Tripod and other accessories

[sbryan]

For a tripod, I'm using my Miller Solo VJ legs and my Cartoni Focus head -- my video tripod.

I'm hoping that the tripods are much cheaper for still photography because that combination set me back $1,600.

It's too heavy and oversized for still photography, so I'm looking for something in the $300 range. Should I not even bother at that price? I just want level shots and the option of doing low angles, which is what I like about those Miller legs.

I don't want to create another thread for this, so I'll ask it here. How much does a rugged, water resistant housing cost for the XTi? I don't plan to submerge the camera in water, but I'll take storm photos from time to time.

Should I invest in filters for daylight photography? Or should I add a hood to the front of the camera?

[egproductions]

try getting something that has a head that allows panaromic positioning. Other than that I dont see a need for anything special for a still photo tripos. If you don't have a monopod already I might recommend one. (I just use a cheap boom pole - great for high angle shots as well.)

[PDX_DVX]

Still photo tripod setups are indeed much cheeper than video tripods. Most any of the bogen legs will work well, and you could even go with a small ball head if you wanted to, depending on how heavy your camera setup is.

These heads are pretty slick, and super fast

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5558-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3265_3265_Grip_Action_Ballhead.htm l

You would probably be better off buying some new legs if you want to use a still photo head, because I don't know of any that use a bowl mount like your miller. Just make sure whatever legs you get that they have a short center column to allow for your low angle shots. Hope this helps!

As for the hood/filters, you might want to invest in a polarizer, and maybe an ND grad. Make sure you get a circular polarizer if you want to use the auto focus feature on your camera. An ND grad will allow you to keep the sky in exposure. Also, invest in a UV filter. B+W makes the best filters out there.

[sbryan]

PDX_DVX, did you have any suggestions on the legs? I'm assuming professional photographers have assistants out in the field, but I don't. Are there any accessories like reflectors that are meant for a crew of one?