Tripod Choice

[Medic1]

OK....I realize there are other threads on this topic, but I am not really sure if they pertained to directly what I want to know. I am looking at a Manfrotto tripod....but the deal is that the product description is kind of vague....it says this line of tripod is for compact cameras, but also says it supports video and photo equipment. My heavier lenses are the 70-200 f4L, and I am looking at getting the 100-400.

The specs on this tripod say it will hold 7.7lbs (3.5kg). Is this good enough to hold my equipment or should I bite the bullet and spend all the extra money......I mainly shoot landscape/nature and a little racing and airshow.

Heres the product on B&H, but I won't be buying from them because I am in Canada:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=283759&is=REG

[ScottE]

I have a whole collection of progressively heavier tripods. The first, lightest ones I bought never get used any more. If you are going to use a tripod, start with a good sturdy one. In the Manfrotto line the 055PRo (Bogen 3021PRO in USA) is a good start. I prefer to use a good solid ball head. I have a Manfrotto 468RC that isn't bad, but I now use an Acratech Ultimate that I much prefer.

If your budget will support it, consider a good carbon fiber tripod. As well a being lighter to carry they are much more pleasant to work with than aluminium during the winter and seem to be better damped for vibrations.

[photodogg]

I would think you should just buy a used Bogen 3001 tripod off Ebay for the same price as a new tripod as you listed above. Then you would not have any concern for the weight capacity for your equipment and would have some room to upgrade with.

The price of such a setup generally runs between $55-80 USD on Ebay.

Tim.

[ScottE]

I believe the Bogen 3001 is the same as the Manfrotto 190. That is one of the lighter tripods I no longer use. It is not a complete loss however. My daughter likes the light weight and uses it for backpacking.

[Medic1]

I was looking at the Manfrotto 190 and a 141 pan/tilt head since I will be doing aircraft and racing with the 100-400........I don't want to go too heavy since I do alot of wildlife and nature too

[Arsonist lolol]

Well I'm using the Manfrotto 3001D legs, which I absolutely love, they are sturdy, and very versatile when it comes to positioning them, and you can flip the pole that holds the head upside down, works excellent for my macro shooting. And i'm using the 3265 Manfrotto Pistol Grip / Joystick head, which I REALLY love, so easy to switch positions quickly, but yeah I don't think you would need a pistol grip for sport shooting, because I assume you need to pan.

just my 2cents

[wibbly]

Yeah, I just been through all this and wound up with 'frotto 443 legs (on a special offer - they're a replaced model) and a 322 'action' head. It's all a compromise of weight/stability/cost/speed of setup and use/flexibility. I'd say just don't forget two basic issues:

- A tripod you don't take with you is worthless. Any tripod is likely to be better than none at all, even a cheap/light/slightly wobbly one. A mate who spends a LOT on his gear just took one of his best ever shots using a bent beer can on a wall to stabilise his camera for a 4 sec exposure, as he didn't have his tripod with him...

but

- Buy cheaper than you can afford, and the replacements will get you spending more in the long run. If you use a tripod a lot, buying a cheaper one will have you wanting a better one quickly.

I realise this doesn't help all that much - all this stuff is about making compromises! :-(

J

[Jack W.]

I bought that very tripod, as I wanted one that's compact and light for carrying.
Right now it's set up in my living room (experimenting with shots through the window).
I have a 20D with a Sigma 80-400 OS lens on it. The lens alone weighs over 3 1/2 pounds. Solid as a rock.
But I'm aware that it's not a heavy duty tripod, so I always keep that in mind when outside.
Also, because it IS a lightweight, I found a cable release a must.
Jack

[adamsti]

I have a 3021Pro but only use it for landscapes, it works well. If you get into the bigger glass, the Gitzo carbon fiber models are your best bet. They are very high priced however. You mention races, and airshows, you will not use a tripod at either of these. Get a good monopod for this. I use it a lot, but not for flying shots, just for taxi shots and such where I want slow shutter speed for prop blur. For auto races I only use it for head on shots, or shots of cars from the rear. All panning shots are done handheld.

[Medic1]

On that note....any suggestions for monopods are welcome too!

[wibbly]

I've not used it in anger that way yet, but I think my 'frotto 443 legs and a 322 head with one 'pod leg extended will make a passable monopod. One benefit of having a light tripod...

[adamsti]

I use a Bogen/Manfrotto 680/ME06 monopod.

Makes a nice weapon folded up!!

[photodogg]

My Bogen 3016 3 section Monopod works excellent for a 20d and 70-200mm lens.

[HJMinard]

I love the way my Manfrotto Neotec (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=336193&is=REG) monopod sets up very quickly without any twisting or lever flipping. Very convenient.

[Cash--]

for me a huge selling point, when i ordered my tripod........was the "is it tall enough that i wont have to stoop?" factor.


Mostly cause im extremely lazy (=

[Medic1]

Well I ordered the Manfrotto 190 in black, along with a 141 RC pan/tilt head....I think I will just get the monopod as well.....because hey, lets face it, its better to have too many toys than not enough!!!