Links
Artists
My pochade boxes are currently being tested and evaluated by some of my favorite artists, well worth checking out. Choose your own superlatives to describe their work:
I'm incorporating some of their suggestions already. So far I have gotten good, and insightful, feedback. And the way these guys paint, the boxes should be taking a pounding...
Tripods.
Gotta have at least one. I have a few, including a cheap "TV antennae" telescoping leg deal I got at Kmart years ago. It's been crudely repaired but still works, and collapses to nothing. What I'm trying to say is that you don't necessarily need a 6 lb bogen. Smaller box, smaller (and lighter) tripod. Here are few manufacturers--in this internet age, I'm sure you can find the best deal...
Bogen. Solid. 11x14? No problem.
Slik. Haven't field tested any.
Velbon. I recently purchased an Ultra Luxi SF with ball head and it is a nice little tripod, even up to carrying the Bitterroot. Just over two pounds, collapses to about 14", a great travel/backpacker.
If in doubt, go to a camera store and check them out. Remember that although you are putting quite a bit of weight on the head, you don't need it to stay rock steady, as you would with a camera of similar weight. So you can usually overload them beyond what they spec. Borrow a tripod from a friend. Lots of people have tripods and 35mm's gathering dust in their garage. Then blame me if you break it.
