About to order a tripod

[studlymonkey]

I am finally about to order my first tripod. I really like to shoot landscape shots and wildlife shots. The tripod I am really interested in is the Manfrotto 055xprob with a manfrotto 488rc2. I am trying not to spend much more than $300. Are there any other tripods you guys would recommend? I do a lot of backpacking and hiking, so the weight of the 055xprob might be a little taxing, but I am used to carrying a big pack, so I could easily get use to it. For a camera I have a canon 30d and for lenses I have a 70-200 f4, 17-55 kit lens and going to order a tokina 12-24 f4. Would this tripod and ballhead be able to hand the 70-200 without the tripod ring? Thanks!

[brucea]

that is a popular tripod/ball head combo. carbon fiber tripods cost a lot more, but in my mind the weight savings is negligible.

[ccookdo]

I just got back from a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. The thing I noticed was if the tripod is heavy, I do not take it along. I recently got a very light (2.5 pounds) carbon fiber tripod. It was easy to use. So check the weight. The combo you mentioned is not too heavy, but watch the total weight. And get a bag to carry it in.

[SuzyView]

I have 2 tripod set ups and I like the 488rc very much, and it's not big either. I have the 190XB legs and they are fine for me. The combo holds up a lot of weight and in my Bazooka bag, it's very portable.

[RPCrowe]

The Manfrotto proprietary RC-2 quick release system is O.K. if you are shooting in the landscape position but, is pretty bad when you want to shoot in the portrait position.

In order to place a non-tripod ring equipped camera/lens into the vertical position, you have to hang it cantilevered over to the side.

This results in several problems including the setup being totally off balance. Additionally, the camera has a tendency to twist on the tripod screw when using a heavy lens. You need to completely re-frame your shot when switching from horizontal to vertical and the setup cannot be used for pano strings with the camera in the vertical position.

The answer to these problems is an Arca compatible ball head and an RRS L-plate.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/05.html

However if you are stuck with a 488 type head with an RC-2 quick release and want to improve your ability to shoot vertical compositions, there are three ways to do it. I am listing these in order of decreasing cost but, also decreasing capability.

1. Get a KIRK ARCA compatible Q.R. clamp which can be used on a Manfrotto RC-2 or use a KIRK Q.R. clamp which you can substitute for the RC-2 clamp on a 488 type head. You will then be able to use any type ARCA compatible plate on your 488 type head. Both types are shown on this web site:
http://www.kirkphoto.com/QR_Specialty.html

2. Get a Manfrotto Junior Elbow Bracket. This is not quite as sophisticated as the ARCA compatible Q.R. with RRS L-plate but, it will give you many of the advantages and alleviate many of the problems of the RC-2 system plates.
http://www.adorama.com/BG341.html?searchinfo=manfrotto%20L%20plate&item_no=40

3. Use a Manfrotto RC-2 Rapid Connect Architectural Plate. This plate will solve only one of the problems mentioned above: the plate will prevent a non-tripod ring equipped lens from turning on the tripod screw.
http://www.adorama.com/BG341.html?searchinfo=manfrotto%20L%20plate&item_no=40

[unevendistortion]

as a note for backpacking trip.

altough you mentioned that you're used to carrying big backpacks you have to remember that the 055xprob will be another weight -on top- of what you're already used to carrying. 3 kgs is quite a big deal after a while on the hike.

i'd recommend one of those benro travel angel series, there's some reviews on the products on this site. the tripod should do just fine with the setup you mentioned, and you need to also take into account what kind of use for the tripod.
- landscape with wide angle, with long exposure (wide angle generally less sensitive to movements)
- tripod for long lenses will normally be used just to stabilize movement anyway (not for long exposure)

just beware to take into account the whole package with tripod weight which will include the plates, tripod ring for your 70-200 (if you decide to use one) and head.

i had 055xprob for years now and had -tried to- walk on extended trip with it, it will become a burden after a while.

[PLLphotography]

I just ordered a Benro Travel Angel, and it *should* get here tomorrow....at least I hope since I'm leaving on a plane the day after :lol:

this will be my first travel tripod (got a huge cheapy one at home).

I can't seem to find much info about the one I purchased though. I bought it off Amazon.

Benro Travel Angel TRA168

http://www.amazon.com/Benro-TRA168-Magnesium-Aluminium-Section-Supports/dp/B001VEIZY2

anyone have any experience with this particular model?