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Let's talk tripods

I previously owned a Manfrotto 055 MF3 with a Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head - Great combination; very sturdy tripod (with carbon fiber legs). The issue with it was - too bulky. For that reason I hardly carried it around with me. You could buy that combination for around $400. Then I took the dive into Gitzo land. I ended up buying GT2541 and got the Q3 Markins ball head. It sure is an expensive combination.

My suggestions:

1. Buy a tripod that you will carry around all the time. If that means $200 more then go for it. You will forget about the $200 in 2 months but that tripod will (hopefully) stay with you lot longer than that.
2. Really compact tripods are attractive due to its size and weight however think about future. Are you planning on getting a bigger lens anytime soon? etc.
3. I personally like 4 section tripod because they fold small. Some people argue saying more point of failure. However my Gitzo 2541 is rock solid.
4. Choosing a tripod - make sure max height w/o center column extended + a ball head on top + camera is close to your eye range. If its taller than your eye height then you will have to always make adjustments (which I hated with my Manfrotto)

Tripod I considered:
Gitzo (2541) - ended up buying
Manfrotto - 055XCPRO4 and 190CX3
Induro - C214 - I really liked this one as well. It looks somewhat like Gitzo and costs about $250 less but its fairly new product and I just did not want to take a chance. Also 5 year warranty vs lifetime for Gitzo.

Ball heads I considered:
Markins Q3 - Ended up buying (Great ball head)
RSS BH40 - Heard great but it is more expensive than Markins
Photo clam - You should look into this. Supposed to be a very good ball head at a cheaper price compared to Markins and RSS (looks just like Markins).

Hope it helps. FYI - I was in Vegas recently, carried the tripod for about 6 hrs of walk around.
 
It's funny that someone posted in here that $500 seemed exorbitant, and yet the consensus has of course come to be that I need to spend more. :::sigh::: I know you guys are right. So I've set up some search alerts for eBay and Craigslist and will see if maybe I can do better in the used market. My money ought to go a little further that way, if I get lucky and find exactly what I'm looking for.

Maxximillian, you're very sweet, but Utah is a bit far from here. However, you've reminded me that I have some friends nearby who might be able to loan me a tripod for a while.

Compuwar, I'm with shataut in the belief that my tripod ideally should come near to eye-height (without the column extended). Getting down really low for macro or for a particular composition is one thing, but otherwise I'd prefer to stand up as straight as possible.

Shataut, thanks for the recommendations. I'll look into those too.
 
Phrasikleia said:
Wow. Lots of replies! Thanks so much for all of the recommendations and tips.

<snipped>

Dale, I'm not sure where you're getting 3lbs. My cameras are gripped (well the 5D2 isn't yet but will be soon), and the 100mm I use a lot is the heavier L version. It's not my heaviest lens, though; that would be the 17-55, which weighs about 23oz. The 7D is the heaviest camera, and its grip adds about half again its weight. If I attach my speedlight, I'm up over 5lbs of weight. Plus, I'm very keen to get a 70-200 someday, and that would then be an even heavier lens in the mix.

<snipped>
Click to expand...

The weights I stated were based on either Amazon or the Manfrotto calculator. I went to Canon and got the current weights in grams.

100 mm L macro-625 grams. 7D-820 grams. The 70-200 we all dream about is 1.5 Kg. The 5D is listed at 820 grams. That's the same as the 7D, so I wonder. The battery grip for the big boy is 454 grams without batteries.

If your macro is older, it may weigh more.

According to Canon, your future rig with the 70-200 L will be about 2.8 Kg. or about 6 Lbs. so a tripod that will hold 4.5 Kg or 10 Lbs. will last a lifetime.

The forum is a great place for advice. Now go to a camera store and have a look. You have until June.

Correct me if I'm wrong in the conversion from metric to US.

Enjoy the weather. I'm looking at cloud cover running from the Washington coast to Montana.

Dale
 
schataut said:
4. Choosing a tripod - make sure max height w/o center column extended + a ball head on top + camera is close to your eye range. If its taller than your eye height then you will have to always make adjustments (which I hated with my Manfrotto)
Click to expand...

This is an important point for an additional reason. Raising the center column is useful in a pinch, but it definitely sacrifices some steadiness/stability.

