Hi Matt,
I'm surprised to hear that you don't have a tripod.
I bought a Manfrotto 055 XPROB after doing some searching on the net (and before I'd actually bought my camera
). It's a very robust, sturdy, well made bit of kit although to be honest if I'd actually known that the micro 4/3rds camera was going to be so light I'd have possibly gone for the next size down. That said, I'm a great believer in buying the best that you can afford and if I ever upgrade to full frame with their larger, heavier lenses then it's always there.
I'd guess that it is not the lightest tripod out there but certainly not heavy in my opinion. (it is not the model with carbon fibre legs).
I coupled this with the 496RC2 ball head which is pretty neat although my limited experience doesn't give me anything to match it against. I like the fact that the camera is attached to the tripod, or should I say ball head, instantly via a quick latch attachment - the 'male' section of which is permanently screwed onto the camera base.
I wouldn't contemplate taking the camera out without the tripod - macro, tele or landscape would all benefit from the steadyness and adjustability provided. Sunrise or sunset (or any long exposure shot) would surely be impossible without it, unless you happened upon a flat post or rock which just so happened to be at the right height for your composition. Also if you want to take any shot in portrait orientation the ball head OR adjustable centre column will allow the camera to be instantly rotated for the shot.
One last thing, not on tripods............... I bought a wireless remote for firing the shutter and it's a hit, when taking a shed load of shots, even on a 2 second timer, the time wasted seems large.
photography is expensive but addictive.
I can let you see the stuff anytime you like.
Iain
