3. Vanguard Alta Plus 255CT Carbon Fiber Tripod

At its current price of only $289 (currently only $169 at B&H), the Vanguard 255CT costs under half as much as some super high end Gitzo tripods. It’s lighter than most of the Manfrotto models, and it gets great reviews.

I got to check it out for myself at PhotoPlus last year, and after playing around with the legs and locks for a minutes, it seems like the 225CT is built pretty well. With 5 screw lock leg sections, the legs close down to only 15.6″ and the whole thing only weighs just over 3.6 lbs w/o head.

The Vanguard 255CT is sturdy enough for a mirrorless camera setup, and up to medium weight DSLR and lens gear, but it’s probably not the one you want if you’re shooting a lot with a bigger, heavier lens or a pro body.

Support This Site: If you do decide to grab some new legs, please consider clicking through these links. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps compensate me for the time and effort that it takes to run this site. Thanks! -Dan

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February 13, 2012

3 Great Budget Carbon Fiber Tripods

Camera Gear, Reviews and Recommendations

5 Budget Tripods for Outdoor & Landscape Photography

You can’t be a great landscape photographer without a good tripod. Period. Ask any top outdoor photographer. Ask all the great shooters who shared their creative insight in this post.

However, a Gitzo does not a photographer make. You don’t have to drop $500, $700 or more in order to get a perfectly good and workable camera support. There are plenty of decent tripods out there that will hold your camera steady enough to let you capture compelling images of the natural world without breaking the bank.

Here’s a review of tripods in the $90-150 range that are geared towards the outdoor photographer. If you’re looking for a good budget tripod that will still get the job done, consider one of these models. Before going too budget though, remember this: nothing beats a great ~~pair~~ trio of legs. Also, check out 3 Great Budget Carbon Fiber Tripods.

1. Manfrotto 190X 3-Section Aluminum Tripod

Manfrotto has been making great tripods for years, formerly offering them under the Bogen name. The venerable 3001 model, has been redesigned numerous times, has evolved into the Manfrotto 190X3 with some great new features that the 3001 lacked.

It’s got three leg flip lock leg sections and a center column that extends to nearly 63″ high, it closes down to 23″, and weighs 4.4 lbs without head. The leg sections have four angles, the last of which opens all the way out for low angle shooting. You can also reverse the center column, which allows you to get your camera nearly all the way to the ground for extreme closeups and macro.

The new 190X3 also features a unique center column that extends and swings in to a horizontal position. This greatly increases options for placing your camera in different positions, and it makes for a great light stand for placing remote flashes, especially for shooting outside portraits.

The Manfrotto 190X3 ($179) is without a doubt, an awesome utilitarian tripod that will serve you for years, (I still make use of my old Bogen 3001s). It’s not the lightest nor the most compact tripod on the market, but for the money, it’s probably one of the best rock solid camera supports that an outdoor photographer could want.

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2. Oben AC-1441 4-Section Aluminum Tripod with Ball Head

The Oben AC-1410 ($119) even comes with a ball head, which makes this even more budget. It’s ready for action as soon as you take it out of the box.

Weighing in at 3.3 lbs, the AC-1441 folds down to 21″, extends to 61.6″ and comes equipped with bubble level, padded carrying bag and leg warmers on two sections to protect your hands form from the cold.

Another nice feature is the hook on the bottom of the center column, which lets you hang a heavy counterweight, like a pack full of rocks of lenses. This greatly increases stability of tripod.

Unlike some tripods, the AC-1441 does not have retractable spikes in the feet. Certainly not a deal breaker, unless you’re shooting on ice and frozen ground all the time. Not having spikes also means that you’ll never accidentally scratch your nice wood floors.

There’s also the Oben AC-1310, ($99) which has all the same features, but only 3 leg sections, so its collapsed size is slightly longer. (24.7″)

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3. Slik Sprint Pro II Tripod with QR Ball Head & Case

My very first tripod was a Slik (I think it was the 444 Sport), and it looked a lot like this, minus the padded legs. It served me for many years, in fact it’s the tripod that held my N90 when I made my famous Sunrise on K2 image.

With 4 leg sections, the Slik Sprint Pro II folds down to 19″, which is pretty compact for a tripod of it’s price range. It extends to almost 64″ and weighs just under 2 lbs.

The legs also splay out for low angle shooting, and the center column, (which unscrews into two pieces) can be shortened and/or reversed, which lets you get your camera down to 6.4″ off the ground for macro photography.