Some people like to say (ad nauseum) "A tripod with the center column extended is no better than a monopod". That's a bit of an exaggeration, but there is some truth in it.
 
Weight ratings are nice but don't forget the focal length and/or shooting situation as well. Look at Gitzo's catalog for a great example. They don't delineate their tripods by weight rather they separate them by focal length. This is because while you can mount a 600mm lens on a lightweight CF tripod, it will not have the torsion resistance to get consistently sharp shots. IMO the torsion resistance of a tripod is what really lends it stability and something you should closely consider when choosing a set of legs.

As far as budget busting goes, perhaps you should just look at a new ballhead for now and save up for a future set of legs? I am not too familiar with the Manfrotto line but I do recall that the 190 is a pretty respectable set of legs, if not the latest and greatest or lightest set. Perhaps you can purchase some replacement parts to fix the leg lock problems you were having with your current set?

If you need a new tripod altogether (said you left your old tripod overseas) perhaps find a used set of legs to compliment a nice new high quality ballhead. You can sell the legs later on when you have enough for a proper set and if you do it smart, your investment on the legs should be minimal (i.e. get most or all of the money back). This might keep you under budget while getting you started on owning that "end-game" set of gear.

I use the Markins M10 and it's fantastic. It's durable and rock solid and easy to use. I borrowed a tripod from a friend once with one of those small Manfrotto ballheads and thought the ballhead concept was really cool (always used 3-axis heads before that) but ended up fighting the ballhead a lot due to creep. The M10 (and other ballheads in its caliber) is what using a ballhead should be. Honestly, I wouldn't even bother with anything that does not perform to this level as you will just end up spending time fighting ballhead creep and being frustrated. With a good ballhead you move the camera exactly where you want it and then it stays put and that's it. You don't even need to adjust the tension knob- truly set it and forget it.

You seem to talk about shooting vertical a lot and if this is the case, the investment in the L-bracket might be worth it. By keeping the weight of the gear centered on the ballhead even when in portrait mode really helps with stability, both from a ballhead (weight is pressing down on the ball not tangential to the ball) and tripod (weight remains at the apex of the tripod not offset) standpoint. I gasped at the price of my L-bracket when I bought one too but now that I have it, there really is no other way.
 
Ruahrc, thanks for a very thoughtful and helpful post. I'll have a look at the Markins head you mentioned and will definitely consider a used legs/new head combo. What you said about creep is really resonating with me. That is my biggest beef with the ball head I have.
 
I got the Velbon El Carmagne 630A and the Acratech GP ballhead. In this case the ballhead was more expensive than the tripod. Everything is carbon fiber. The legs weigh 4.7 pounds. The head is less than a pound. I use this combination a lot for hiking and it works great. The legs can be spread to bring the camera within inches of the ground. I've used this several times for macro shots.

I can't compare this directly to other combinations as this is the only carbon fiber gear I've used. I've had it over two years now and I have no complaints.

If you can, I'd recommend going to a large, professional camera store and see as much of this gear in person as you can.
 
didn't want to start a new thread

well i didn't want to start a new thread since this is about tripods, but i was looking at getting a JOBY GORILLAPOD..i just don't know if its worth it or not. i'm looking at the Gorillapod SLR ZOOM or the FOCUS..but i can't seem to decide.

not only that, but i was thinking of getting this manfrotto tripod too....

manfrotto tripod= http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Manfrot...90589604&skuId=9358081&st=manfrotto&cp=1&lp=2

JOBY GORILLAPOD SLR FOCUS= http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Joby+-+...34&skuId=9639265&st=joby gorillapod&cp=1&lp=2

JOBY GORILLAPOD SLR ZOOM= http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Joby+-+Gorillapod+Tripod/9639247.p?id=1218135452395&skuId=9639247





i jsut can't decide cause if its i want to take them around, but i'm hoping for some responses or reviews on these items..thanks!
 
maddagascar said:
well i didn't want to start a new thread since this is about tripods, but i was looking at getting a JOBY GORILLAPOD..i just don't know if its worth it or not. i'm looking at the Gorillapod SLR ZOOM or the FOCUS..but i can't seem to decide.

not only that, but i was thinking of getting this manfrotto tripod too....

manfrotto tripod= http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Manfrot...90589604&skuId=9358081&st=manfrotto&cp=1&lp=2

JOBY GORILLAPOD SLR FOCUS= http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Joby+-+...34&skuId=9639265&st=joby gorillapod&cp=1&lp=2

JOBY GORILLAPOD SLR ZOOM= http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Joby+-+Gorillapod+Tripod/9639247.p?id=1218135452395&skuId=9639247

i just can't decide cause if its i want to take them around, but i'm hoping for some responses or reviews on these items..thanks!
Click to expand...

