need some tripod help

[supra8903]

im looking for a tripod, somthing light and easy to cary, but stable.....

how is this?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/428998-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_725B_725B_Digi_Black_Tripod.html

[Lowner]

In my opinion it is impossible to achieve the ultimate dream of a light, easily carried but stable tripod. Simply because weight contributes to the stability. So a compromise must be struck.

Only you know what weight tripod you are prepared to carry. All I would say is go for the best quality and heaviest you are prepared to tolerate. I use the Manfrotto 055PROB, its hardly the most stable, nor is it particularly light. Instead it's where I have chosen to draw my compromise.

Having said that, I think its fair to say that the worst tripod ever made would be better than no tripod at all.

Richard

[Bill Pham]

get the one that will support a little more then your heaviest body and lenses combo. like the above poster already mention most member would recommend the 055XPROB with 488rc2 ballhead.

Bill

[Wilt]

You would be well served with the 190 3-section leg set, rather than that one you linked to with the 4-section legs.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496266-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__190XDB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

"The Bogen/Manfrotto 190XDB Tripod Legs with 486RC2 Compact Ballhead builds on the success of the 3001 series, but has been redesigned to offer better ergonomics of the leg-angle release mechanism. The redesigned leg-angle presets allow the camera to be positioned at all intermediate heights, from minimum to maximum extension. Ideal for use with cameras up to SLR size with medium pro zoom lens attached. "

The 3001 was a very widely accepted leg set 15 years ago as the 'minimum' level of quality for a good workable tripod with light weight.

Available with a wide variety of heads...here is one

"The 486RC2 offers a strong die-cast aluminum housing plus an exceptionally hard, tough, phenolic resin ball that moves smoothly into position. It features a single control for complete 360° pan/90° tilt, fast even movement, instantly locked off in any position. Suitable for any 35mm SLR or light medium format camera."

[JohnJ80]

In my opinion it is impossible to achieve the ultimate dream of a light, easily carried but stable tripod. Simply because weight contributes to the stability. So a compromise must be struck.

Only you know what weight tripod you are prepared to carry. All I would say is go for the best quality and heaviest you are prepared to tolerate. I use the Manfrotto 055PROB, its hardly the most stable, nor is it particularly light. Instead it's where I have chosen to draw my compromise.

Having said that, I think its fair to say that the worst tripod ever made would be better than no tripod at all.

Richard

Well, you can easily add weight to a tripod but it is really hard, and expensive to take it off.

For what its worth, I did some testing of my Gitzo tripods using 672mm equivalent focal length and a laser pointer. Jumping up and down next to the tripods (two of them) I could not get a measurable difference in them vs standing still. In other words, they did an excellent job in damping any vibration that came up through the feet - the sort of vibration that would most benefit from additional mass. So, I think the idea of mass on a properly design tripod is highly overrated and probably not necessary.

Too, I have a very cheap tripod that in a breeze is worse than hand holding because it will get to vibrating with a mechanical resonance of sorts at 15kn of wind or so. The mechanical design is very important and a tripod is much more than three sticks to which you mount a camera.

Again, there is light, stable and cheap as tripod characteristics. You can pick any two of those but you can't get all three in the same tripod.

Some links that explain much of this:
http://bythom.com/support.htm
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/tripods_&_heads.shtml
http://markins.com/charlie/report4e6.pdf


J.

[JohnJ80]

im looking for a tripod, somthing light and easy to cary, but stable.....

how is this?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/428998-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_725B_725B_Digi_Black_Tripod.html

Tell us what you think "light" means and "easy to carry" means. Also what lenses do you intend to use on this tripod and in what conditions?

J

[supra8903]

im using a nikon d40x with a 55-200, its about the size of a rebel xti.
i need a horizonal column, for macro work.....
i would like it to be under 200 usd, i would like to hike with this tripod, but my budget is more important than weight...., also if it could fold to fit in a suitcase for traveling it would be great.


Thanks,

Joe

[supra8903]

im thinking a 055XPROB legs, but what head (kit with b&H), also how are these legs

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505860-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

[jgschmitz]

I use the 055xProB with the 804RC2 3-way pan head. It is rock solid, has a horizontal column, supports 8.8 lbs., but weighs 7 lbs. All for $236 at B&H. If you are wanting to go lighter with a horizontal column & support more weight, then you probably will need Carbon Fiber & the price doubles.

[supra8903]

how is the 3-way pan head.....

all anyone talks about is ballheads..

[supra8903]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505861-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

i think this might be it... let me know ifs any good

[JohnJ80]

im thinking a 055XPROB legs, but what head (kit with b&H), also how are these legs

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505860-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

That or one of the Feisols and a manfrotto 488RC2 ballhead. Should come in right about $200 maybe a touch over and still be relatively lightweight too.