A very solid tripod for the money, the Slik Sprint Pro II ($89) is small enough to fit in a backpack and big enough to support most DSLRs. For under $100, it’s hard to go wrong with this one.

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4. Manfrotto 294 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod

Want Manfrotto quality in a simple, budget design? The 294 Aluminum Tripod ($129) just might be your bet. Just three flip lock legs and standard center standard column.

The Manfrotto 290 family of tripods was built with functionality in mind. Larger diameter tubing makes the 294 slightly heavier, (3.9 lbs) but it’s a solid camera support that extends to 66.5″ and closes down to 23.6″. Not much else to say, it’s a basic tripod that’s….um… well, black.

Or, for a slightly smaller and more compact version, check out the The Manfrotto 293 ($99) which only weighs 3 lbs and closes down to 21.9″ 3 good legs for under a hundred bucks.

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5. MeFOTO Aluminum Backpacker Travel Tripod

The MeFOTO Backpacker is a very compact and lightweight tripod that folds up small enough to fit inside most packs and suitcases.

It weighs 2.6 lbs, folds down to 12.6″ and extends from 16.5″ to 51.” With 5 twist lock legs sections that fold back on themselves, and a max load of 8.8 lbs, this is an ideal travel and outdoor tripod for mirrorless cameras and lightweight DSLRs.

Two leg angle sections allow options for shooting on non-flat ground, and they let you get ben closer to low level subjects. The MeFOTO Backpacker comes with an Arca-Swiss style QR ball head with a bubble level, and separate pan and lock controls.

For $119, this tripod will get the job done without breaking the bank, it comes in 8 different colors, and even includes a carrying case. We use these as extra tripod for our photo workshop and photo tour guests and they seem to work great. So far, I’ve been impressed with the size, price and general performance of these models.

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So, with these 5 options, you should definitely be able to find a set of legs that work for you in your photography. If you want something lighter, check out my review of 3 Ultra Lightweight Tripods. If you’re looking to go carbon fiber, check out 3 Great Budget Carbon Fiber Tripods.

And as with any tripod, it’s not so much the support that makes for better pictures, it’s that using a tripod tends to slow you down. It gives you time to set up, think and reflect on your shot before taking it, as opposed to just skipping by and snapping away frivolously.

Support this site.

If you do decide to grab some new legs, please consider clicking through these links. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps compensate me for the time and effort that it takes to run this site. Thanks! -Dan

February 9, 2012

5 Budget Tripods for Outdoor & Landscape Photography

Featured Images, Personal and Pro Insight

Shoot Photos Because You LOVE Them, Not Because You Can Sell Them

What’s this? A non-adventure, non-outdoor rock and roll photo? Are you sure you’re on the right blog? Better glance up and check the URL.

Yep, you’re in the right place, or at least you’re here on the Dan Bailey Photo blog. I won’t speculate as to whether that’s where you should be.

Back when I worked as a stock photo editor, I’d often get asked by photographers, “What should I photograph?” My answer was always, and continues to be: Shoot what you love. It will make you better.

I promise.

Photographing subjects that fill your soul with excitement, no matter what they are, and no matter if you think they’re marketable, will draw you into the process and drive your creativity. You’ll come up with cool new ideas that you can try out later on “more marketable subjects.”

These are photos of one of my favorite bad ass guitar slingers, Chris Duarte from Texas that I took a few years ago. I shot them because I love rock and roll, and I love photography. Even used black and white film, which I NEVER use in my photography business. I thought it would be a cool thing to do, and it was.

My advice today is to fall outside of your own style and stereotypes every once in awhile and shoot something totally different. Or as one reader, Pete Miller put it, “Shoot passionately, not fiscally.”

You’ll have fun. I promise.

Enjoy the shots.

February 8, 2012

Shoot Photos Because You LOVE Them, Not Because You Can Sell Them

Camera Gear, Personal and Pro Insight

Nikon Announces The D800 36.3-Megapixel HDSLR

The rumors were true.

After months of speculation and widespread leaks, the official announcement finally came yesterday for the brand new CMOS FX sensor, dual CF/SD card slot 36.3-megapixel Nikon D800 Professional HDSLR Camera.

To date, this is the world’s highest megapixel digital camera. Image quality is simply outstanding. Take a look at these examples on the Nikon website to see the unbelievable amount of smooth detail, texture and shading levels that this beast is capable of producing.