The Gorilla Pod doesn't have a head, so you would have to screw it to your camera every time you want to use it or buy a seperate head. The Manfrotto is a good deal but it has a pan head, not a ball head.

The main difference here is that the Gorilla is specialized. Low angle or mounted to a railing while the Manfrotto is a general purpose free-standing tripod.

Glad to muddy the waters for you.

Dale
 
Designer Dale said:
The Gorilla Pod doesn't have a head, so you would have to screw it to your camera every time you want to use it or buy a seperate head. The Manfrotto is a good deal but it has a pan head, not a ball head.

The main difference here is that the Gorilla is specialized. Low angle or mounted to a railing while the Manfrotto is a general purpose free-standing tripod.

Glad to muddy the waters for you.

Dale
Click to expand...

what are the differences between the pan head and a ball head? i'm trying to see what use i'd have for them as i don't want to lug around a big tripod all the time. but there both pretty good in size. how about this manfrotto??


http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Manfrot...90587683&skuId=9358116&st=manfrotto&cp=1&lp=1
 
Have you looked at the Feisols? I have the 4 section one and been very happy with it. Not gitzo quality but very sturdy. I got their head as well but if I was doing it again I would probably go with a different head as it isn't the smoothest.
 
dazey said:
Have you looked at the Feisols? I have the 4 section one and been very happy with it. Not gitzo quality but very sturdy. I got their head as well but if I was doing it again I would probably go with a different head as it isn't the smoothest.
Click to expand...

I think maybe you're addressing me and not maddagascar.

I did look at the Feisols and was very interested in the CT-3442 because of its height; at 138cm, it has the greatest height in its class (that is, without extending the center column). I also looked at the entire Gitzo line, at Benros, at Giottos, and at all of the Manfrottos out there. Options for a "travel" tripod are many these days. I've actually now learned more about tripods than I ever wanted to know. I can't remember the last time I researched a purchase so extensively.

I ultimately decided that I don't want to spend top dollar on something that is not the perfect tripod for my everyday needs. All of those "travel" tripods suffer from one of two problems: they are either too short or else have too many leg sections. The perfect number to me seems to be three, which means you only have two locks per leg to deal with, for a total of six locks. I can imagine that a five-section tripod with 12 leg locks would be far too fussy for me. I also want locks that are either locked or not locked--I don't want something that has the potential to fall in between. So I bought a Gitzo basalt fiber tripod with three leg sections. It's still small enough to carry around with ease, and it can fit in one of my larger suitcases on transatlantic flights. It's also quite light, only about a pound more than the travel tripods on average. An extra pound won't kill me.

Now I just need to choose a ballhead. It seems that no matter what I do, I'll be exceeding my $500 budget by a lot, alas. :(
 
Hi, this is the ball head I bought http://www.adorama.com/GZGH1780QR.html and as of now, it holds my D90 and 18-200 lens real nice. Very smooth to use even though I'm use to a pan head so it's taken me some time to be happy with more myself and the unit than the unit itself. It hold up to 22lbs and feels rock solid. It might be overkill but I don't want my stuff moving around unless I move it.
Yep the budget seems to get raised some how with this stuff as it happened to me also :cool:
 
Artful Dodger said:
Hi, this is the ball head I bought http://www.adorama.com/GZGH1780QR.html and as of now, it holds my D90 and 18-200 lens real nice. Very smooth to use even though I'm use to a pan head so it's taken me some time to be happy with more myself and the unit than the unit itself. It hold up to 22lbs and feels rock solid. It might be overkill but I don't want my stuff moving around unless I move it.
Yep the budget seems to get raised some how with this stuff as it happened to me also :cool:
Click to expand...

