Tripod advice $400ish range

[sevans16]

I am wanting to buy a tripod. They all look the same online. even a lot of specs look about the same. Anyways, general questions. My heaviest foreseeable load. body/grip-2lbs, 300 f2.8-6lbs, total of 8-9lbs. So would a combo rated at 11lbs be good? Or next range seems to be around 16lbs? Can you push the weight limit or do you purchase overkill on the load ratings?

I would like to spend around $350-450 range. I do wish to do it right and not have to sell and repurchase later.

[René Damkot]

Load rating isn't your main concern. Vibration is IMO.
Any decent, not too small, tripod should be able to carry the load without breaking, yet not all stabilise enough....

Gitzo and Manfrotto are the main brands. There are also a couple of ebay alternatives that get reasonable reviews.

[TTSkipper]

The Manfrotto 055MF4 Carbon Fiber 4 Section Legs and Manfrotto 488RC2 Ball Head should just about fit the $450 end of the budget. If you want to keep it under $300 you can go with the Manfrotto 055XProb Aluminum legs. I was trying to decide on a setup in this price range recently and ended up going into B&H to check the difference between the 2. I decided on spending the extra money and got the CF legs, they are noticibly lighter and have 4 sections so when collapsed are smaller to fit in luggage more easily.

[sevans16]

ok I looked that one up, it is rated at 5.5lbs?? How about a 458B NeoTec set of legs??

[TTSkipper]

No experience with the Neotec one, but the 055 series are all rated for about 15lbs, and 458B is rated for 17lbs.

[col4bin]

look for a used Gitzo.

[sevans16]

I found a Gitzo GT2540 for just under 500.00, "Market Watch". I got it ordered up. Just have to wait a couple of weeks for a head now!!!

[FlyingPhotog]

I have a carbon fibre "Induro" that I'm happy with.

IIRC, it's Chinese made but marketed through the same distributor chain as Sekonic...

[FZ1dave]

I just ordered this set-up yesterday. It's rated at 14 lbs., has the 488RC2 ballhead and the 055XPROB legs. $273 and change. Though you should explore a CF set-up if you're willing to spend $450.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505863-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

[undergrad.]

I just purchased the Induro C-114 Carbon 8x Tripod /w the SA-12 SA Tripod Head.
I'm quite happy with the purchase thus far but I'm to actually go into the field and use it.
It's extremely light compared to any of the Manfrotto tripods at that price range.

[col4bin]

I found a Gitzo GT2540 for just under 500.00, "Market Watch". I got it ordered up. Just have to wait a couple of weeks for a head now!!!

Good choice. You will not regret it.

[Phil Light]

I've got the Manfrotto 055MF3 carbon fiber tripod. There is absolutely nothing I don't like about this tripod. It is by far the best I've ever used. It's lightweight, solid as a rock, and amazingly adjustable.