tripod or monopod

[barredrock]

what is the best features to look for in a tripod or monopod. i am 6'1" do i want a tall one? where is the best priece for one

[jr_senator]

This belongs in a different forum. Maybe a mod will move it.

[blonde]

look in my signature at the support system review...

[dgcorner]

what is the best features to look for in a tripod or monopod. i am 6'1" do i want a tall one? where is the best priece for one

The most important thing in a tripod is its stability. Stay away from cheapo ones as these tend to sway in the wind, or at worse case break apart with your camera on it. (This happened to me when I was starting out. To make a long story short the mounting base gave way and my camera fell off. Good thing that I always made it a point to wrap the strap around the frame.)

A good tripod would be the Manfrotto 190B or 3021B - sturdy, and will not blow in the wind. If you like taking hikes then I would suggest investing in a mag-fiber/composite tripod which is strong but lighter. All you need to do is hook your bag up to keep it steady during windy conditions.

A good head should accompany your tripod too. Get one with a quick release system so that you are not forever fiddling with getting your camera off the tripod. Your choice of head will depend on what you like to shoot... or how comfortable you feel with certain configurations. I chose to stick with the ballhead as I feel that it is more versatile.

A few of the guys on the forum have suggested feisol.com as a good place to purchase relatively cheap but reliable composite tripods. Otherwise, B&H are a good place to start.

EDIT: if you can afford it buy a monopod too. Again, no cheapo ones as you only end up getting frustrated when they fall apart after a couple of outings. Get a quick release system too.

Good luck

[20droger]

We use both a tripod and a monopod. They serve different circumstances.

The tripod is a Bogen/Manfrotto 3021B PRO tripod with a 488RC2 QR ball head.

The monopod is a Bogen/Manfrotto 681 PRO monopod with a 3229 QR swivel head.

The tripod is a Bogen/Manfrotto3021B PRO tripod with a 488RC2 ball head.

Both the tripod and the monopod (plus heads) were obtained from B&H.

Both the tripod and monopod are more than sufficient to support the camera and our largest lens, plus any accessories we may have on it. The tripod is extremely sturdy, and not too heavy to carry into the field. The monopod doubles as a walking stick, which is handy in rough terrain (or just if you're in your "late youth").

Both the tripod and the monopod (plus heads) were obtained from B&H. We have no regrets, and recommend them highly.

Oh, yes, I am 6'3", and have no problems with either.