Help with Tripod

[SteveJa]

I am going to get a tripod soon, just not sure which one. I picked up a Manfrotto 680b monopod today. I am thinking that I would like a Manfrotto tripod as well. Also I am thinking that I would like one with a removable head so I could use it on the monopod, then I would not have to buy an extra head right away. With this said I am also not sure which type of head to get.

This will be for an XSI with grip and 430 flash. Biggest lenes I have is the 55-250 (right now) but this will be used with a 300mm f/2.8 L for one weekend... but dont go by this, as it will be 1 weekend only.

Will be used for motorsports, vacations, normal stuff...


Thanks

[Tapeman]

If you get the right tripod(s) you will never have to replace them. (Unless you run it over with your car or something.) Carbon fiber is worth the money, especially if you travel a lot. I bought a used cf and only am thinking of getting another one because it will not support 500mm and larger lenses.

[SteveJa]

anyone else ?

I guess I am just asking if the cheaper $150 or so tripods that have a removable head are worth it ?

Thanks

[HuskyKMA]

anyone else ?

I guess I am just asking if the cheaper $150 or so tripods that have a removable head are worth it ?

Thanks

You're going to be much better off buying a high quality tripod than a cheaper one. It'll give you a more stable base for shooting from, and greatly reduce your chances of an accident resulting in damage to your equipment.

[Cruzatte]

For what it's worth, I'm an XSi guy, and just ordered my first tripod over the weekend. I spent more time researching the tripod/head purchase than I did researching the XSi itself... by about threefold.

As far as the legs, think about your use. Do you mind something bulkier? Does it need to be very compact? Very light? Best advice I got was that you could spend two grand on a tripod, but that it wouldn't be worth a thing unless you're comfortable taking it with you everywhere.

On the other hand, if you've got a monopod and you're comfortable using that when you want to travel light, maybe you don't need a tripod that's too compact. But if you want to travel with it... etc.

So consider how small you want it, then consider how tall you want it. If you're a tall guy, you'll want something that extends to a full height.

As far as the head goes, whatever works. I decided that I'd prefer a ballhead, simply because they tend to be more compact. Whatever the case, once you choose a head, just be sure to do some research to make sure nobody has accused it of nodding forward with either a 55-250 or a 300.

And for me, the final step was giving in to all the damn peer pressure and buying a more expensive rig than I wanted to. It took me a while to come around to the precept that you have to completely trust your tripod with your gear's weight and then some, but eventually I did. Buy a strong enough tripod/head that you don't have to worry about it now or for the foreseeable future.

And I guess the next best justification for spending a few hundred extra is that your tripod will outlast your body, and your next body too, and down the line.

So maybe go past the 150 mark. Or, conversely, you could act like a grownup and stick to your budget. But where's the fun in that? For my part, I started thinking around 100, and wound up at about 450 including legs & ballhead. And hell, that's not even very much. Small price to pay for securing your gear, blah blah blah.

Also, some starting point brands: Manfrotto/Bogen (some well respected legs, can be bulky; popular 488rc2 ballhead; also decent reviews on some of their bottom-of-the-line stuff), Gitzo (damn expensive, pretty great), Giottos (more affordable stuff, but still high quality). There are also some companies that specialize in ballheads (Acratech; Markins)--you might want to spend any extra dough on a nicer ballhead, especially if you're going to be using the same one for your tripod and your monopod.

I wound up going with a Feisol, myself. http://www.feisol.net/feisol-ct3441s-with-center-column-tripod-p-38.html. I'll post a review someday. Got high hopes.

Again, it's all a function of your requirements for dimensions and maximum weights. Good luck.

[SYS]

I use Manfrotto 3021 tripod and awaiting a new 488RC2 head for it...

[ssracer]

I have pretty much the exact same setup as you, only the XS instead of the XSi.

I recently picked up the Manfrotto 055XProB and 488RC2. Not the lightest combo, but rock solid, versatile and tall.

[Roy Webber]

I am going to get a tripod soon, just not sure which one. I picked up a Manfrotto 680b monopod today. I am thinking that I would like a Manfrotto tripod as well. Also I am thinking that I would like one with a removable head so I could use it on the monopod, then I would not have to buy an extra head right away. With this said I am also not sure which type of head to get.

This will be for an XSI with grip and 430 flash. Biggest lenes I have is the 55-250 (right now) but this will be used with a 300mm f/2.8 L for one weekend... but dont go by this, as it will be 1 weekend only.

Will be used for motorsports, vacations, normal stuff...


Thanks
I have the 680B monopod, and it works well for me and the 100-400.

Just ordered the Manfrotto 055xprob tripod and 488 RC2 head...will post my thoughts in the future