Can someone recommend a good Tri-Pod

[Fliger]

I know that probably sounds like a stupid question but there are so many out there and the prices really vary. Plus I really don't know what features I really need in the future since I've never used one. Can someone recommend a good one please? I started shooting with my buddy's Canon 100mm macro and its hard to keep a steady hand.

Thanks!

David

 

[louist]

Tripod purchase is heavily dependend on what you intend to use it for. However, for a person starting out, that's often difficult to define. The next defining factor is how deep your pockets are and how much you are willing to pay for stuff that will work well in the field.

In hindsight, I would rather have gone with an Arca Swiss QR system with custom plates for everything. One-fit-all QR plates are just a PITA and the 141RC creeps a little with the 70-200.

What I look for in a tripod:

• sturdy, with all sections extended and camera mounted, if you tap the legs, the image shouldn't bounce
• Should be at least as tall as me when extended. You need the extra height if you are working over uneven terrain. I find mine too short on occassions still.
• Center column isn't that important, I avoid using mine all together.
• Don't buy the "inverse the center column for low angle shooting" marketing gimmick. Notice how they never show you a photo of a person doing that? i tried, it's damn uncomfortable, and I am not a contortionist.
• Lightweight, but this is $$ dependent. CF would be ideal.
• Build like a rock. Tripods gets dropped down cliffs etc, I need them to survive in the field.
• # of leg sections. The more leg sections, the shorter the tripod will be when packed, but also the weaker the legs are. My tripod extends to 170cm+ and only have 2 leg sections and thus it's much sturdier.
• The size of the controls on the head should be proportional to your hand size or levels of coordination
• The head should be smooth and *must* have a QR system.
• The legs needs to be individually adjustable. Some people buy video tripods with strouts between the legs. While those are fine for video equipment, they are useless in the field.
• For the love of photography, don't buy a silver tripod. Shiny surfaces reflect light onto your subject matter. Black and green are fine.
• Postionable center columns are useful, i.e. on the Gitzo Explorer series.
• Buy a good one if you are serious about photography. The 055 is my first tripod, and I have used it for 6 years, and haven't thought about upgrading. Tripods need to work for you in the field, not the other way around. IMO, that is the most important point. Make sure you get one that works and is reliable.

Some respectable brands that you can look at: Manfrotto, Gitzo, and some people have said good things about Giotto which is a Gitzo clone.

Here's a pic of mine: The main drawback is its 6kg weight and generic QR system.

 

[BlueCorn]

Tripods are like skimmers.

It's more economical to buy a good one to begin with rather than buy 3 crappy ones and then have to buy a good one.

I just picked up a Velbon El Carmagne 540 for travel that has worked out well for me so far and is half the cost of the comparable Gitzo.

 

[flameangel88]

I've been using the Manfrotto 3021 with the 329 RC4 head and I'm very happy with it. A bit heavy for me but I've not try anything else. Many photographers recommended this brand and it's on a long term loan right now.

 

[raddogz]

Hey, that's the same LowePro back pack I have.

I have the Gitzo carbon fiber tripod - it's so much lighter and way more steady. I have a separate ballhead from Acratech.

I agree that if you buy the right tripod it makes all the difference.

 

[flameangel88]

If I'd to lug the tripod around I would definately get the one beerguy got as his is 1.6lbs lighter. Good thing mine is just sitting in front of the tank.

 

[Frisco]

I have an Acratech ballhead with a Manfrotto carbon fiber base, along with a cheapo $30 plastic/aluminum one for extended hikes.

 

[Fliger]

I'm glad it wasn't as stupid of a question as I thought. Perfect analogy beerguy, I just bought another skimmer today. :lol: Thanks much, this place is such a fantastic recourse.

I bought my Canon from an online shop and didn't have a bad experience - are they good for equipment also? I'd really love to just buy a deluxe all-inclusive package. My wife still thinks that the camera/lens' and extra equipment is for "her". If someone could recommend a good package I'd really appreciate it. Price is not a HUGE concern but I can't get too outrageous.

I also have the 70-200 but I didn't get the IS, just the f/4L. My wife gets some pretty good shots with it but I'd love to see it stationary. She gets great sports shots from our 4 year old playing soccer to Dante Hall streaking down the sideline.

 

[TheVillageIdiot]

for your head.

for your legs.

both are on my extended wish list...

 

[DarthBaiter]

That Hakuba is the same as the Velbon's El Carmagne 640.
Nice tripod, but don't get any saltwater on the magnesium parts and if you do, make sure you wipe it off good, before you store it.

 

[TheVillageIdiot]

if you can find them, the hakuba's are generally 30-40 bucks cheaper though... ;-)

 

[astrogazer]

I didn't catch this in any of the replies above, I caught the QR head, QR = Quick Release, btw, but also a ball joint is IMO the best way to go, and yes Manfrotto is the tripod manufacturer of choice

 

[Kinetic]

feisol carbon fiber tripods are great. THey can hold a ton of weight, but are super light.

don't get the ballhead, it creeps, but the legs, center column, and horizontal adapter are great.

I recommend the manfrotto bogen trigger head. those things never creep =)

 

[Ebn]

Another vote for the Feisol carbon fiber tripods; if you want to spend a more, take a look at the Gitzo 1325. They're lightweight and can carry quite a bit of load. For a ballhead, really depends on how much you want to spend. I'd go with an Arca Swiss system versus the Bogen system.

Here's my combo .

 

[Blue Deuce]

If you want a sturdy tripod that will serve you for years to come the manfrotto 3021 with the 488 ball head is a good choice.

If you are just staying around the house weight is not an issue. If you plan on trekking into the woods look at a carbon fiber model. Gitzo is arguably the best but also the most expensive with the mountaineer a good model.

As others have said your options are unlimited. I have 3 different tripods around here all matched with the appropiate heads ( ball, gimbal and qtvr) for the type of photography I am shooting.

Don't buy junk. You will regret it.