J.

[jgschmitz]

how is the 3-way pan head.....

all anyone talks about is ballheads..

Yeah that is all I heard about as well when I was in the market for a new tripod. Then I started playing with the ballheads & decided they were too sloppy, especially if you have a long lens on your camera. What I like about a 3-way pan head is if you want to position your camera from horizontal to vertical, you make one adjustment, not multiple as with a ballhead. Plus I wanted to pan head for panoramics which increased the price dramatically for a ballhead w/panning.

[Glasstream15]

I know that there are very few mentions of Velbon tripods here, but the one I picked up about 6 months ago from Amazon is a dream:

http://www.amazon.com/Velbon-Carmagne-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod/dp/B0001Z99SS/ref=pd_bbs_sr_7?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1204085538&sr=8-7

It has a very good magnesium panhead and all together weighs les than 4 pounds. It says it will hold 25 lbs, and I would not hesitat to put a large view camera on it. I also got a ball head from Amazon, the QHD-51Q which is not listed now.

The carbon fiber leg, magnesium frame tripod is very sturdy, very light, very quick setup and, with quick interchange of the heads, ectremely versatile. The construction quality of the tripod appears, at least to me as a retired Aerospace Quality Engineer, to be excellent and definitely worth the money.

The only thing I might wish different is I had gotten a QH-61D ball head instead of the 51. BUT, the 51 carries the load of my Rebel XT, 430EX and Canon 75-300 quite well and with great stability and security. I just think the larger size of the 61 might feel better in my hands.

Whatever brand you chose, look seriously at Velbon and especially look at Carbon Fiber. Light weight, stronger than steel, vibration damping built in. And lighter than Aluminum. If you can swing the price difference, CF is the ONLY way to go.

YMMV

[r.morales]

You don't say how tall you are .
Stewping over to take a picture is bad for you and camera - too easy to lose your balance .
How far are you carrying it ? There is a difference between parking the car , hiking to the top - bottom and going down the grand canyon .

[supra8903]

im 6'2".... i think the 055xprob legs will work fine, but what about the 486RC2 Compact Ballhead (Quick Release)

[r.morales]

The 486RC2 is semi inexpensive and light . I had one - gave it away in Mexico . I didn't really like it . I had it on a mono-pod that I broke [ suitcase fell on it ] I wasn't unhappy with it , just didn't really like it . You won't be sorry if you get it .
I prefer the 3047 mainly because of build . and QR plate [ camera doesn't tip when on table ]
It's maybe 2-3 lbs heavier than the 486RC2 and maybe 3 inches taller . It's better in the wind but is big and awkward and heavy .

[Ger Smo]

Hi, I am going to jump into this Forum for the first time instead of starting a tread of my own, which I shall do if necessary.

I have been searching all the Forums concerning recommendations for a travel tripod, as light as possible (but tall) with the appropriate head. As mentioned previously by others, the most commonly agreed upon combination is the Bogen 055XPROB with the 488RC2 midi ball head. I was set to go that route until a friend advice threw me into a tail spin as he strongly urged me to consider a fluid pan head. I noticed that jgschmitz is using and recommending the 804RC2 3-way pan head. I would definitely appreciate more input concerning the pros or cons of using a pan head instead of a ball head because this tripod will be traveling with me on a WORLD WIDE TRIP.
Facts: I am 6'6" tall. REbel XTi with Battery Grip BG-E3 with EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS plus EF 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS plus 430EX flash. Need equipment to support this combination.
So, I need to use a tripod that is light and not the most expensive in the store with a head that will be appropriate for travel encompassing all venues; i.e. safari, landmarks, buildings (inside & out), jungle villages, sloped terrains, etc. etc.
I shall be happy and most appreciative to accept all input without replying until many hours have passed. Thank you very much.

[Lowner]

I use a Manfrotto 055PROB, which used to have a 486RC2 ball head, but as has already been noted, the head is jerky in use and I never trusted the RC2 quick release. Instead I now use a Markins 10 with an RRS LR quick release. It was an expensive change, so may not be what others would want to do, but its so much better than anything I've ever used before.

Richard

[JohnJ80]

Hi, I am going to jump into this Forum for the first time instead of starting a tread of my own, which I shall do if necessary.

