Tripod Realistic $$$

[briancmo]

I've now purchased about 3 of these $39.99 tripods in photo stores - each one just as crappy as the one before it. I'm done, and officially willing to get on my knees and bow down to the all-mighty tripod gods.

I've been poking around the forums all afternoon doing my do-diligence reading and on the various website and damn there are 5000 combinations! I feel as if I need to spend $600+ to actually get 'the right one' but I just can't afford that. I'm trying to stay under $300 CDN for everything. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated - I know there's 500 of these threads so I apologize.

My gear: 5D, grip, 24-70, 430ex, maybe a 100-400 one day (I'm assuming that will be my max load).

Tripod: reversable/sideways centre column, ball head

[Mocows]

Easily the most talked about combo is the Manfrotto 055xprob and Manfrotto 488RC2 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=529785).

Although I think that will run you over 300 CAD, maybe look at the Manfrotto 190XB & 486RC2 Combo?

[atu]

I have same questions here...
OP how do you like this one
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/479931-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_190XB_190XB_Tripod_Legs _Black_.html#includes

Need a Ball Head still...Any suggestions?
I use a 50D, Grip, and 17-40L

[tvphotog]

The 488 RC2 is pretty much a standard solid head.

[bohdank]

I think I paid around $350 + taxes for my 055XPROB + 488RC2 in Montreal last year.

[hanzers]

and dont forget $25 mail in rebate from manfrotto

[cory1848]

This is what I use and I am very happy with it. Very sturdy and the head is very nice as well.

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CK7316/

[glenphoto]

briancmo,
I am in the same boat as you looking for an "affordable" tripod. I have been looking at the slik 700dx(comes with ball head, release plate and tripod case) for I believe $119.99 at B&H. I believe this is a solid tripod for the money, maybe not the same reputation as manfrotto and certainly a little heavier, but it may be a viable option for those of us that don't have $300-400 for a tripod investment right now. glenphoto

[tnguyen600]

You can get the manfrotto combo as stated above, 055XProB w/488RC2 for around $278 CAD!

This is what I did and I've said it before in another thread...I don't know if this will work b/c you have to buy it through Amazon. Anyway, you place your order thru Amazon and assuming you don't already have a Amazon Visa credit card, sign up for one. By doing so, you'll receive a $30 credit on your statement.

Next, follow this link, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/FrameWork/Rebates_Promos/083109_BOGEN_Tripods2.pdf Print it out and submit it. It is the rebate form offered by Bogen Manfrotto. You'll get $25 back. Good luck

[jr_senator]

An often overlooked tripod, that doesn't cost so much, is the Slik PRO 790DX.

[atu]

You can get the manfrotto combo as stated above, 055XProB w/488RC2 for around $278 CAD!

This is what I did and I've said it before in another thread...I don't know if this will work b/c you have to buy it through Amazon. Anyway, you place your order thru Amazon and assuming you don't already have a Amazon Visa credit card, sign up for one. By doing so, you'll receive a $30 credit on your statement.

Next, follow this link, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/FrameWork/Rebates_Promos/083109_BOGEN_Tripods2.pdf Print it out and submit it. It is the rebate form offered by Bogen Manfrotto. You'll get $25 back. Good luck

Thanks for your information!!

[butterfly2937]

I have a Manfrotto 190CXPRO3
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548524-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_190CXPRO3_190CXPRO3_3_S ection_Carbon_Fiber.html#specifications
and I love it!

I have the 488RCO and the combo is rock solid even with a heavy 6 pound lens!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272989-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_488RC0_488RC0_Midi_Ball _Head.html

[trickyricky]

I have a Slik Pro 700DX Tripod with 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head and it's been good.

- Richard

[tnguyen600]

Your tripod supports up to 11lbs. and your head supports up to 17.6lbs.

...I wish the legs would support as much as the head b/c its like wasted space, i hate that Manfrotto does that.

[butterfly2937]

Your tripod supports up to 11lbs. and your head supports up to 17.6lbs.

...I wish the legs would support as much as the head b/c its like wasted space, i hate that Manfrotto does that.

I know. I needed a very light weight tripod for tavel and a very sturdy combo for a heavy lens. I talked to several friends who have used this combo with very heavy lenses so that's why I bought it. I am very pleased!

