Tripod Suggestions

[Doom1701e]

I am sure this has been covered a million times but I need a suggestion for a really good tripod - like $300-$400. It will be supporting at most a Canon 20D w/Grip and a 300mm 4L w/1.4 converter. I need something that is rock solid that can take long exposure pictures without shaking. Thanks!

[ssim]

I just got myself a new tripod this past week. I deliberated for a long time and did alot of searching on the net. I tried someone else's that the following set up:

Gitzo 1325 carbon fibre tripod http://www.gitzo.com
Kirk BH-1 ballhead http://www.kirkphoto.com/ballheads.html
Winberley Sidekick http://www.tripodhead.com/products/sidekick-main.cfm

The combination is above what you are looking for but it an awesome combintation and rock solid.

[scottbergerphoto]

Gitzo G1228 Reporter Mountaineer : Carbon Fiber, 4 sections, Rapid Column. Rock solid, light. Sweet!
Scott

[mjordan]

I found the Manfrotto 3221 WN and 488RC4 ball head to be a good combination. I put my 10D and 100-400 or 70-200 2.8L IS on it and it's still rock solid. It's not the lightest as it's not their fiber composit tripod, but I've still carried it on 5 mile hikes up and down trails and canyons with little problem.

If you want to do macro work and get down flat on the ground, then one of the tripods with a lateral arm is a big help. I understand the 3021 Pro has this feature. They don't stress it in their ads or I would have bought that instead of the 3221 WN as I do macro work on occassion and it's hard to get flat on the ground without taking out the column and mounting the ball head on the legs themselves. Which does work.

These tripods are a bit cheaper than the Gitzo models.

Mike

[Tapeman]

I agree with Scot on the Gitzo 1228. The perfect compromise of size/weight versus stability.

[swatcop169]

What do you think about this setup?


Gitzo G2272M MK2 Magnesium Pan Head
Gitzo G-2272M Rationnelle Mk2 Magnesium 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick

Gitzo G1228G MK2 Reporter Carbon Performance Tripod
Gitzo G-1228G Mountaineer Reporter Mk2 Carbon Fiber Performance (Compact)

[dennykyser]

This is what I use and love the setup.

Bogen / Manfrotto 3039 Super Pro Head

Bogen / Manfrotto 3021Pro Tripod Legs

[RbnDave]

I love and hate my tripod. I have a Manfrotto 3221 with a Manfrotto 468RC2 ballhead. This combo works great. The ballhead is steady and smooth. The legs are sturdy. I've done long exposers with this setup and there is no camera shake.

What I don't like about this setup is its weight. I wish I would have waited and bought something lighter. If you plan on taking your tripod hiking, a carbon fiber model is a must. I'm in pretty good shape, and lugging my tripod any more than three miles is a pain. Also, there is no way to comfortably carry it. My tripod is to big to be carried by a normal camera bag. It does work well though if you have the patience to lug it around.

[scottbergerphoto]

Take a look at the Ultimate Ballhead from www.acratech.net .
Scott

[HJMinard]

I've been very happy with the Gitzo Explorer (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=206491&is=REG) aluminum tripod.

[Tom W]

I've had the Manfrotto 3021B pro legs for a while, but I just replaced my 3047 pan head with the 322RC2 ball head (the one with the grip). It's a great combination. The 3047 was sturdy as a tank, but this new head is also very sturdy, a lot lighter, and very easy to use.

Its worth looking at.

[swatcop169]

Take a look at the Ultimate Ballhead from www.acratech.net .
Scott

Scott do you know if this head would work with the Gitzo Mountainieer Reporter MK2 CF legs?

[scottbergerphoto]

Take a look at the Ultimate Ballhead from www.acratech.net .
Scott

Scott do you know if this head would work with the Gitzo Mountainieer Reporter MK2 CF legs?
I use it on my Gitzo G1228. My Gitzo head sits in the box.
Scott

[swatcop169]

Thanks. Looks like I found my tripod