Help with tripod choice please

[neil_r]

Some people collect stamps, others matchboxes, it looks like I am going to be collecting tripods.

I have a Benbo Mk II which is huge (really sturdy, solid as a rock and huge, I mean really huge) I also have a Benbo Trekker which is smaller and supposedly portable (it’s not)

I am going to be doing some serious yomping in November and will be stuffing all my kit in a Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II, what I need (for need read want) is a sturdy, solid tripod that I can attach to the side of the bag and will not break the bank.

All suggestions will be gratefully received.

N

[sGu]

Manfrotto Carbon Fiber tripod is the first one popped into my mind, also it's what i'm going to get once i have enough money.

A bit pricy, but it's light, reduce weight on your back by fair amount, also some models are compact, you can easily secure it on the site of your photo trekker.

And watch out for the heaviest lens+camera combo, make sure it doesn't exceed the maximum weight limit of the tripod.

[PeterTaylor]

I have a Manfrotto #055 with a Manfrotto 141RC head.

Its not Carbon Fiber, but is made from Aluminium, its main use is in studio, location work at race circuits etc.

It has been used with a Medium Format Camera more often than with a 35mm type camera, its sturdy and well built. It’s not heavy but also not light, it cartable by some one who is use to carry heavy kit.

I have take it to the top of Snowdon on one occasion.

[Olegis]

My eye is also fixed on the Manfrotto 055PRO (Bogen 3021PRO in USA) and the 141RC combo. I haven't actually buy it yet, but from what I've seen on the Web, it's one of the most popular combos for tripod legs / head.

I tried the combo in a store once - seemed to be very sturdy with the 10D + 70-200 f/2.8 + 380EX flash. There is also the non-PRO model, with non-removable center column, it's also cheaper. One of the "highlights" for this tripod is the ability to shoot from extremely low angles, it spreads almost completely flat on the groung.

It's not the lightest kit in the world, I suggest you to visit your local photo-store and try it before you actually buy - the weight may not be sutable for you.

[DaveG]

Some people collect stamps, others matchboxes, it looks like I am going to be collecting tripods.

I have a Benbo Mk II which is huge (really sturdy, solid as a rock and huge, I mean really huge) I also have a Benbo Trekker which is smaller and supposedly portable (it’s not)

I am going to be doing some serious yomping in November and will be stuffing all my kit in a Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II, what I need (for need read want) is a sturdy, solid tripod that I can attach to the side of the bag and will not break the bank.

All suggestions will be gratefully received.

N

I know what you mean. At last count I have seven tripods!

I aquired these through the years and they vary from a Beurleback wooden model with a huge Manfroto ball head to a pair of tiny Minolta table top tripods. In between I've got a Gitzo 1220 with a Gitzo magnesium ball head that I strap to a LowePro Nature Trekker. I do have a lighter Slik tripod but its missing a rubber foot and I don't use it much anymore.

The Gitzo is easily the best made tripod I've ever owned and the little bit extra extra weight is worth while once I stop and actually start to make some pictures.

[Tapeman]

As I have posted many times, Gitzo 1228 is the best compromise of weight vs. rigitity. Look for a used one as they are very pricey.

[nosquare2003]

I haven't found a perfect one myself:

The Gitzo CF tripod are very good -- but I'm too slow to play with the twist lock.

The Manfrotto CF tripod are not much lighter than their aluminium one but cost a lot more?!

...I don't want to be tripods collector myself!

[Kenski]

I haven't found a perfect one myself:

The Gitzo CF tripod are very good -- but I'm too slow to play with the twist lock.

The Manfrotto CF tripod are not much lighter than their aluminium one but cost a lot more?!

...I don't want to be tripods collector myself!

I picked up the Manfrotto CF monopod and compared it to the aluminum ones, not only did it colapase eaiser under weight it just wasn't that much of a weight reduction... So I went with the Manfrotto Aluminum and said I'll go with the CF for the Tripod... Now, I look at the Manfrotto CF tripods, Same things, NOT that much of a difference because you make up for it in the heads and the legs still collapse under weight. I'm not going to use them as a ladder but I want to make sure they are sturdy enough! and the weight difference is not justified for the price difference. Hell, I walk around with my laptop and all my lenses in my Computrekker right now so a few extra ounces doesn't bother me.

My vote is for a Manfrotto but a Carbonfiber is not needed...

[DaveG]

I haven't found a perfect one myself:

The Gitzo CF tripod are very good -- but I'm too slow to play with the twist lock.




I agree that the twist lock is a pain. I also have found that any other type of leg locking eventually slips.

[dtrayers]

Have you considered the tripod head you'll be using?

I nominate the Acratech Ultimate Ball head for its light weight and excellent performance. It isn't the cheapest but it weighs less than one pound (.45 kg) and supports over 25 pounds (11 kg).

[scottbergerphoto]

I carry the Gitzo G1228/Rapid Column all around NYC. It's built well and reasonably weighted. I tried the geared column and was very disappointed. It also adds $100 to the cost of the tripod.
I also use the Ultimate Ballhead by www.acratech.net . As stated above it's a very good ball head.
Regards,
Scott