[ylimehajile]

I feel your pain brian. I took the same route you did. I saw my life flash before my eyes when my brand new 70-200 f2.8 IS took a nose dive on a crappy pod. Fortunately the head held so it didn't go all the way down. The next day I went shopping. Unlike you I ended up spending $600 on a Gitzo combination (actually $500 after rebate). I couldn't be happier. Could I have gotten away with a $300 setup - certainly. I'm sure the recommendations you are getting are rock solid. I was just shopping on an emotional scare from the day before and went to my local camera shop and snagged the Gitzo. No regrets. Good luck with your hunt.

[bohdank]

You can get the manfrotto combo as stated above, 055XProB w/488RC2 for around $278 CAD!

This is what I did and I've said it before in another thread...I don't know if this will work b/c you have to buy it through Amazon. Anyway, you place your order thru Amazon and assuming you don't already have a Amazon Visa credit card, sign up for one. By doing so, you'll receive a $30 credit on your statement.

Next, follow this link, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/FrameWork/Rebates_Promos/083109_BOGEN_Tripods2.pdf Print it out and submit it. It is the rebate form offered by Bogen Manfrotto. You'll get $25 back. Good luck

You can't order theough Amazon if you are in Canada. Neither can you apply for the Visa card.

[Jon]

Your tripod supports up to 11lbs. and your head supports up to 17.6lbs.

...I wish the legs would support as much as the head b/c its like wasted space, i hate that Manfrotto does that.
The extra head capacity comes into play if you're using a lens that doesn't have a tripod mounting ring and you want to shoot in Portrait orientation. Having the camera off to one side will put substantially more burden on the head, but you can orient the tripod so the load is aligned along a leg.

[briancmo]

Dear people of this thread,

THANK YOU for your responses. This has been extremely helpful and I'm going to be (likely) picking up the 55XProB w/488RC2 combo. It looks great, stable, and affordable. I'm one of those people who hates too many options, and the tripod / head market is so flooded with products that look exactly the same that I didn't even know where to begin.

In a dream world, a restaurant would have 5 choices: 2 appetizers, a salad, chicken , fish, pizza, pasta, 2 desert options, coke, water or juice. OK that was more than 5 options, but you get the idea...

[atu]

Dear people of this thread,

THANK YOU for your responses. This has been extremely helpful and I'm going to be (likely) picking up the 55XProB w/488RC2 combo. It looks great, stable, and affordable. I'm one of those people who hates too many options, and the tripod / head market is so flooded with products that look exactly the same that I didn't even know where to begin.

In a dream world, a restaurant would have 5 choices: 2 appetizers, a salad, chicken , fish, pizza, pasta, 2 desert options, coke, water or juice. OK that was more than 5 options, but you get the idea...


yep I will probably go for this combo too as there are many good reviews on this!:cool:
055XPROB + 488RC2

[Vanman1100]

I just got the Slik 340DX new from B&H for $89 and got a used Manfrotto 488RC2 here on POTN for $60. I just came back from a bicycle ride backpacking my gear and tripod. It's great. I am so glad I got the 488RC2. I now see why everyone speaks so highly of it. Man it makes the old pan and tilt suck the big one. And I love the combo it works really well together. When I bought the tripod it came with a pan tilt which I immediately took off. I had to get a 3/8" to 1/4" bushing for the ball head to be able to mount it to the tripod, that was $3. B&H have the tripod on sale I think it was $30 off and they included a bag as well. I didn't know I was getting the bag till after I had ordered it.
Anyway I am really pleased with the price and the equipment. The tripod is also a titanium alloy. Bonus it's really light. :D

[atu]

You can't order theough Amazon if you are in Canada. Neither can you apply for the Visa card.

Bohdank is right...:( Also Amazon.ca has VERY limited selections.....:(

[briancmo]

what about the pistol grip ball heads...no one seems to recommend them?

[c2thew]

i own the pistol grip ball head 322rc2 (i believe in the catelog) and it's a nice head, but i don't use my tripod too much. =]

[Joshua14321]

Cngrats and nice choice :)

~ Josh

[ylimehajile]

Dear people of this thread,
In a dream world, a restaurant would have 5 choices: 2 appetizers, a salad, chicken , fish, pizza, pasta, 2 desert options, coke, water or juice. OK that was more than 5 options, but you get the idea...

Ha - I'm right there with ya. That is why I buy Honda cars :-) Searching for an sedan, you've got 3 options. Searching for a minivan, you've got 3 options. Searching for an SUV, you've got 3 options.

