Tripod/Head question

[Twist]

I am looking to get a tripod. It isnt the easiest thing to search for on this board as tripod is such a common word. I am looked for a decent tripod and head. I see tons listed everywhere. The Monfrotto 3001 legs. What I am looking for is a nice lightweight and compact tripod that i dont mind lugging around in the woods or on city streets.

But the part that is really getting me is the head. What gives good head? So many types. I need a decent one. Nothing overly fancy. I dont need quick release movements. The head only has to hold the drebel, and at most a 70-200mm 2.8 IS which weighs 3 lbs. More often it will have the 28-135mm and a 50mm on it.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Twist,

You might find this sereis of threads of interest. "Psychonaut" seems to hold the world record for "tripod Research"

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=53864

Very interesting and thorough investigation.

[MarkoPolo]

It is confusing, to say the least. A very reasonably priced combo is the Velbon EFL-4 (or 3 if you prefer 3 leg sections, but slightly bigger when folded) at about $80 and the Giottos medium ball head at about $80. I used the Arca style attachment system. So for that add about $60 for the tipod plate and then whatever you need for a camera plate. I used those from Kirk Enterprises, but Really Right Stuff makes very similar equipment. This is my lightest "serious" tripod and the one I use for airline travel as it fits well in even a small suitcase. I use Gitzo tripods when I am not as concerned about weight and size. Gitzo makes some great lightweigt and small carbon fiber tripods, but they are out of my price range right now. Hope this helps.
Mark

[Europa]

One word. Markins!!!!!

[Moses]

I made the mistake of buying a tripod without consideration to weight and size and now I have to consider buying another tripod so I can actually take it with me traveling.

I bought this one with a pan and tilt head:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/284779.jpg
Bogen / Manfrotto 3021BPRO Tripod (Black) with 3047 Deluxe 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head (Quick Release) - Supports 13.3 lb (6 kg) (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=284779&is=REG) $ 226.90

When I should have bought this one instead:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/353680.jpg
Bogen / Manfrotto 055MF4 Magfiber Pro Carbon Fiber 4-Section Tripod Legs - Supports 15.5 lb (7 kg) (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=353680&is=REG) $ 324.95

and then put this head on it:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/272776.jpg
Bogen / Manfrotto 468RC4 Pro Ball Head with Rapid Connect 4 System (Quick Release) - Supports 35.2 lb (16 kg) (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=272776&is=REG) $ 254.00

Only problem with this is it's $ 579.00, but at least I would be able to take it with me when traveling sonce it's only 4.4 lbs and folds up to 21 inches.

[Twist]

Thanks CDS, I thought I remembered seeing a tripod sticky somewhere but of course I can never find something when I go to look for it.

Travel size and weight is the most important. The head would never have to hold more then 5 lbs i am guessing due to the weight of the camera plus lens. I will spend a couple hours pawing through that thread.