Of course, as an action adventure photographer, my initial reaction was based around the fact that the D800 only shoots at 4 fps in FX mode. With my D700, I’m used to shooting at 5 fps.) Compared to the new Nikon D4, which shoots at 11 fps, 4 is pretty slow. I was even quoted on Twitter last night as saying, “Where’s the Nikon love for us adventure guys?”

However, I now realize that I was just cranky, hungry and tired. After a good meal and a full night’s sleep, I now have a new perspective on the D800, which is that I simply MUST have this fantabulous new device. After all, I did fine for years with only 4 fps, which is all the Nikon N90 had, and besides, for me, it’s often about moment, and not just frame rate. Also, if you look at the specs, you’ll see that the D800 is actually lighter and more compact than the D700, which indeed makes it the ideal fast and light adventure camera.

However, this is all back seat stuff. What really matters is not a few ounces shaved on the housing. Nor is it the exact number of frames that I’ll be able to capture of the mountain biker as he flies past me, nearly careening into me and sending us both into the trees because I got just a hair too close in my drive to get the ultimate shot.

No, what really matters, for me and for you, is the absolutely stunning image quality that the D800 will produce. We’re talking about a level of sharpness and detail that has never before been seen on a 35mm camera. We’re talking medium format quality in a box that you can take out on the trail with you. We’re talking game changer here. Hello future.

Of course, to be honest with you, I’m a little ~~scared~~ terrified by the D800. Why? Not because I’ll have to start buying more hard drives to store 36.3MP RAW files, but because this will be the first HDSLR that I will own in my life.

The D800 does 1,930 x 1,080 Full HD movie capability with stereo sound, and I’m scared that I’ll like it. I’m scared that I’ll be good at it, and since I already have a degree in audio engineering and music production, as well as the tools and inspired creativity to potentially write music and score video, I’m completely and utterly afraid of the amount of time that I know will be required to even begin to dabble in that sort of thing. I fear the ideas that I know will start flooding into my head as soon as I pick up the camera because I already don’t have enough time to do everything I like to do.

However, I refuse to worry about that right now. To me, what matters is that the D800 is an incredibly powerful, next generation image making machine that will do everything the D700 does, only better. Except for the frame rate thing, of course. I see this thing being the total ultimate camera for outdoor photographers who want the best quality from their work.

I plan to get one as soon as they’re released, and can only begin to speculate about how the complexities of brilliant, forceful, end of day sunset light and the gentle palettes and smooth transitions of diffused softbox light will look in 36.3 megapixels. And as far as the fps thing goes? Well, I’ll just have to wait, or else buy a D4. Wouldn’t mind having one, just don’t want to hike with it.

I can’t wait. Street price on the D800 will be $$2,999.95 and it will be available in late March. Just in time for Spring.

Check out my friend Photo John’s writeup and detailed D800 feature list at PhotographReview.com.

Want one? Pre-order your Nikon D800 at B&H Photo here.

February 7, 2012

Nikon Announces The D800 36.3-Megapixel HDSLR

Creative Tips

The Best Lens For Shooting Portraits

So what’s the best lens for shooting portraits?

That’s like asking what’s the best day of the week for eating dessert. Sure, there are hard and fast rules about this kind of thing, but if you’re like me, you scoff at rules and throw them out the window, because you believe that they don’t apply to you.

The short answer is, of course, all of them.

As with any photographic technique, which lens you should use to photograph people largely depends on a few important factors: Your own creativity, how you want to show your subject in relationship to the environment, what lens you happen to have with you at the time.

Wide Angle Lenses

I’m a huge fan of shooting portraits with wide angle lenses, as are many pros. They allow you to get in close to your subject, and still include a large amount of the environment and setting around your person. Wide angle portraits are about telling the story, not just showing a person. They’re also great for shooting portraits inside, or in confined spaces.

In fact, if you were ever to take a course called “How to shoot environmental portraits,” the first thing they’d tell you would be to break out your wide glass. While I’ve used my Nikon 14mm f/2.8 quite a bit for portrait work, my 24mm f/2.8D probably sees the most use for wide angle people shots. It’s small, compact, light and is pretty light on distortion at the edges. Canon also has a 24mm f/2.8 lens.

Normal Lenses

Normal lenses rock for portraits, because they’re light, fast and have a very shallow depth of field. (Also great for shooting inside.) They make your subject pop against a slightly sharp background. Notice the difference in focus between the aviation portrait above and below. The 50mm lens gives the background just a little bit of softness to help isolate the subject.