[Lowner]

Brian,

I'd recommend concentrating on as solid and basic a tripod as you can afford. I've actually removed the centre column from my 055PROB as I never use it and it's a possible source of shake I don't need, even though I paid for it.

The 190 and 055 do seem to suit many users budgets, mine included. But of course it is possible to spend considerably more for real quality.

I'd also caution against trying to compare suggested weight limits between different manufacturers. There is no agreed "standard" and who knows how these figures are arrived at.

[Jon]

what about the pistol grip ball heads...no one seems to recommend them?

i own the pistol grip ball head 322rc2 (i believe in the catelog) and it's a nice head, but i don't use my tripod too much. =]I own the 322RC2 and the 488RC2. The 488RC2 is the one that gets used 99% of the time. I'd only use the pistol grip instead of the ball head if I were shooting something where I needed very precise control of positioning and didn't need to reposition the head very much during the session. If you have to do a lot of adjustments with the 322RC2, better tone up for it by spending a week or so using a grip strengthener. No, I'm not kidding. The 322RC2's also more bulky and awkward in stowage.

[briancmo]

I just realized, the 055XPROB doesn't have a reversible column...correct? If not, What should I look at that HAS a reversible column. I know the 190 has it.

[tnguyen600]

By reversible, I think you mean by taking it out and flipping it the other way...if so, I have done it on the 055XProB. It's just that you gotta push the side tab in, not just the bottom button.

[briancmo]

By reversible, I think you mean by taking it out and flipping it the other way...if so, I have done it on the 055XProB. It's just that you gotta push the side tab in, not just the bottom button.

I think I could live with that :)

[Josh_30]

I've got the 055xProB+488RC2 setup and I love it. I use it for my video cam as well, and I love the fact that it goes high enough to get over everyone's head at presentations and such, while at the same time being sturdy enough to hold my 40D and associated heavy accessories. Only downside it that it's a bit heavy, so if that's a problem and you can get by with less capacity/height, the 190xProB would be a better choice.

[tnguyen600]

Here's a link that reviews the set up. He flips the column so you can see it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF38sOYWqTE

[Duncan Frenz]

I just realized, the 055XPROB doesn't have a reversible column...correct? If not, What should I look at that HAS a reversible column. I know the 190 has it.

Looks like it is reversible as well as having a horizontal orientation. I just picked up a 055XPROB and it is a fantastic tripod. I definitely see why it comes highly recommended. I tried out several brands/models ranging from Manfrotto, Gitzo, Slik, etc, but none offered the build and features at this price point.

I was also able to try various ballheads. Despite having all intentions of getting the Manfrotto 488RC2, I fell in love with a Vanguard SBH-200. The Vanguard has a fantastic build and includes a tension adjustment which is what sold me along with the ergonomics. The only downside I can forsee is finding QR plates. I knew this when I purchased it and got it regardless because I always planned on changing the RC2 over to a RRS Arca style QR anyway. I just can't justify the expense of such a system as the plates cost almost as much as my ballhead!

Anyone looking for a great ballhead with the only qualification being the additional plates, I would highly recommend checking out the Vanguard. The build, ergonomics, controls, quality, and value are superb. --->http://www.amazon.com/Vanguard-SBH-200-Mid-Size-Magnesium-Ballhead/dp/B0016CWI3I/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_4

I got it from a local shop and paid slightly more, and in fact Amazon had it for even less yesterday. Judging from the number in stock, they sold quite a few in the last 24 hours and bumped up the price a few bucks. Check it out, I absolutely love it.

**edit** I could even have added the RC2 QR to the Vanguard and still come under the price of the 488. But for the record, the lower price of the Vanguard had nothing to do with me choosing it over the 488RC2. I was prepared to pay for the 488, but I would have paid more for the Vanguard if it had been necessary.

[briancmo]

Dear people of the forum,

I purchased the 055xproB legs which I think seems great, and the 486RC head(I think thats the model). Seems great. Only complaint is I wish the head was a little stronger and smoother. I got it for $60CDN and I would have gladly paid an extra $50 for something that could hold my gear with a little more ease. I mounted my 5D, w/ grip and 24-70 and seems to hold, but I could tell it was on the heavy side for the ball.

Anywho, thanks for helping make this decision :)

[Canonism]

picked up a 055XPROB for $140 now debating on a head. possibly the 488cr2. definately too many choices. Wow. That vanguard is tempting as its only half the price of the 488rc2