Replacing a $17 Tripod

[Saxi]

While I was shopping for my 24-70L, I was looking at tripods as I only have a $17 Walmart one. I don't use tripods often, but I figure I will be a lot more often.

I have a Canon HV30 Video camera as well, don't use it as much as my 50D, but I still use it a decent amount, so I want a tripod that works well for both, but is primarily for photography.

I am not looking to buy the best $1,000 one, and was looking for more along the lines of $100-$200. Although I may spend more to go with lightweight graphite. I was originally looking at the Velbon, but then I came across the Slik 700DX that got a lot of good Amazon reviews. But when I worked with a local photographer and stopped at Hunt's Photography (New Hampshire people will know these guys) they both said they don't like SLIK, so the obvious choise is a Mafrotto.

I looked at a few heads, and I liked this one the best, anyone use this? What you think of it?

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-460MG-Magnesium-Camera-Head/dp/B001A1POK4/ref=reg_hu-wl_item-added

I want to have idependent controls as a ball I am concerned will cause some forward back motion while using video. I like the size/weight and the fact the controls are fairly tight to the body. I like the feel of the knobs as well, all and all I think it was the best choice out of 8-10 they had on display.

The legs I think is simple, you either pay a premium for light weight or you don't. I was looking at these two, I want to go with graphite, but it puts me way out of my target zone, but I am going to Florida in March, and the lighter the better. I also liked that the graphite actually had a leveler on the base, the aluminum didn't seem to have one. It seemed like the graphite one was roughly half the weight of the aluminum one.

I read the review someone posted a while ago mentioning to just go for the $1,000 one rather than continuely buying cheaper ones, but that is just too much for me, I would rather have it in my camera or lens than on a tripod right now and I want to get a light meter and eventually some pocket wizards with strobist or alienbees. I don't use a tripod often, but as I get into other things than just candids of my son and family, I will be using it a lot more, especially when taking trips and working on projects. I want something that will protect the $4,000+ I have sitting on it as well.

Graphite:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0015MFTE4/ref=pd_luc_mri?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

Aluminum:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000N7VPRW/ref=pd_luc_mri?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

[shaun raney]

I skipped on the ball head too for the same reason as you.

I went with an 804RC2 and 055XPROB. Higher weight capacity, might be helpful with the video camera.

[Saxi]

I skipped on the ball head too for the same reason as you.

I went with an 804RC2 and 055XPROB. Higher weight capacity, might be helpful with the video camera.

I notice the 055XPROB has 7kg capacity compared to 5kg on the two I have been looking at, and it has a level. But it is also considerably heavier than both of the ones I was looking at coming in at 2.4kg compared to 1.8kg and 1.29kg. I thought for sure the graphite was about half the weight of the 190XPROB but it is more like 30%, it sure feels a lot more than that.

I am curious, what limitations 5kg have that you would need a 7kg one? I have a 50D (eventually a 5D if I can get good enough to justify it) and my heaviest lens currently is a 24-70 L. I will likely get a 100-400L some year but occasionally I will likely use my father's copy so consider that it will be used.

I definitely could tell the difference with the graphite one, it was almost like carrying air and if I am taking it to Florida it will be helpful, but $160 more? Not sure, but probably will end up going the graphite route after all.

[Saxi]

I skipped on the ball head too for the same reason as you.

I went with an 804RC2 and 055XPROB. Higher weight capacity, might be helpful with the video camera.

Oh, and as for the 804RC2, it looks really nice and I would likely love it except for the fact the knobs stick out so much it makes it more difficult to carry around and I actually like the knobs that are like rubber wheels. They feel comfortable and seem to offer very fine adjustment capability.

[JDubya]

For what will you primarily be using the legs? Do they need to be compact?

[Saxi]

For what will you primarily be using the legs? Do they need to be compact?

They don't NEED to be, but I would like them to be as much as possible but still giving full utility. I will use it traveling and just around the way.

[JDubya]

I just replaced my "cheap" tripod, which my gear had outgrown long ago. At first I planned on just getting something decent, or maybe a Benro (GITZO knockoff) but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted top-of-the-line. After much research and deliberation, I went with the GITZO 1541T, their Traveler tripod which comes to about 17" when collapsed but is still very sturdy. I figured I'd be much more apt to carry, and subsequently use, a compact tripod. In the future I may get a 3-series (and have the best of both worlds) if my needs require it but until then this should suit me just fine. See this thread for "inspiration" lol

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=538298

[René Damkot]

what limitations 5kg have that you would need a 7kg one

Forget about the "weight" figures.
Tripods aren't about weight lifting, they're about stabilizing...

My Gitzo 1325 is rated something like 15kg or so, yet I can hang from it. (something like 65kg)

The 055 will be more stable then the 190.
It's also higher, bigger and heavier.

[Saxi]

Anyone use a Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 3-Section Pro Carbon Fiber?
I think this is the one I will end up getting.

[just_a_hobby]

Anyone use a Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 3-Section Pro Carbon Fiber?
I think this is the one I will end up getting.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=621276
There's a review on that tripod.