Thanks for that recommendation. This is the first time I've seen anyone recommend a Gitzo ballhead. My googling turns up endless references to Markins (and kock-offs of them), Acratech, Arca-Swiss, and Manfrotto. I'll definitely consider that one if you say it stays put well, especially in a vertical orientation; that's what matters most to me. I'm very interested in getting an L-bracket for verticals, but those are camera-specific, and I have multiple cameras to accommodate.

Does anyone by chance have any long-term experience with a Photo Clam ballhead? Everything I can find is written by people who are using fairly new ones, so it's difficult to determine if they really last.

[EDIT: Does that Gitzo have a tension-control feature? I'm not finding any mention of it in the specs. I definitely want a ballhead that has that feature.]
 
Phrasikleia said:
Thanks for that recommendation. This is the first time I've seen anyone recommend a Gitzo ballhead. My googling turns up endless references to Markins (and kock-offs of them), Acratech, Arca-Swiss, and Manfrotto. I'll definitely consider that one if you say it stays put well, especially in a vertical orientation; that's what matters most to me. I'm very interested in getting an L-bracket for verticals, but those are camera-specific, and I have multiple cameras to accommodate.

Does anyone by chance have any long-term experience with a Photo Clam ballhead? Everything I can find is written by people who are using fairly new ones, so it's difficult to determine if they really last.

[EDIT: Does that Gitzo have a tension-control feature? I'm not finding any mention of it in the specs. I definitely want a ballhead that has that feature.]
Click to expand...

I had a Gitzo ballhead (different model) with the same load capacity. It lasted about three years before it started to show creep, and five years before it needed replacing (heavy use- lots of verticals) I'd go with the Acratech or Markins. For the first year it was great, but it didn't last and I simply avoid their heads now, love their leg sets though.

Paul
 
Maxxamillian said:
I use a Gitzo Explorer--almost exclusively. It will handle your weight requirements while offering stability as well as a healthy dose of versatility.
Click to expand...

I second the explorer. Its just so versatile. I use mine mostly for macro and lately landscapes but it just works for anything.
 
Phrasikleia said:
I'm in the market again for a tripod and am looking for some recommendations. I travel a lot by plane and also move around a lot on foot, so I would like the tripod and head to be relatively compact and fairly lightweight, especially now that the airlines have all reduced their baggage allowances for international flights. Carbon fiber appeals, but I'm not sure if it's really stable enough (I have no experience with it). My heaviest camera and lens combination right now weighs about 4.5 pounds (about 2kg).

I'd like the head to be very good at doing both horizontal and vertical orientations. I nearly dislocated my thumb last week trying to get my little Manfrotto ballhead to stay tight enough while doing verticals. It's the smallest ballhead, and it just can't handle the weight I'm putting on it. I'm very nervous when doing verticals because it looks like the head is ready to come undone and drop the camera at any minute. I don't want to have to fight with the head to get the exact framing I want.

My budget is around $500 max.

Your thoughts??

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Get one of the good brands, like Manfrotto or Gitzo.

The really good light-weight tripods, though, cost over $800.

Regarding your camera, it's not all about weight. If you have a very long lens, this could make a cheaper tripod trip.
 
compuwar said:
I had a Gitzo ballhead (different model) with the same load capacity. It lasted about three years before it started to show creep, and five years before it needed replacing (heavy use- lots of verticals) I'd go with the Acratech or Markins. For the first year it was great, but it didn't last and I simply avoid their heads now, love their leg sets though.

Paul
Click to expand...

Thanks, Paul. That's exactly what I needed to hear. Seems like all roads lead to Gitzo when it comes to legs, and to Markins with ballheads.

Kronie said:
I second the explorer. Its just so versatile. I use mine mostly for macro and lately landscapes but it just works for anything.
Click to expand...

Like I said above, height and ease of setup are more important to me than a little extra compactness and minor savings on weight. I really don't need much encouragement to bring a tripod with me wherever I go; I'm neither lazy nor self-conscious in that regard, so I can toss a little tripod duffle over one shoulder and trot out the door quite happily.

