What tripod to buy?

[Elemobe]

I know this is a big question and there is masses of advice and opinions out there, I know, I have been reading them However, I would value the opinions of my buddies here.

I was going to get a tripod from Santa (not that he knows/knew) but as it is something I really need to research and be involved in at every stage I thought I would get one myself.

I know that cheap tripods are not good investments.

Gitzo appears to be the best, but the prices are rather high to say the least and I am a hobbyist photographer so I really think not necessary to go for such a high quality

I have looked at the Gitzo rip off called Benro, which look good but I have seen some very negative reviews and nervous of getting one.

So what mid-range tripods would offer good quality and value for money?

Btw, the DOF assignment was the motivation to get this now!!!!

[lexcell]

Hi Linda,

Give me a list of the equipment you use...body through biggest lens and plans for near future lenses and I can make some recommendations. As you mention, there are alot of cheap tripods out there and they simply defeat the purpose of even buying a tripod.

Even though you are a hobbiest, it pays to invest in a good tripod. It will outlast your camera equipment if you buy the right one from the beginning and save you money by not having to upgrade when you realize that the first one, two three,etc you bought are not sturdy enough.

The manufaturers list a max load capacity and I find that they may be right in what a tripod can hold but they miss the boat on stability with that much weight.

I'll give you a range to choose from.

[Elemobe]

Thanks for your reply Laurie.

Yes, I agree, I don't want to make a false economy, if the right tripod for me is really expensive, then that will be the one I will get. What I don't want to do is pay out a lot of money for something I don't need.

At present (and of course this may change in the future) I have a Canon 350D, kit lens, EF70-200mm Canon F4L and of course my Canon 50mm on its way That's it. But of course I am building my equipment as I get more involved with this hobby.

Also a major consideration for me is I love hill walking and sometimes go for long walks, and as I am not tall, the weight of the tripod is really important as anything to weighty will not get used.

[Larop]

Here's the rig I use, a manfrotto 3021BN tripod and quick release grip head. I've found it very convenient and supports up to 11 lbs I think. You can find good deals on ebay and some online discounters occasionally

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...lack_with.html

[Cmcburnett]

Originally Posted by Larop

Here's the rig I use, a manfrotto 3021BN tripod and quick release grip head. I've found it very convenient and supports up to 11 lbs I think. You can find good deals on ebay and some online discounters occasionally

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...lack_with.html

Thanks for the link. Don't mean to cut in on Linda, but I'm in the market for a new tripod also. I have one that is very good but its about 20yrs old and very heavy, I want a lighter one for hiking. I hike a lot in the mountains and the less weight I have to carry the better.

[Edmund]

I use the Bogen 3001 (replaced by the Manfrotto 190) and a Goitto MH-1000 balll head with the MH 652 quick release. The Manfrotto 3021 is a little sturdier but I use mine when I go hiking and backpacking so I wanted a lighter model. I bought this about 20 years ago and it has held up great with all the hard knocks when hiking etc. They make carbon fiber ones now but that was out of reach 20 yrs. ago. Either one will serve you fine depending on what you do and the weight it has to bear. If it is real windy out I will always use a remote shutter release and hold my finger down on top of the camera to steady the whole thing.
Eddie

[Chuck S.]

Currently using Bogen 3021 PRO with 488 RC2 ball head. Definitely not for backpacking - it's heavy. 3021 PRO has a detachable center column that can be mounted horizontally as a lateral arm for direct shooting from overhead to the ground.

[Elemobe]

Thanks for that, the Bogen is looking good. I will take a good look at the weights of these, if Chuck thinks the 3021 PRO is heavy, that is a useful guide and benchmark. I could really do with going and looking at some but there are no good stores nearby, so I will be relying on mail order.

I was quite keen on the Gitzo Titanium Traveller (Limited Edition), not only is it very light @ 1Kg, but it comes in a nice leather bag. Then looked at the price - EUR 1,999

Worth a look though http://titanium.gitzo.com/home.html

Eddie, it's reassuring that you have had yours for 20 years, that really does make this an investment purchase.

I will give Robert White's a call tomorrow (http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/ ) and get some more advice on the Bogen. They may not be the cheapest around, but they are helpful and mainly deal with serious photographers - like me

[bayhli]

I'm using the same tripod and head as Chuck, the Manfrotto 055Pro and 488RC2 head. I do find it heavy as well but it has never let me down with positioning from Macro to Landscape and I can rely on its sturdiness to stay put. I'm really happy I made the investment; it's a popular, reasonably priced combo. I'll cart it short distances but for the few hikes I've done, I bring my husband and he carries it bless his heart! I'm on the tiny side and would not be able to carry camera equipment and this tripod.

What works well for me is having a lightweight Manfrotto monopod which I keep in my car - holds about 15lbs of camera and lens. I use it a lot.

Another option you might want to consider Linda is a swivel, grip head; I have the Manfrotto 322RC2 and find I'm using it the most now for my tripod as well. Really convenient to use. I got a deal on Ebay for both the monopod and this head that I just couldn't pass up and it serves me well.

I second the advice that a good tripod and head is a priority early investment.

[Chuck S.]

Originally Posted by Elemobe

I will give Robert White's a call tomorrow (http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/ ) and get some more advice on the Bogen. They may not be the cheapest around, but they are helpful and mainly deal with serious photographers - like me

Linda, I believe the Bogen name is only used in the US. The underlying brand is Manfrotto, as mentioned in Pat's last post. Excellent quality; I have an older one that's going strong as well.

Happy shopping!