Tripod Advice

[Ewyl]

Hi
I want to buy a tripod to mount my 40D and lens, so the weight will have to range above 1000g. I’ve got two choices at the minute:

Manfrotto 190XPROB
Manfrotto 055XPROB

I’m a landscape photographer, so I will be moving around a lot. Part of the problem is the weight of the tripod and how heavy it will be. Being my first (tripod), I don’t really have a clue.

Should I consider any other tripods? I’m willing to spend up to £150.

I would go with the 190, but I’m quite tall, and I’m worried the 055 is too heavy. A tripod that combines light weight, tall height and stability for the 40D would be great. :D

If there isn’t one, would I be better off sacrificing the weight or the height?

Thank you

Ewyl

[tvphotog]

IMO, the best IMH is the Gitzo 1541t, which weighs in at about a kilo by itself. It's extremely lightweight and well-made, but is almost twice your budget. It's also only about 45" tall without extending the center column. Most times, even though extending the center column gives you more height, you sacrifice stability. Here's a review of that tripod:

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

Feisol makes a CF tripod that's the same weight as the Gitzo at about $300, and it's slightly higher even without the center raised. It's sold only on the web, and though some around here have had good experience with it, it's not been on the market long enough for real world use assessment. It also has only a 3 year warranty versus the lifetime warranty of the Gitzo. here are two reviews of the Feisol;

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=406696
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=671281

The Manfrotto tripods are superb, by the way, but are heavier than the two I mentioned above.

I would sacrifice height over weight. You have to carry the tripod on your back for a much longer time than that spent bending to look through the viewfinder. Even a pound of weight can make a difference over a day with a pack on your back.

Read the sticky above in the Accessories forum on tripods. Don't forget that you'll need a ballhead to interface the camera body, which can run $100-500.

[adrian5127]

I think it depends on you physically. I have a 190xprob and don't have a problem with it but I know other people do find it heavy. One bit of advise is when choosing a bag get one where you can attach the tripod to the centre of it as opposed to one side. After a bit of hiking with my old bag one shoulder ached and the other was fine.

As TV has said your only real alternatives are carbon fibre but that is expensive.

[tmbb]

I'm looking for a Gitzo tripod and would prefer one which is lightweight and compact but would be able to carry my Canon 5DII (70-200 IS is my longest lens at the moment). Which one would you recommend? Thanks

[tvphotog]

I'm looking for a Gitzo tripod and would prefer one which is lightweight and compact but would be able to carry my Canon 5DII (70-200 IS is my longest lens at the moment). Which one would you recommend? Thanks

The Gitzo 1541t, with a Markins Q3t ballhead, the latter being specifically designed for the tripod. There's a pretty lenthy review of the setup here:

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

I have it and it's strong, extremely compact and very light.

[tmbb]

Thanks a lot for the advice TV. Forgot to mention that the Q3 is also my preferred ballhead. I've just ordered one together with the PG-50 and PL-55 plates

[aram535]

It really does depend on your physicallity and where you want to be able to get to (climb/hike). I'm sure the lighter the whole thing the better off you are if you're going to on a long climb.

That aside, just with a bit of walking (bad knee, so I can't go far) I have the Manfrotto 055XPROB, it really isn't all that heavy and compared to everything else its actually rather light. The head is probably more of a weight problem for me. I really like the tripod. It's easy to use and very sturdy. Highly recommended.

[Jethro790]

I just bought a new tripod to replace my 055XB for use in the field. It's a huge difference between a 5lb set of legs and a 2.8lb set of legs. I ended up with the Induro C-113 and it's a joy to trek with over the 055XB. I must give credit to that 055 though, it has served me very well. It's rock solid, just too heavy for me.