Tripod

It's a Manfrotto 190X Pro B with an 804RC2 head attach to it. I like this tripod very much for its sturdy construction. The head can support my 40D effortlessly. I used the tripod mainly for my macro shoot. With a 100 mm macro, tripod is a must because at this focal zoom, subtle movement can cause blur to our picture. I select 190XProB tripod because of its feature. The tripod column can be tilted not only horizontally but vertically. The feature helps a lot with macro composition when I need to position the camera very near to the ground. 

The thing that separates a normal tripods and a quality tripod such as this one is the build quality. Previously, I owned 2 tripods in which one of it was free when I buy a camera. It’s the one with long legs, similar to my Manfrotto. After using it for a while, I’m a bit frustrated because when I’m using it with my Canon 40D (which is a quite heavy camera plus the lens), the tripod cannot hold the camera efficiently. When I’m doing macro or detail shooting, the tripod just can’t keep up. After all, the only down side of the Manfrotto that I owned is the weight. It’s quite heavy. Other than that, I rest my peace with the tripod. Maybe I should invest in a carbon fiber tripod for traveling…or maybe a gorilla tripod… Not until a Canon EF 17-40 L is in my dry box…hehe