Tripod for telezoom lenses

[Broncobear]

I already have two no-name cheaper tripods and only use them for indoor, but now that I have some telephoto lenses I was thinking of getting a better tripod. I do have the 486RC2 ball head but haven't used it with the 100-400L.

I was looking through the tripods , specifically those mentioned here but they seem to support cameras with small or medium lenses.

I was wondering if someone would recommend a good tripod that would be flexible to handle all my lenses well , including 70-200 2.8 and 100-400L

Also if someone thinks I should upgrade my ball head as well, I'd like to hear suggestions

I do like to travel so weight till about 3KG for the tripod is fine (in addition to my camera gear)

Thanks a bunch.

[smasraum]

Well, I just got the Slik 700DX Pro. It's a darn sturdy tripod, rated for 15 lbs. It weighs about 7 lbs, so a bit more than 3 kg. It's also quite tall which is good if you're tall. Here in the states we can get it for $130.

[Broncobear]

and over all are you happy with it?

[Tapeman]

Tripod prices are all over the map. Spend as much as you can afford. Carbon fiber offer the most sturdyness compaired to their weight and size. If you get the right one it will last you forever.

[Broncobear]

Is the slik 700 DX a carbon fiber tripod...it didn't say in the description and review but it's appealing because I am 6'2 and I like the lever on it.

[SkipD]

My tripod recommendation for general purpose use is the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro (known as the 055ProB outside the U.S.) topped off with the Bogen/Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head.

This is a very sturdy combination with enough height for most folks.

It is an extremely versatile tripod/head combination, with many ways to support a camera. You can put a camera over a short wall, directly above a table pointing down, inches above the ground, etc.

The 488RC2 ball head has a feature that should not be ignored. That is the separate release for "panning". You can loosen the lever and rotate the camera horizontally without releasing the ball. This is great for scenic panoramic shots.

Here’s the combination at B&H: 3021BPro/488RC2 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=353322&is=REG&addedTroughType=search/)

The 488RC2 is significantly stronger than the 486RC2. I use the 486RC2 on my monopod, and that is a great combination. I would suggest going with the 488RC2 on a tripod, and the 486RC2 on a monopod. Many folks on the forums here like this combination.

[canoflan]

I am getting a giottos 8170 carbon fiber and 490 manfrotto ball head, both rated at 26lbs.

I anticipate using a 70-200 with my 5D and see what happens. I will report back.:confused:

[DocFrankenstein]

I would suggest a Gitzo carbon fiber. It eats vibrations.

www.bythom.com/support.htm

A head is a venture of itself. 486 will be OK for experimentation, but you'll want something sturdier. Ideally a arca plate system.

Buy once and forget about it...

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/tripods_&_heads.shtml

If I were to do it again, I'd get a 13 series carbon fiber gitzo and a ballhead... Probably a Kirk or a RRS.

[Tony-S]

I was wondering if someone would recommend a good tripod that would be flexible to handle all my lenses well , including 70-200 2.8 and 100-400L.

I dumped my older tripods for the Bogen/Manfrotto RC2 system. I have the 3001BD tripod legs (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=222321&is=REG&addedTroughType=search) (which have flip locks, instead of screw locks), 676B monopod (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=314122&is=REG&addedTroughType=search), the 486RC2 ball head (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=272449&is=REG&addedTroughType=search), and the 3229 swivel-tilt head (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=5491&is=REG&addedTroughType=search). What's most attractive to me is that you can buy an RC2 plate (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=179176&is=REG&addedTroughType=accessory_detail&addedTroughValue=272449_REG) ($12) for each of your moutable gear, then swap them as needed. I have one on my camera and one on each of my two tripod collars (100-300, 200L). Makes things go much faster. I will be buying the 804RC2 3-way pan head (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=434497&is=REG) in a few weeks.

The tripod is threaded on both ends of the post, so you can put your head on top or below if you're doing macro work. You can also buy spikes for the legs as well, in case you do any outdoor work. I think I spent about $225 for all (and they have a $25 rebate at the moment). Carbon fiber is the way to go, if you're willing/able to spend the money.

[Broncobear]

Thanks everyone, Ia prpreicate all your valuable input... looks like I need to do some major research

IT's really a damn shame my local camera shop doeesn't have these tripods in stock so I can get the feel for them

[Dorman]

For legs I've been very happy with my Manfrotto 190's. It's rated to hold 8.8 pounds which should hold any combination of body/lens you currently have. It's lightweight (CF), sturdy, and highly versatile/adjustable and doesn't break the bank.

The ballhead I use now is the Manfrotto 3265 Joystick head. I find it much more convenient than a traditional ballhead, just squeeze and it's fully adjustable, when you let go the ball stays where it's positioned, no screws or levers. It's rated for up to 5.5 pounds which would hold a body and 70-200 F/2.8 just fine. As a plus it has a built in spirit-level. By far one of the best photographic purchase I've made.

[Broncobear]

So far in doing the research , here is what I would use the tripod for.

1-Macro shots, as I'm really getting into macro. Not a big deal since my cheapo 40 dollar tripod and ballhead is ok for my macros...but I'm generally close so am careful to make sure it doesn't tip.