I have been searching all the Forums concerning recommendations for a travel tripod, as light as possible (but tall) with the appropriate head. As mentioned previously by others, the most commonly agreed upon combination is the Bogen 055XPROB with the 488RC2 midi ball head. I was set to go that route until a friend advice threw me into a tail spin as he strongly urged me to consider a fluid pan head. I noticed that jgschmitz is using and recommending the 804RC2 3-way pan head. I would definitely appreciate more input concerning the pros or cons of using a pan head instead of a ball head because this tripod will be traveling with me on a WORLD WIDE TRIP.
Facts: I am 6'6" tall. REbel XTi with Battery Grip BG-E3 with EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS plus EF 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS plus 430EX flash. Need equipment to support this combination.
So, I need to use a tripod that is light and not the most expensive in the store with a head that will be appropriate for travel encompassing all venues; i.e. safari, landmarks, buildings (inside & out), jungle villages, sloped terrains, etc. etc.
I shall be happy and most appreciative to accept all input without replying until many hours have passed. Thank you very much.

I don't think you want the fluid pan head. 95% of use for most photographers is ballhead. There are specific applications where other heads are useful, but it is a minority.

If you are 6'6", I'd spend some time looking at a lot of options. You are going to be challenged to find a tripod where you don't have to spend a lot of time bending over. Most work well for those of us around 6', but there are many less options for those taller than that.

If you are traveling worldwide, you should give some serious consideration to light weight. That means, in my view, a total rig weight of <5lbs and probably closer to 4 if you can do it. Being a member of the million mile air travel club, I've learned that lesson the hard way. I place a high premium on light weight as a result and I am a very efficient packer.

I'd give some serious thought to putting some serious coin into getting something light weight. For that I'd recommend that you look at the Gitzo stuff or Feisol as a second choice. Gitzo has a 2540EX (I think is the number) that is aimed at tall setup heights. that might work well for you - but it is spendy.

J.

[r.morales]

A couple of examples of raising a tripod that are easy .
The feet on most are adjustable - unscrew and replace .
There are many different things that will work for hardened set screws to the adjustable feet on ice boxes and freezers , chairs , stoves .
Another way is remove the head and add a longer bolt/screw/rod . then get a coupling for pipe - either plastic [ comes in black , grey , white ] or Aluminum [ silver . You can put your name or a decal on it so it doesn't look rink-ee-dink .

[jrsforums]

I don't think you want the fluid pan head. 95% of use for most photographers is ballhead. There are specific applications where other heads are useful, but it is a minority.

If you are 6'6", I'd spend some time looking at a lot of options. You are going to be challenged to find a tripod where you don't have to spend a lot of time bending over. Most work well for those of us around 6', but there are many less options for those taller than that.

If you are traveling worldwide, you should give some serious consideration to light weight. That means, in my view, a total rig weight of <5lbs and probably closer to 4 if you can do it. Being a member of the million mile air travel club, I've learned that lesson the hard way. I place a high premium on light weight as a result and I am a very efficient packer.

I'd give some serious thought to putting some serious coin into getting something light weight. For that I'd recommend that you look at the Gitzo stuff or Feisol as a second choice. Gitzo has a 2540EX (I think is the number) that is aimed at tall setup heights. that might work well for you - but it is spendy.

J.

With your height I would look at the Gitzo 2541L...~7" taller and only 0.2 lbs heavier.

[JohnJ80]

Thank you for finding that - I was too lazy and got it wrong. The 2540EX is not the right part number. The 2541 is.

J

[elysium]

im looking for a tripod, somthing light and easy to cary, but stable.....

how is this?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/428998-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_725B_725B_Digi_Black_Tripod.html
Ermm, yarp. That looks like a tripod to me.

Moving on, I think with tripods, visit a local store and have a play about with them. The problem with ordering on the net or simply listening/reading to what other people have to think is their perception of heavy/light may vary to yours. Its nice to take their comments on board but you will have more peace of mind having a physical look around.

[amoergosum]

I just ordered a Velbon Sherpa Pro 630...I've only read good things about this series.

[Ger Smo]

I wish to thank all of you for your considered input.
It has been most helpful.

Jerry

[calitrumpet]

Sorry if bringing this thread back will annoy anyone, but I had a question about the portability issue. I wondered if I could put a tripod in a photography backpack, like the one in my signature. It would not have to zip all the way obviously, but does anyone know how far it would hang out of my backpack, say the Manfrotto everyone recommends? Thanks!

[SkipD]

Sorry if bringing this thread back will annoy anyone, but I had a question about the portability issue. I wondered if I could put a tripod in a photography backpack, like the one in my signature. It would not have to zip all the way obviously, but does anyone know how far it would hang out of my backpack, say the Manfrotto everyone recommends? Thanks!Unless you are willing to spend a fortune, you will never find a tripod that would fit into a typical photo backpack that will be suitable as a general-purpose tripod. Even if you are willing to spend a fortune you still may never find one.

Anything that would fit into a typical photo equipment backpack - assuming there is a typical load of camera(s) and lens(es) in the backpack - would probably be way too short and way too flimsy to serve as a general-purpose tripod.