Even the kit lenses that come with many cameras fall into this category. They might not be as fast as something like a 50mm f/1.8D, or the new Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G lens, but with the same range of focal length, they can certainly give you good results. Canon also has an affordable 50mm f/1.8 lens.

Short Telephoto Lenses

Traditionally, the short telephoto lens, (around 85-105mm in range), has always been considered the ideal lens for photographing people, because it does two things:

With an inherently shallow depth of field, it gives you an even softer background which helps to isolate your subject in sharp focus from the rest of the subject matter in the frame.

Also, the telephoto lens slightly compresses perspective, which renders the human face in a very appealing way. As it was explained to me years ago in a workshop, our ears are too far back on our head, and a short tele flattens our features just enough to make us look good. My short telephoto of choice these days is the Nikon 85mm f/1.8, because for a lens of that range and speed, it’s exceptionally lightweight and compact. Nikon also has their new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens, which gets very high marks from users who love its faster, silent wave motor autofocus capabilities. Canon also has an 85mm f/1.8 lens.

Long Telephoto Lenses

As much as a short telephoto isolates your subject from the a soft focus background, a longer telephoto does it with even more drama and effect.

I actually use my 80-200mm f/2.8 lens a great deal for portrait work, because it lets me fill the frame with the subject from a longer vantage point, and because, frankly, that’s what I often have on the camera at the time when I’m shooting action and sports. Nikon also has the 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VRII lens, which offers image stabilization- great for shooting portraits in lower light. Canon’s equivalent lens is the EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM.

So, go ahead. Break the rules. Exercise your creativity and try shooting portraits with all of your lenses.

February 6, 2012

The Best Lens For Shooting Portraits

eBooks, Press, Interviews and Info, Uncategorized

Get All 3 of My Photography eBooks for only $17

How’s this for a deal?

Right now you can get ALL 3 of my photography eBooks for only $17.

I’m offering this limited time deal through PhotoWhoa.com, who has bundled together all three of my books at a 48% discount off of the regular price.

This offer is only good through February 7, and it will likely happen again, at least not any time soon.

How to Become a Pro Photographer

You want to take the next step from amateur to pro, but you have no idea how you can start earning a living from photography. This e-book answers many of your questions about the industry and the business-side of photography.

With this e-book, you will learn the ins and outs of the photography business. This book isn’t about how to take better photos, it’s about taking your hobby into a full-time career. This is the book to read if you need to know about the business and logistics side of a photography career.

Making the Image

Making the Image is a conceptual guide to have you thinking outside of the box so you can start creating beautiful images. With this guide, you’ll be able to learn how you can take beautiful photos in order to create true emotional impact with your audience.

Bailey utilizes beautiful imagery from his own portfolio so you can easily grasp the concepts that he’s teaching. For your convenience, the book is horizontally formatted, making it easily readable on computers and iPads.

Going Fast with Light

Going Fast with Light teaches you the nitty-gritty technical details so you can properly use your tools to take better photos. Specifically, you’ll learn about using off-camera flash in outdoor settings, where even the best photographers have trouble against the elements of nature.

With the techniques used by Dan Bailey, you’ll be able to efficiently take control of lighting situations even when you face great challenges such as the sun, and you’ll be able to do it without having to lug cumbersome, heavy lighting equipment.

Click Here to Get All 3 of These eBooks for Just $17

Again, this offer ends on February 7. Consider signing up for my Adventure Photography Blog Newsletter to stay informed about future deals and get exclusive content delivered right your inbox.

February 3, 2012

Get All 3 of My Photography eBooks for only $17

Fast With Light

Shooting With an ILS (Improvised Light Stand)

Who needs a light stand when you have a backpack?

Strobist gear here is about as simple as you can get: Camera, SB-800 Speedlight that’s being triggered from the on board pop-up flash on my Nikon D700, and a Lumiquest Softbox III. Now that’s going fast with light.

Of course, what you don’t see here is all the times my flash wouldn’t fire because the brim of my bike helmet kept pushing the pop-up flash down just enough to shut off the circuit. I tried holding the camera away from my face a little bit, however after multiple failed attempts, and much laughter from my model, who happened to be a fellow photographer, I finally discovered a workable solution

I took my helmet off.

Sometimes you just have to improvise.

February 2, 2012

Shooting With an ILS (Improvised Light Stand)

Fast With Light, Press, Interviews and Info

Now a Featured Photoflex Pro Showcase Photographer

I’m proud to announce that I’m now officially featured as a Photoflex Pro Showcase Photographer. As someone who’s been using Photoflex gear for over 20 years, (I still have the 12″ LiteDisk that I bought in 1991 and my Photoflex Galen Rowell Chest Pouch), I’m excited and extremely honored to be included among a group of very talented and accomplished shooters, who Photoflex feels are “masters of shaping light and capturing the perfect image.”

