tripod recommendation

[ahmadof]

can anyone recommend a good tripod to start with. it will only be used outdoors with a 10d. the largest lens i have is a 75-300 zoom. i want to start with something inexpensive, but that i can keep to use as a second tripod later or as a flash mount (when i have paid for all the other goodies)http://photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smile.gif

[Andy_T]

Criteria for selecting a tripod would be
- robustness of design
- secure ball head lock easily possible
- quick-release possible?
- easily portable, if you want to go hiking with it

I'm very happy with my Manfrotto MA 390 I recently bought (approx US$ 120). I use it on the G2 (+ wide converter and external flash), but it's designed to take a lot more of extra load.

It might not be the most portable tripod to take hiking with you, but it's rock sturdy and features a great fast lock mechanism. I made the decision to forego small size and utmost lightness to have added stability. I'm very happy with that decision, as it's the most solid tripod I've handled so far.

It has a great 3-way head that you can control with levers that lock securely if needed and also features a quick-release mechanism.

An alternative would be the Manfrotto 079 monopod, that features the same quick release mechanism. I've seen many of these used on eBay in the range of US$ 25 (new: US$ 75). Given the design, wear should be negligible :)

Regards,
Andy

[wcapald]

I'm a fan of Manfrotto' as well. Really well made and all types to suit your budget and use. I just made the leap to the new Carbon One range, because I nee a good tripod for my job. They are brilliant, because they are so light and the quick release head mechanism is superb for fast shooting. A bit more to spend than you would start with but some of the head assemblies are interchangeable, so you won't waste money.

Wayne

[excessnoise]

ahmadof wrote:
can anyone recommend a good tripod to start with. it will only be used outdoors with a 10d. the largest lens i have is a 75-300 zoom. i want to start with something inexpensive, but that i can keep to use as a second tripod later or as a flash mount (when i have paid for all the other goodies)http://photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smile.gif

I agree with the others. I wasted money on a cheap, er, inexpensive one first and it was absolutely worthless. Plastic pan head couldn't hold the 10D with a 28-135IS, and flash. Bought the Manfrotto 3021 w/ hd ball head. Love it. Any of the 3xxx series should work fine (3001,3011). Tripod is too important to skimp on! Why buy $$$ camera, lens, etc and then get blurred pics trying to save a couple of $. I got my whole setup at B&H for approx $200. My cheap one was a $75 ($45 on ebay).

[zirkonium]

Any of the 5D owners (especially with the 24-70 2.8 lens) out there can recommend a good, quality tripod that will cope with the considerable weight? Any good or bad experience? Thanks.

[SkipD]

Any of the 5D owners (especially with the 24-70 2.8 lens) out there can recommend a good, quality tripod that will cope with the considerable weight? Any good or bad experience? Thanks.The somewhat standard reply for this forum goes here..... The Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro (in the US - it's the Manfrotto 055Pro in Europe) coupled with their 488RC2 ball head. A "long strap" accessory makes it easier to carry in the field.