tripod for new york?
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You might be fine with just a monopod,but you could allways buy a cheap one out there insted of taking one, If thats an option ?
I took mine the first time I went and I hardly used it. In fact, the only time I remember, was when we were down under the Brooklyn Bridge and it was pretty late at night so it was dark/long shutters speed. I'm trying to think and, IIRC, I was going to use it at the top of the 'rock but I think I got told I wasn't allowed by security, so I just used Gorilla Pod and propped it on some brickwork. Same scenario in Grand Central Station.
Even the GorillaPod, I think I only used it a couple of times, just about everything I did was handheld or "adapted" to the surroundings (ie. barriers, lamp posts, walls..). Apart from Central Park, most of the places you go will be too busy to try and set up a tripod, IMO.
Even the GorillaPod, I think I only used it a couple of times, just about everything I did was handheld or "adapted" to the surroundings (ie. barriers, lamp posts, walls..). Apart from Central Park, most of the places you go will be too busy to try and set up a tripod, IMO.
Really no point unless you are after night shots.
and if you are do you really want to be hanging around a place quiet enough to be able to set up a tripod?
Last time I was there, Time square was so light at midnight that there was no need for a tripod.
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I lived in NYC for 18 months. I'm going to disagree with everyone and say it absolutely is worth using a tripod there.
You'll be able to get some great shots of the skyline, or of some of the bridges lit up at night, or long exposures of traffic and people passing. Although it's a busy city, there's generally plenty of room to use a tripod. It's also very safe in Manhattan and you shouldn't be worried about being out and about with your gear - unless you're planning on venturing into the boroughs or into Central Park late at night.
If you don't want to bring one travelling, you could buy one in Adorama or BH Photo Video when you arrive. Check their website - they may also offer a rental service.
You'll be able to get some great shots of the skyline, or of some of the bridges lit up at night, or long exposures of traffic and people passing. Although it's a busy city, there's generally plenty of room to use a tripod. It's also very safe in Manhattan and you shouldn't be worried about being out and about with your gear - unless you're planning on venturing into the boroughs or into Central Park late at night.
If you don't want to bring one travelling, you could buy one in Adorama or BH Photo Video when you arrive. Check their website - they may also offer a rental service.
My tripod experiences from 18 months ago:
Empire State Building - no chance. They take them off you before ascending. Big queues early morning - Disneyland style - but not a huge wait.
Top Of The Rock [Rockefeller Centre]. No tripod problem whatsoever. Ascended late afternoon to get daylight going in to night shots. Not a single person in the queue and I thought I was in the wrong place. Several other people with tripods and security guards not the least bit interested. For the pictures I got it was worth taking it and carrying it round all day.
And when I go again, I'll be taking the tripod for night shots of the bridges and other stuff. No question.
Empire State Building - no chance. They take them off you before ascending. Big queues early morning - Disneyland style - but not a huge wait.
Top Of The Rock [Rockefeller Centre]. No tripod problem whatsoever. Ascended late afternoon to get daylight going in to night shots. Not a single person in the queue and I thought I was in the wrong place. Several other people with tripods and security guards not the least bit interested. For the pictures I got it was worth taking it and carrying it round all day.
And when I go again, I'll be taking the tripod for night shots of the bridges and other stuff. No question.
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Buy one when you get there, it will be cheaper and it will save you carrying it over.
I recommend Adorama or BH Photo Video, both easy to find and they do great deals. Lots of other goodies in there too - make it your first stop
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I took a Gorillapod SLR Zoom with my D300s, think I used it once. Was worth taking as I quite like the pic, but had great results at night from Top of the Rock, Empire State without a tripod. TOTR in particular has solid flat surfaces to rest a camera on, never felt the need for a tripod up there at all.
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I lugged mine to NY and didn't use it. I would have liked to have got some night shots etc, but it wasn't a photography trip and I didn't want to spoil it for my wife with us hanging out with my tripod istead of going out for dinner!
Got loads of great night shots though by just banging up the ISO and shooting handheld. As mentioned, it's pretty light in some areas at night.
If I was going specifically to take photos I'd take one though. Kinda wish I'd had a Gorialla-pod.
Got loads of great night shots though by just banging up the ISO and shooting handheld. As mentioned, it's pretty light in some areas at night.
If I was going specifically to take photos I'd take one though. Kinda wish I'd had a Gorialla-pod.