In my Going Fast With Light style of adventure and action strobist photography, I need gear that’s lightweight, durable, quick to set up, and that performs in all conditions outside. Let’s face it, I’m highly energetic, and frankly, kind of a spaz at times. I’ve been known to drop things, bang into stuff, and on occasion, even fall down with my gear in hand. I need tools that get the job done and that won’t break, or at least that I can bend and cajole back into shape with a set of Leatherman pliers and some duct tape.

Photoflex gear fits that very strict set of criteria for me. Lately, I’ve been posting some of the photos that I’ve been able to create with my favorite Photoflex tools, such as the Octodome NXT and the WhiteDome softboxes and the TritonFlash battery powered strobe. Very simply, I’m excited about the gear and I’m excited about the imagery that it helps me make.

Check out my profile page on the Photoflex Showcase site and look for the first of my Photoflex LightingSchool Tutorials later this month.

My sincere thanks to the great folks at Photoflex for making kick ass gear, for recognizing me and my photography and for including me in their lineup of professional image makers.

February 1, 2012

Now a Featured Photoflex Pro Showcase Photographer

Fast With Light, Featured Images

Snow Biking Action Photography, Alaska

The other night, I trudged into the cold and dark with with my friend Tim to do some snow biking action photography. My idea was to try and get a deep blue background of cold, dimming Alaska winter sky and then light Tim up with the Photoflex TritonFlash.

I’d just gotten my WhiteDome softbox the day before, which throws out a big blast of omnidirectional light. I wanted to light the biker as well as the snow covered trees around him and figured that the WhiteDome would be perfect for that. And as with other recent shoots, using the TritonFlash would allow me to keep firing with fast recycle times in the zero degree temperatures.

The sun was already down when we reached our location, so we quickly got down to business; Tim built the jump and I set up the light. In just a few minutes, I found a vantage point, did some test shots for exposure and then gave him the go.

Here’s the setup showing the WhiteDome in action and light placement in relation to the subject. Also, the shot below shows just how portable the WhiteDome is. For being a 24″ x 32″ box, it rolls up surprisingly small an stuffs into a skinny stuff sac that I can strap the side of my photo pack. Another very useful tool to help me go fast with light.

Exposure was 1/10 sec at f/2.8 ISO 2000, which let me hold onto as much ambient as possible. Lens choice was my Nikon 14mm f/2.8, which allowed me to get in close and still show environment. I got so close on a few occasions that Tim and I actually made contact as he flew past me. I swear, that had nothing to do with the times he ended up crashing into the trees!

Below are three more shots from the series. I like them all, especially the “big air” photo. It has a more dynamic jump, but it doesn’t have any trees in close. The last one was shot much later, well after the all light was gone from the sky. It’s cool, but it lacks the vivid contrast of the green and purple (complimentary colors) that the other shots have.

What do you think?

January 31, 2012

Snow Biking Action Photography, Alaska

Personal and Pro Insight

Dear Readers- Thank You!!!!

Dear readers, I would like to take a time out from your regularly scheduled blast of outdoor photography yumminess and say,

Thank You!!!!!!

For what, you may ask?

For reading this blog. For taking the time out of your day to check out what I have to say here on a daily and weekly basis.

Last week was the SINGLE BIGGEST WEEK for visits and page views since I started the blog back in early 2008. In addition, more readers stopped by the site in January than in ANY OTHER month in its four year history. For that, good people, your rock.

I derive great motivation to know that the energetic ramblings of my photography obsessed mind actually amuse you enough to keep you coming back for more. I enjoy sharing my knowledge, experience and insight with you and also seeing your images during Monday photo callouts on my Facebook Page each week.

So, let’s keep the deal going- you keep reading and I’ll keep posting. How’s that sound?

In the meantime, if you’re a somewhat new reader, leave a comment and let me know how you found the site and also what kind of photography you like to do. Don’t be shy, introduce yourself- we’re friendly around here! If you like, feel free to share a link to your own site!

Also, if you have time, why not cruise around some of the older posts- there’s lots of great stuff to explore! Be forewarned, though, others like you have dipped into the archives only to lose entire blocks of recorded time. Some have never returned…

January 30, 2012

Dear Readers- Thank You!!!!