I already bought the legs: a Gitzo 3-section Basalt Fiber model (Series 1): normal height of 136cm/54 inches (nice height) and a weight of only three pounds (1.4kg). With the ballhead, the whole package should weigh in well under four pounds. Who can't carry that? Plus I'll have only two locks per leg to deal with, which is a lot less fussy and a good deal more stable. I'm still waiting for it to ship, however, so I can only comment in theory right now. ;)
 
Phrasikleia said:
I think maybe you're addressing me and not maddagascar.

I did look at the Feisols and was very interested in the CT-3442 because of its height; at 138cm, it has the greatest height in its class (that is, without extending the center column). I also looked at the entire Gitzo line, at Benros, at Giottos, and at all of the Manfrottos out there. Options for a "travel" tripod are many these days. I've actually now learned more about tripods than I ever wanted to know. I can't remember the last time I researched a purchase so extensively.

I ultimately decided that I don't want to spend top dollar on something that is not the perfect tripod for my everyday needs. All of those "travel" tripods suffer from one of two problems: they are either too short or else have too many leg sections. The perfect number to me seems to be three, which means you only have two locks per leg to deal with, for a total of six locks. I can imagine that a five-section tripod with 12 leg locks would be far too fussy for me. I also want locks that are either locked or not locked--I don't want something that has the potential to fall in between. So I bought a Gitzo basalt fiber tripod with three leg sections. It's still small enough to carry around with ease, and it can fit in one of my larger suitcases on transatlantic flights. It's also quite light, only about a pound more than the travel tripods on average. An extra pound won't kill me.

Now I just need to choose a ballhead. It seems that no matter what I do, I'll be exceeding my $500 budget by a lot, alas. :(
Click to expand...

Congratulations on your purchase! I think you will be immensely satisfied :D

I use a Kirk Enterprises ball head with their L bracket. I can use the ball head with the L bracket AND have my R Strap attached at the same time. Check it out:

www.kirkphoto.com
 
Thanks! Funny you should mention Kirk. Just a couple of hours ago, I started giving them a serious look. I'm torn about the L-bracket, for whichever ballhead I get. I'll think I'll probably get just one, for my 5D Mark II, which will be my primary tripod camera. For the other cameras, perhaps a simple universal plate will have to do. Those L-brackets are terribly expensive. Ugh.

I'm also very keen to get an R-strap, although I'd like to know what solution they have up their sleeve for a non-tripod-mount version (promised as forthcoming in another thread on this forum).

Maxxamillian said:
Congratulations on your purchase! I think you will be immensely satisfied :D

I use a Kirk Enterprises ball head with their L bracket. I can use the ball head with the L bracket AND have my R Strap attached at the same time. Check it out:

www.kirkphoto.com
Click to expand...
 
soo would this one be better since this has a ball head??

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Manfrott...otto&cp=1&lp=1

it was either that manfrotto (the one that has the ballhead) or the other one in the previous post which has a panning head? they are only a 30 dollar difference.

but at the same time i'm still debating if i should get a joby gorillapod just in case i don't want to lug around the tripod anywhere...but which gorillapod..lol.

any expierences?

also, would i need change and maybe upgrade the ballhead on the manfrotto if i get either one? or are they just fine the way they come.

i just don't know too much about tripods, i didn't think they were that in-depth.
 
Phrasikleia said:
Thanks for that recommendation. This is the first time I've seen anyone recommend a Gitzo ballhead. My googling turns up endless references to Markins (and kock-offs of them), Acratech, Arca-Swiss, and Manfrotto.
Does anyone by chance have any long-term experience with a Photo Clam ballhead? Everything I can find is written by people who are using fairly new ones, so it's difficult to determine if they really last.

[EDIT: Does that Gitzo have a tension-control feature? I'm not finding any mention of it in the specs. I definitely want a ballhead that has that feature.]
Click to expand...

I'd go on what compuwar has to offer as words of wisdom here since my stuff is almost a year old and I use a D50, now replaced by a D90 and my lens collection is not in the same league as your's for weight, length or much really ;) The head works for me for now and I will add that if I didn't get the head and legs at cost (issues with the seller) I may have gone with another head unit because from your tension question the head I have doesn't have that and it would be nice. I know this now but it's all good for the time being :) Nice choice on the legs. Three sections are nice for those under 6' but that's just my thought.
Happy travels once it is all setup…
 
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