2. I live in a high rise with semi strong winds and take shots of the the city at night..but I'd like a sturdier tripod for this

3- I am getting into bird photography...need soemthing to take with me that is fairly eays to bring around on hikes with my lenses.

4- I'm tall at 6'2 which makes the slik 700DX combo appealing.

My telezoom lenses and body are about 8 pounds.

The slik 700 DX is also on sale here for 190CDN.

The Manfrotto 3001BD Deluxe Tripod Legs is also appealing. as is the general purpose use is the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro . But these are more expensive...

Decisions decisions decisions lol...

[Broncobear]

I really like the MANFROTTO 804RC2 but would that work well with the slik 700DX? or the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro?

I do have the R486CR2 for my monopod but but the quick release 804RC2 seems nice.

Being Canadian I'm out of luck for the rebate.

[JNunn]

I use a Benreo C298 and a Benro KS-1 Ballhead for my steup with all the lenses you mentioned. Budget will detrmine which brand to get, but for the highest quality carbon finber available, Benro is the cheapest. My legs were about $325.00 and the head about $100.00. Not cheap, but compared to the similar Gitzo/Kirk setup at nearly $900.00, a bargain.

[Broncobear]

yes gitzo is super expensive, with the money I put out on glass I can't put that much into a tripod yet...

To be honest I'm leaning towards the Slik 760 cause of the price, it's pretty stable at under 200.

I'm going to be lens poor for quite awhile lol

[Broncobear]

Well thanks again everyone. for all your valuable input and knpwledge

I made my choice and got it today. It hink it's the right choice for me but only time will tell.


I got this combo....and I'm very happy

Pros were the pan head was really nice and smooth, it was tall enough for my height and still solid when I bring up the center column, it's about 4 pounds (quite light) and the tripod can carry 11 pounds...the head carries 9..the levers are easy to use and I can adjust them in differen't angles..

MANFROTTO 190CL (3001BD tripod legs) CHROME TPOD/804RC2 HEAD

Lightweight, compact and sturdy
Use when on the move outdoors
Four leg angle settings
Low angle adapter built-in centre
Centre column with an innovative three faced design
Rapid action lever leg locks with just 45-degree run
Tripod specifications: Colour - Black, Closed length: 53cm, Maximum height: 145cm, Minimum height: 17cm, Maximum load capacity: 5kg, Weighs: 1.74kg
Includes a Manfrotto 804RC2 head
3-Way Pan/Tilt Head
Ideal for SLRs and Medium Format
Includes built-in quick release
Improved design for more comfort
Maximum Camera Supported: Standard size medium format
Head Specifications: Load Capacity: 8.8 lb (4 kg), Height: 4.5" (11.4 cm), Tripod Mount Thread Size: 3/8", Weight: 1.7 lb (770 g)

I got it for an extra special price for boxing day ...

thanks Dorman and tony S for leading me down this path.

[Tony-S]

That's great - I'm sure you'll be happy. Now, which monopod will you be getting? :)

[Broncobear]

That's great - I'm sure you'll be happy. Now, which monopod will you be getting? :)

LOL you just want me to put more on my credit card lol

I'm pretty happy with the MANFROTTO 679 MONOPOD with the 486RC2.

But am open to sueggestions with one that may have more support.

what do you have in mind? ;)

[Tony-S]

what do you have in mind? ;)


Well, I'm very happy with the 676B and the 3229 swivel-tilt head (RC2). It takes the 30D with the Sigma 100-300 plus TC very well. It's only around US$60.

[Broncobear]

Actually one that really intrigues me is the

MANFROTTO 682 PRO

With the three retractbles legs it's like a stable semi tripod..goes for about 100 bucks CDN

[smasraum]

Sounds like you got a great setup. Congrats.

[Broncobear]

thanks smas, I really like it...It's 50 bucks cheaper than the slick but I actually just liked the feel of it. Really sturdy.

[smasraum]

Cheaper than the Slik? Wow, you got a good deal then. At B&H Photo the slik is $130USD for the legs and head, but the combo you got is $121 + $64. Did you mean the Slik was $50 cheaper, but you liked the feel of the Bogen/Manfrotto?

I'd love to have gotten one of the B/M items. They seem to be the most raved about items, but even the slik was a bit more than I had planned to spend at the time. I think I got a good unit, sounds like you did too.

[Broncobear]

the slik would have cost me about 168 USD - 195 CDN locally...

the combo i got yesterday cost me about 128 USD - 150 CDN locally

Basically it's 40 USD - 45 CDN savings (excluding taxes on top of that 14% CDN)

with B & H after cdn taxes and conversion and shipping, i would have had to add 100.00 on top of those prices.

I took advantage of local shop's boxing day sale AND got an extra 25 bucks off cause I got the floor model (last one they had). since this is a tripod and not a lens and it looked fine, I didn't mine.

[smasraum]

Wow, great deal!

[Broncobear]

yeah I think it was.

I'm reluctant on taking floor model lenses but personally I'm more than happy to take a floor model tripod if it saves me a few $$$...especially lately..

I only got into SLR's seriously 6 months ago and as you can see by my kit..I'm pretty much done buying anything new until the end of 2007 lol

Credit Card interest can be so unforgiving