Looking for a tripod

[fredmitcham]

I've read some threads but there are so many choices.. I'm looking for the best value that packs as small and light as possible that can solidly hold a 30D and 70-200 F2.8. Help!

[DenZ]

That's quite a heavy combination you have there and I'm no tripod expert at all, but I think you'll need something that's fairly heavy/large.

I own the Slik 400DX, bought it before my XTi and 24-105mm. It handles very well with the load, although I'm sure the 70-200 f/2.8 is significantly heavier than the 24-105 so perhaps you'll need something larger.

*I think this belongs to the accessories & storage forums.

[Linkzi]

This thread will be moved soon by the Mods. A whole bunch of info here.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=53864

[20droger]

I got the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro with a 488RC2 ball head. Go here to see it:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=353322&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

One thing to bear in mind when shopping for tripods is the weight it will carry. If you get too close to the tripod & head weight limits, they will become unsteady, especially if there's a breeze blowing.

What I did was consider the weight of the camera, lens, flash, strap, possible sandbag, and whatever else might be on the tripod, then added 20% as a safety factor. The 3021BPro fit the bill.

You might wish to check out the Bogen Imaging site:

http://www.bogenimaging.us/

[TomHuckWa]

I agree with 20Droger. Its a great setup.

[SkipD]

I've read some threads but there are so many choices.. I'm looking for the best value that packs as small and light as possible that can solidly hold a 30D and 70-200 F2.8. Help!The really limiting factors in your spec are the "packs as small and light as possible" and the "solidly hold a 30D and 70-200 F2.8". Those two specs do not usually apply to the same tripod.

There are three variables that apply to tripods - size/weight, rigidity, and price. The most desirable features are small size (low weight), high level of rigidity, and low price. All three cannot be had together. For example, small size/weight and high level of rigidity are not coming together in one tripod without a very high price.

I have used the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro (055ProB outside the U.S.) topped off with their 488RC2 ball head for several years. About a year ago I bought the parts to upgrade mine to the latest configuration. It is a superb package, but cannot be carried attached to the typical camera case. A "long strap" (an accessory from Bogen/Manfrotto) makes it fairly easy to carry across one's back, but it is not a featherweight tripod. It is, however, a medium weight tripod which is superbly versatile and quite acceptably rigid for even some fairly long and heavy lenses.

[Benandbobbi]

Another vote for the 3021BPro and the 486CR2

[captainbk]

I have a SLIK Pro 700DX to which I have added a SLIK ball head. If you do an online search for reviews on this tripod you will find that it is rated quite high for the price.

I bought the tripod only at B&H for $79 (on special) and found the SLIK balhead on ebay for $40. Other than being heavy (7.5 lb) it is a great tripod. Even my friend with HI-end tripods are impressed with the quality and stability. It is rated at 15 lbs.

Also look on Calumetphoto.com for their Calumet 7100 tripod. It is new and has some pretty good specs. for $69 it is worth a gamble. It holds up to 11 pounds. weighs 4.5 lb and is only 21.25" when collapsed. See this link:
http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CK7114.html (http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CK7114.html)
I am thinking of bying one of these for my upcoming Alaska vacation. At that price it is almost diposable.

Hope this helps.

[Jon]

I use a Slik CF Pro 613 for my small and light tripod. With a 486RC2 head it supports a 20D (no grip) and 70-200 f/2.8 IS quite well. At 1.5 lb. they don't come much lighter. It only extends to 4 ft., but for the weight, I'm willing to make that sacrifice. It's around 18" including head when collapsed.

[Specs]

This is a very timely thread for me as well since I'm diligently searching for the 'perfect' hiking tripod. I also bought the Slik Pro 700DX with their 3-way pan head ($129.95 at Adorama). It's a terrific tripod, but at nearly 8 pounds, not so portable.
Right now in my shoppng cart, awaiting more blood from my credit card, I have an Induro 8X C014 carbon fiber tripod and SA-12 ball head ($352.00 total). The whole combination weighs about 3.5 lbs, folds to under 20", and will support 8.8 lbs. The heaviest camera/lens combo I have right now is my XTi with a BG-E3 grip, and 100-300 f/5.6 L series zoom. Compared to some of the 'hi-end' CF tripods that rival my mortgage payment in cost, this Induro is looking very inviting. But being a fairly new product, there just ain't much to find as far as critical reviews go. Maybe I'll just be a guinea pig, unless anybody here has first-hand experience with this new brand?

[Billginthekeys]

another vote for the 3021Bpro and 488RC2

[fredmitcham]

ok and now whats the cheapest solution if i just want something for the occaisonal nighttime long exposure?

[kharakim]

Don't know what your budget is, but I'm using the same setup--30D and 70-200L--with the Velbon EL Carmagne 540A Carbon Fiber Tripod, and I'm very happy with it. The tripod itself (without head) weighs 2.7 pounds, which was a big selling point for me, and it sells at B&H for $275. It's rated at 25 pounds load capacity, which is more than you're likely to need. This particular model is 55 inches fully extended, although of course you add the head height and camera body dimensions (from the base plate to the VF) to get the total height.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=VEEC540A&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=378780

[dannybritton]

I use the Bogen/Monfratto 3001BPRO with the 3437 three-way head
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=ProductDetail&A=showItemLargeImage&Q=&sku=222268
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=ProductDetail&A=showItemLargeImage&Q=&sku=186289

I like this setup. Not too heavy to carry, so I actually use it.

[SkipD]

ok and now whats the cheapest solution if i just want something for the occaisonal nighttime long exposure?The cheapest solution would be a bean bag filled with sand and placed on a solid surface.

[fredmitcham]

could you just put it on a table flat or is the bean bag there to help set an angle?

[SkipD]

could you just put it on a table flat or is the bean bag there to help set an angle?The bean bag would be for better support and direction control.

A camera is often not very stable if you merely put it on a table surface, though this depends largely on the camera's overall shape. My 20D with the "grip" on the bottom cannot be placed directly on a table with the lens pointing horizontally, for example. It tips forward and leans on the tip of the lens hood.

[Littlefield]

http://www.feisol.com/english/feisolen.htm

Surprised noone has mentioned them .