400$ for a tripod need help deciding

[capture photons]

I shoot landscapes mostly. Iam looking for a 3 way pan. right now iam thinking a benro anyone else have suggestions? i would like the whole set up to be under 5 pounds i hike alot.

[René Damkot]

I'd suggest getting a ball head instead of a 3 way head; less protruding handles to catch on things.

Benro, Feisol and Amvona are Gitzo or Manfrotto knock offs basically.
Also worth checking might be the Velbon EL Carmagne line.

Some reviews and more info in the Sticky (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=53864)

What lenses are you planning to use on the tripod?

[capture photons]

well i shoot mostly landscapes a ball head would be hard to do pans and stuff like that. i was looking at the either a velbon or benro but then i read they break alot so now iam kinda confused.

as for lens probably nothing more that a 300mm for now and 30d. but i would like to keep it for a long time who knows what i will have in a few years you know. thanks for the help.

[Patriotic1]

velbon or benro but then i read they break alot so now iam kinda confused.
I never came across any negative reviews of the Velbon "El Carmagne" line when I was researching my tripod purchase but I'm sure some may be out there. I have owned the older but popular Bogen Manfrotto 3021 for a couple of years - so I know how a sturdy tripod should feel/perform. I just find my 3021 too heavy & bulky for hiking/outdoor photo excursions now that I am carrying more equipment in my backpack. I admit I have not owned my Velbon for long, but I have taken/used it extensively on several hikes already and find it to be sturdy and very stable considering how light and compact it is by comparison to my old 3021. It's not a Gitzo ($$$), but it is a good middle of the road ($$) option in my (albeit bias) opinion. Good luck.

[argyle]

well i shoot mostly landscapes a ball head would be hard to do pans and stuff like that. i was looking at the either a velbon or benro but then i read they break alot so now iam kinda confused.

as for lens probably nothing more that a 300mm for now and 30d. but i would like to keep it for a long time who knows what i will have in a few years you know. thanks for the help.

Prior to my Gitzo, I used (and still have) a Velbon El Carmagne 540 with a Gitzo 1277M ballhead. The ballhead is very good, and doesn't have any noticeable slop or droop. This combo should probably fall in your budget if bought new, and definitely if bought on the used market. This rig was able to handle my 5D and 100-400L, as well as with the 70-200/2.8L, without any problems. Velbon makes a very nice product. If you can swing an extra $80 or so, a nice RRS clamp to top it off and you'll have a rig that will last you for a while. BTW...I've had the Velbon for a few years and have had nary a problem...