tripod reccomendation

[cowman345]

Not sure this is 100% appropriate to this forum, but there isn't a forum for discussing general accessories.

Just got my 10D and I've decided my flimsy cheapo tripod ain't gonna cut it. But I'm at a complete loss. I don't know which tripod to get. my budget is about 200 bucks total for legs and head.

I'm considering the bogen 3021 pro due to the fact that the center column can go horizontal. I've never used this feature before, but it seems really useful since I'm interested in a lot of macro work. I like the idea of a Benbo, but dislike the weight and lenght of it... can't really strap it to my mini trekker bag.

Are there any other tripods with this feature?

[Cal Maier]

cowman345 wrote:
I like the idea of a Benbo, but dislike the weight and lenght of it... can't really strap it to my mini trekker bag.

Are there any other tripods with this feature?

Check out the Gitzo model 2220, aluminum tripod similar to Benbo.

Cal

[justme_dc]

You'll likely be happy with anything from bogen. They make great products. I have several of their tripods and heads (and a bunch of stands and such.) I think the set up I use most for back backing is my bogen 3205 tripod legs with my 3265 grip action ball head. It's fast, relatively light and easy to use. The quality of bogen is really high. There are other tripods that I am sure are great but I have had great luck with bogen. The horizontal feature on the 3021 is cool. if you are looking to save weight, you might wanna try carbon fiber if your wallet can take it. The only problem with carbon fiber is that they can be some what delicate. I watched a friend shatter a great carbon fiber tripod without even trying.


good luck to you.

[GenEOS]

You will be happy with the Bogen 3021 with a nice ball head it will suit all your needs. I will I had the padded leggings for mine though. It is kinda heavy if you plan on hiking with it though, one of the lighter composites would be better for lots of hiking..

[soumya63]

I am repeting what Cal has said, Gitzo Explorer 2220 is the only one other than Benbo with this center column repositioning system. You can fix it at any angle from vertical to horizontal. Unlike Bogen 3021 pro, you need not have to take the center colum out to make it horizontal, just loosen up a knob and reposition it! It is much more stable and never collapse like Benbo!

The information provided below are for readers trying to select a tripod.

Tripod is a real valuable accessory and a good one cost a lot also. I personally tried to skimp on it and end up with few popular consumer models like velbon, silk etc. Eventually decided to shell out the big dough to have a life time investment and bought Gitzo 2220 with Kirk BH3 ball head. The entire setup cost me about $500 but I am very staisfied with the stability and flexibility of arrangement. The other cheaper option was Bogen, but once you use Gitzo, you may not look down on Bogen. The qualiy and ruggedness of built is vastly superior in Gitzo than Bogen, but you have to bear the sticker shock.

Gitzo 2220 is also caller Explorer model with variable leg splay and center column positioning. One of my friend was amazed by the unique center column positioning system of Gitzo and said "man, you may not need the ball head!" :D

Anyway, selection of tripod and head are completely personal and financial issue. The key points to remember before buying a tripod are as follows

1) What is the maximum height (depends on how tall you are)

2) What is the minimum height from ground (to get the ground level shots and macros.

3) How many segments it has. 4 segments collapse it to small size, easy to carry while hiking but less stable than 3 segment legs.

4) What is the heaviest camera lens combination you want to put on it.

5) Does it offer variable leg spread? Very important for uneven terrain and extra stability.

6) That weight of the tripod and head. Lighter is better. Carbon fibers are the lightest but costliest also.

Most professional tripods never come with any integrated head. You need to buy either a ball head or a pan and tilt head. They can be as costly or more costly than the tripod. Some of the tops of the line brands to start with are:

Kirk, Arca Swiss, Acra Tech, Markin, Novoflex, Studio Ball

Cheaper alternatives are

Bogen, Gitzo, Kaiser, Canon, Silk, Velbon

Lastly, you may need a Quick release, if your head does not have any. The most popular Pro QRs are Arca type. Two US brands Really Right Stuff (RRS) and Kirk makes QR adaptor and plates compatible to that system. Bogen, Gitzo also makes their own QR systems and plates.

You need to research more to setup you ideal Camera support system. I promise it will be more fun and involved than researching what will be the sharpest medium range zoom for your 10D.

http://www.mitraphoto.com

[Marley]

The only problem with carbon fiber is that they can be some what delicate. I watched a friend shatter a great carbon fiber tripod without even trying

Carbon fiber is extremely strong.

The tripods must not be "true" carbon but rather a buzzword for their marketing department

[justme_dc]

marley wrote:
The only problem with carbon fiber is that they can be some what delicate. I watched a friend shatter a great carbon fiber tripod without even trying

Carbon fiber is extremely strong.

The tripods must not be "true" carbon but rather a buzzword for their marketing department

Uh.... actually it was real honest to goodness carbon fiber. Carbon fiber has a great strength to weight ratio but make no mistake, it's a fiber based design just like fiberglass. It has the same weaknesses. It is by no means a "Holy Grail". Carbon fiber is know for it high torsional strength not for it's impact resistance. For the sake of clarity, My buddy broke said tripod when he and it took an unscheduled flight down a rock face in the sequoias. The fall wasn't enough to really damage my buddy or any of his cameras but the tripod had two broken legs. Having had a few spills of my own that trip of the same caliber my aluminium tripod came home scraped and a little dented but far from broken. I still use it today.
The point of this being, unless a couple pounds of weight is really going to make or break you, aluminium is a bit more durable.

[Bing]

HI
If a Benbo interests you, look at a Uni-loc. Much better quality and perhaps somewhat lighter. I have used one for a few years now with no regrets. Stability is better than just about anything else out there.

[Marley]

Carbon fiber is know for it high torsional strength not for it's impact resistance

Formula 1 & CART teams form the tub of the car
with carbon fiber for this reason?

Like I said...marketing buzz word.

[dlhammer]

Take a look at the Bogen/Manfrotto digi 719B.
Sturdy, ball head, folds up short (20.5"), and comes with a carrying case for $99.95

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bh2.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist _html___251019___BO719B___REG___CatID=0___SID=F4F4 99FBD10

Works good for me.