Tripod with Ball Head..Suggestions?

[velvetjones]

I am looking into getting a new tripod....my old one was mistakenly placed in the trash can by an unsuspecting family member. Anyways, I would like one with a decent ball head but don't want to spend more than $200 or so.

I have been looking mostly at Bogen...does anyone have any suggestions of models or other brands that I should be looking at?

Thanks for your help!

[DocFrankenstein]

I'll go with 3021 Pro legs... and I don't know about ballheads. :)

[Tom W]

I second the sturdy setup that Doc recommends as far as legs. Perhaps someone else here can guide you as to which ball head you should get. The grip-type ball head I have will put you a fair amount over $200.

[eosster]

How about a Markins ball head from http://www.markins.com, I purchased instead of other and very satified with it.

Cheers,

Charles,

[CyberDyneSystems]

One of the best deals in a Ballhead going is the Giottos MH-3000,
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=221095&is=REG

Less than half the price of most of it's competitors.

[eosster]

Sorry, Markins ballhead price little high, I must missed about the amount your willing to spend, once again, sorry about that.

Cheers,

Charles,

[cricket]

I have been looking mostly at Bogen...does anyone have any suggestions of models or other brands that I should be looking at?
Well, I own a Bogen 3265 ball head, and I'm not thrilled with it.

It is stiff, but not as stiff as it should be when shooting vertically. It tends to slide slowly out of position, even with the tension adjusted. Sometimes it is too jerky when adjusting it as well.

So, I don't recommend this one unless you have a featherlight camera!

My 2 cents.

[Toogy]

I am using the 3021 legs and a 488RC2 ball head and highly recommend it

Very stable and the head is very easy to work with.

[Conk]

Well, I own a Bogen 3265 ball head, and I'm not thrilled with it.

It is stiff, but not as stiff as it should be when shooting vertically. It tends to slide slowly out of position, even with the tension adjusted. Sometimes it is too jerky when adjusting it as well.

So, I don't recommend this one unless you have a featherlight camera!

My 2 cents.

I remember this issue coming up in the past. I was afraid of this.

[eosster]

Here is little story about Support(tripod and tripod head), http://www.bythom.com/support.htm , even though it's coming from Nikon shooter, did I just mention Nikon, sorry guys, don't hurt me too much, lol...

Cheers,

Charles,

[boomer1959]

I resently boght a Manfrotto 190PRO and the Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head.
I like it. Is very sturdy, Easy to use. :D

[Chris1le]

I've got the 3021 PRO with the 322RC2 ballhead See this thread. I love it! :)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=41844&highlight=322rc2

[markubig]

I just realized that I know NOTHING about tripods . . . I believe I have a video camera tripod . . . really cheezy and restrictive with its movements. I started looking at the ones you've suggested plus others . . . why are they soooooo damn expensive? It looks like it's probably best to get a ball head.

What do I need to know when shopping for one? Is it possible to get something decent for under $100 (or even under $80) for both tripod and ballhead or will I be looking at complete crap like I have now?

Tanx for your help

[Roy NN7DX]

Here is my right stuff, full featured and 26 pound rated ($268 including the 33pound rated ball head):

Giottos MT-9180 Universal 4-Section Tripod Legs - Supports 26 lb (12 kg) ($146):

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=296589&is=REG&si=feat#goto_itemInfo

Giottos MH-3000 Pro Heavy Duty Large Ballhead - Supports 33 lb (15 kg) ($120):

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=156561&is=REG

It's just a bit tall for me (I’m 6') and it has 4 leg sections... I'd buy the 9170 if doing it again… just a few inches shorter and only 3 leg sections to extend...

This is the metal version... carbon fiber doubles the leg prices without a lot of weight savings...

The 22lb ball head (Giottos MH-1000) might be fine and it's about 1 pound less but I got the heaver one for only $10 more... I'm packing this around so that is my problem, eh?

I don't know of a sturdier, full-featured tripod for this kind of loot...

[DocFrankenstein]

I just realized that I know NOTHING about tripods . . . I believe I have a video camera tripod . . . really cheezy and restrictive with its movements. I started looking at the ones you've suggested plus others . . . why are they soooooo damn expensive? It looks like it's probably best to get a ball head.

What do I need to know when shopping for one? Is it possible to get something decent for under $100 (or even under $80) for both tripod and ballhead or will I be looking at complete crap like I have now?

Tanx for your help
I think you'll end up unsatisfied with a light tripod.

Heavy = stable = good. And for 100 bucks you'll only find real light aluminum stuff.

[eosster]

I just realized that I know NOTHING about tripods . . . I believe I have a video camera tripod . . . really cheezy and restrictive with its movements. I started looking at the ones you've suggested plus others . . . why are they soooooo damn expensive? It looks like it's probably best to get a ball head.

What do I need to know when shopping for one? Is it possible to get something decent for under $100 (or even under $80) for both tripod and ballhead or will I be looking at complete crap like I have now?

Tanx for your help
I found out hardway by buying cheaper aluminum brand and replaced it with more sturdier one and cost me twice as much, so I would invest in good carbon firbre tripod to bigin with and do the some through research on diffenet tripods, Bogen and Gitzo will be good place to start, I think they are same company, but huge diffence in price.

Cheers,

Charles,

[velvetjones]

I appreciate all of the responses...it will give me a great place to start. I liked the tripod I had before...some $115 Bogen model...but since it is gone, I am aware that I really don't know much about tripods....so thanks again!

[charlesu]

I've got the 3021 PRO with the 322RC2 ballhead See this thread. I love it! :)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=41844&highlight=322rc2

I tried a couple of setups and didn't like anything until THIS head came out. It's remarkable. Bogen's previous pistol grip sucked and Cricket is right about typical ball heads. Either they are jerky or they slip or both. This one is incredible. And once you release the lever, it is LOCKED. Very easy and convenient and will hold a 1D with a 70-200 2.8L like a feather.

[mr.photoguy]

http://www.pbase.com/brucescott/manfrotto_tripod

I love my Manfrotto..
I use it for my mnm shots ..
http://www.pbase.com/brucescott/image/37817755/medium.jpg