Tripod

[Fred W]

I've been using a broken, archaic Velbon tripod for as long as I can remember... I have little money invested into this area. I've been able to get away with it for the longest time, but as far as time exposures go, I'm S.O.L.

Are there any sturdy and high-quality, yet affordable tripods and heads from manufacturers like Bogen/Manfrotto? (+/- $200 US for a tripod system)

Thank you for your assistance.

[Grentz]

The two proven combos are right around your price point:

190XPROB (or 190XB for a bit cheaper, does not do the horizontal center column trick) + 486RC2 ball head
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480322-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__190XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

055XPROB (or again the 055XB for no horizontal column trick) + 486RC2 ballhead.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505861-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

Note that there is a $25 rebate for either combo right now as well


Both are excellent, 055 is a bit sturdier, taller, and longer when folded down. 190 is lighter, not as high, but smaller when folded.

[Fred W]

The two proven combos are right around your price point:

190XPROB (or 190XB for a bit cheaper, does not do the horizontal center column trick) + 486RC2 ball head
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480322-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__190XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

055XPROB (or again the 055XB for no horizontal column trick) + 486RC2 ballhead.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505861-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

Note that there is a $25 rebate for either combo right now as well


Both are excellent, 055 is a bit sturdier, taller, and longer when folded down. 190 is lighter, not as high, but smaller when folded.

I'm pretty tall, so I think I'll choose the 055.

Thanks for your help.

[SkipD]

The Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head is much more suitable for tripod use than the 486RC2 (that was suggested above) because of the separate pan release and the fact that the ball can hold more weight without slipping than the 486RC2 can.

I would highly recommend the 055XProB and 488RC2 combination to anyone.

[bbeck4x4]

the rebate was also sent out very quick, I received mine in roughly two weeks. I love the tripod, it has really impacted my photos for the better.

[Nick5]

The Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head is much more suitable for tripod use than the 486RC2 (that was suggested above) because of the separate pan release and the fact that the ball can hold more weight without slipping than the 486RC2 can.

I would highly recommend the 055XProB and 488RC2 combination to anyone.
I, along with many have happily followed Skip's advice.

[holrd]

I love my Manfrotto legs, 3021BN, they are heavy but they have never failed me. Even when i had my camera setup in a raging river in Zion national park. I have found that though i love the legs, they are a pain to travel with. Having taken them around the world i would have much rather had a set of Gitzo's Carbon Fiber legs and a RRS BH 25 or 40. That said the cost is far from cheap, but my thinking is it will last me a a lot longer. I always fear that im going to dent my aluminum legs and that they wont shut correctly.

I think you cant go wrong with what has been suggested. But if you plan on traveling or backpacking with them you may want to upgrade. Im just kicking myself for my three mistakes when i started out. I bought a 17-40 instead of a 16-35 and i didnt invest heavily into a tripod and head system. Oh well, there goes my tax rebate and my economic stimulus checks.

Good luck