Best Tripod to Buy

[WVPhotography]

I was just wondering what everyone thinks what the best brand of tripod there is to buy or what kind?

[belmondo]

Tripods are like lenses..... in the long run, you'll be much happier if you buy the best you can afford. THis is not a good area in which totry to save money.

I have two tripods. One looks and feels like a piece of construction equipment...big, heavy, and exceptionally solid. I have an equally large/heavy pan/tilt head mounted on it, and I use it strictly for outdoor work on windy days (of which we have many here).

My other tripod is a carbon fiber medium-duty unit with a ball head on it, and it's my preferred unit 90% of the time.

All my tripods/heads are Bogen/Manfrotto, but that's not necessarily an endorsement of that brand. I think they're very good, but have seen/used others that were just as good, and maybe even better on a dollar for dollar basis. I had a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod that I left alongside some railroad tracks one day. I just forgot to put it back in the truck. I actually liked it a little better than the Bogen legs I replaced it with.

One thing you're going to have to do is set a budget. Then, ask for recommendations based on a dollar amount. If possible, go to a store that has a selection, and compare weight, rigidity, convenience, adjustability, and so forth.

Good luck.


Tom

[IanD]

I had a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod that I left alongside some railroad tracks one day. I just forgot to put it back in the truck. I actually liked it a little better than the Bogen legs I replaced it with.
Tom
I'm going to start following you around and pick up the stuff you leave behind. I always wanted a carbon tripod. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[WVPhotography]

Thanks, you've really helped me :D

[Deckyon]

I currently have 1 set of tripod legs and 2 heads for them. I also have a monopod, which I am finding myself using a lot more, lately. Especially with the Mark II and 70-200mm f/2.8 L lens. With the Monopod, it gives me a bit more support, and with the IS turned on on the lens, I can stand and get nice, sharp shots where hand-holding would be near impossible, but I did not want to take the tripod.

Manfrotto 3021PRO Tripod
Manfrotto 322RC2 Tripod Head (my standard head)
Manfrotto 3047 Tripod Head (used at home for studio/products)

Manfrotto 680 Compact Monopod
Manfrotto 482 Micro Ball Head

[David Wild]

While I agree with the advice that you have been given, do remember that you are going to have to carry it. It is no good buying the best tripod possible if it is so heavy that you don't use it.

[DReb-MO]

The price of a mid-range to good tripod floored me. Not cheap. You might want to understand what the cost is before you set your price limit. For me, I found out and waited till I could afford a good used one.

[phili1]

I just bought the 3001bn Mafrotto, I was going to get the 3021 and realized the weight would be a factor on the trail. this one goes as high but the 3021 has the changable post from vertical to horrizontal.

I carry it and use it as a monopod/ a duo pod and a tripod. When I want a steady shot I extend two legs, it becomes rock solid, and when I pan i use 1 leg, it works good.Then if I see something that needs three legs I already have it ready.

Anyway the 3001bn is much lighter to carry.

[Mthorpe_Davies]

I just purchased a Manfroto 190PRO (us 3001) with a 322RC2 head, I like the combo a lot, sure beats my old SLIK pressman.

I would like to get a ball head, I'm thinking about getting the 468, it looks well made and is half the price of a RRS, Kirk or ArcaSwiss ballhead. Any opinions on this head?

[jgbeam]

Just replaced my rickety slik with a rock-solid manfrotto 3021pro with 3047 3-way head. Couldn't believe the difference in build quality and ease of adjustment. I like the dual linear bubble levels on the 3047 head. Much easier to level than a single circular bubble level. I wouldn't want to haul this baby more than 100 yards though. I like the manfrotto monopod for the rare hike. Doubles as a nice walking stick :lol: .

Jim

[defordphoto]

I have the 3021PRO with the 3047 and 322RC2 heads.

Awesome.

If you're a hiker you'd (also) want lighter, carbon fibre legs.

IMO, from what I have read: Gitzo is probably top of the line, Bogen/Manfrotto is a very, very close second.

I have had my 3021PRO for about a month and would buy another Bogen/Manfrotto product in a heartbeat.

[nosquare2003]

I still look for the "best" yet. I use Manfrotto.

I don't like the lock design of Gitzo -- too slow for me to operate. Otherwise, I will get a carbon fibre immediately.