best choice for sturdy tripod

[ctgoldwing]

Ok, I am ready to retire my Husky tripod (after 20+ years). I find the 'friction nut' tightening of the leg sections to be way too clumsy & slow. The head could use some help also.

So I guess I am looking for a tripod sturdy enough to handle my 10D with either the 200 f1.8 or 300 f2.8 on it.
My wish list attributes would include steadiness, ease & quickness in adjusting the legs and nice smooth camera to head mounting & adjustments.

As this is for use in the field, weight is somewhat of an issue but definately of lesser importance.

It would be a plus if I could reverse the center pole for low shots. . .
Can someone give me some suggestions?

Thanks!

[scottbergerphoto]

Consider one of the Gitzo Mountaineer carbon fiber tripods. I use the G1228. It's very sturdy and collapses in four sections, so it travels well. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=180916&is=REG
You can then add whatever head you want.

[Joytek]

I use the MANFROTTO 190D lowers and 141RC head. This is a nice and sturdy tripod and since I shoot lots of night photos is has served me very well. Its constructed out of forged alluminum and has independent leg movement for uneven terrain setup.

Heartly recomended!!

w.

[ctgoldwing]

scottbergerphoto wrote:
Consider one of the Gitzo Mountaineer carbon fiber tripods. I use the G1228. It's very sturdy and collapses in four sections, so it travels well. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=180916&is=REG
You can then add whatever head you want.

Scott,
I have done some researching & have a couple of questions that maybe you can answer for me.

1st is the geared column of any advantage over the rapid column. All the tripods I have ever used have been geared but perhaps there is some advantage of 1 vs the other???

I guess the head choice is between the G1275M or G1276M. Do you give up any stability with the quick release ??

I appreciate your input

Thanks!
Jerry

[MichaelE]

I gotta watch this thread. I am still tyring to learn about the 'real' tripods. That's going to be my next big buy is a nice heavy tripod with a good ball head and quick release system.

Right now I use a multi function Slik that does well enough but it doesn't have independent legs... Tough in the woods..

[The Photo Tuell]

I use the Manfrotto/Bogen 3021Pro and 486RC2 Ballhead. It's sturdy, very versatile, quick to setup, yet reasonably priced at under $200 for both.

[scottbergerphoto]

ctgoldwing wrote:
scottbergerphoto wrote:
Consider one of the Gitzo Mountaineer carbon fiber tripods. I use the G1228. It's very sturdy and collapses in four sections, so it travels well. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=180916&is=REG
You can then add whatever head you want.

Scott,
I have done some researching & have a couple of questions that maybe you can answer for me.

1st is the geared column of any advantage over the rapid column. All the tripods I have ever used have been geared but perhaps there is some advantage of 1 vs the other???

I guess the head choice is between the G1275M or G1276M. Do you give up any stability with the quick release ??

I appreciate your input

Thanks!
Jerry
I tried the geared column and the rapid one. I chose the rapid one. It is much easier to use and you save $100. I now very much prefer it to my old geared tripods. As far as head, I own the G1276M. It's a great ball head. The quick release is rock solid. I use it on the 10D and my Nikon F5. No loss of stability. I recently started using the Acratech Ultimate Ballhead, http://www.acratech.net , It's very light and sturdy. I like it when I'm moving around alot. There is a nice review of it on www.dpreview.com. Good Luck.