First Tripod.

[jongrill]

Whats everyones opinion on a frist tripod? Something rugged...not flimsy.


Price does not matter. I will explore all options!



Jon.

[Lowner]

Maybe a Manfrotto 190 variant?

[crn3371]

At a minimum, the Manfrotto 190, although the 055 would be better. Using those two as a baseline you can move up from there. If weight isn't that big of an issue than metal legs are just fine, otherwise look at carbon fiber legs. A good tripod can be a one time investment that will last you a lifetime with normal use. Do it right the first time.

[ed rader]

Whats everyones opinion on a frist tripod? Something rugged...not flimsy.


Price does not matter. I will explore all options!



Jon.

if price doesn't matter get the gitzo 2541 and be done with it.

ed rader

[ed rader]

At a minimum, the Manfrotto 190, although the 055 would be better. Using those two as a baseline you can move up from there. If weight isn't that big of an issue than metal legs are just fine, otherwise look at carbon fiber legs. A good tripod can be a one time investment that will last you a lifetime with normal use. Do it right the first time.


i agree. get the 190 if weight and size and money is a concern. or if you are short :D. you can get a lot lighter and compact tripod than the 190 and most will cost you more.

here's a picture of my buddy who's 5' 10" using his 190 fully extended. make note of his posture...........

http://erader.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p296715361-4.jpg

ed rader

[Big G]

The three variables with a tripod:

1. Cheap Price
2. Light Weight
3. Strength

You can have any two but not all three. If you go cheap now, you will only spend more in the long run.

I can recommend the 190 as have others.

[tvphotog]

if price doesn't matter get the gitzo 2541 and be done with it.

ed rader

+1.

If you want a studio tripod, look at the Gitzo 3xxx series. The 1xxx series is meant for portability and travel.

Look at the Markins ballheads, the M10 for average weight equipment, the M20 for big and heavy prime lenses.

Manfrotto's are excellent as well, both Gitzo and Manfrotto are made in Italy, not the Far East.

[jongrill]

This is funny...the 190 was what I was looking at in the first place. This thing looks like it will last me a good 20 years!

Thanks for the input!

[mike_d]

if price doesn't matter get the gitzo 2541 and be done with it.

ed rader

This is what I wound up doing. Its very nice. :)

[jongrill]

here is the next question!


There are so many different Manfrotto 190 tripod and head kits...whats the best choice for a beginner that wont be using the tripod 24/7?

[bps]

jongrill,

Have you seen the thread that Ben_r wrote and is now a sticky at the top of this forum? If not, click here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=740131). Choosing a tripod is no small undertaking (it took me over a month of serious research) and his thread is an excellent resource that may answer many of the questions you may have.

Bryan

[tomd]

This is funny...the 190 was what I was looking at in the first place. This thing looks like it will last me a good 20 years!

Thanks for the input!

good choice

[JeffreyG]

I have the Manfrotto 055. It's stable and very nice, but also heavy.

You can get lighter tripods, but they cost more.

[Headshotzx]

First tripod without much of a budget constraint?

Let it be your last :) go for the best that you can afford.

[jongrill]

OK...lets say that $200 was my limit?

[RPCrowe]

Shorter Tripods...

It is often said that you can have only two of the following three attributes in a tripod: inexpensive, light or sturdy.

However, a shorter tripod will often be relatively sturdy as long as you don't extend the center column to try and gain weight.

I know that it is a pain in the neck (literally) for a relatively tall guy to use a relatively short tripod (see image of me shooting with my modified SLIK Pro 330DX tripod).

However, there is one way around that pain in the neck from bending. I now use a right angle finder with the SLIK. Since I cut my teeth on twin lens reflex cameras, I am comfortable viewing my image by looking down.

This method would not be practical if I needed to follow a fast moving subject but, I have a standard size tripod for that. I use the SLIK only as a travel and boonie stomping tripod and it works great for that since it only weighs a few ounces over two pounds with the shorter center column installed and with a Flashpoint F-1 Arca compatible ball head substituted for the heavy stock pan-tilt head.

The use of an Arca compatible head allows the use of my Really Right Stuff L Plate. The RRS L Plate keeps the center of gravity directly over the tripod head when the camera and lens (without a tripod ring) is in the vertical or portrait position. Since the camera is not required to be cantilevered over to the side, you can get away with a lighter rig. My modified SLIK has supported my 1.6x camera and 70-200mm f/4L IS lens (see image) when I was shooting on windy days on the rim of Bryce Canyon, Utah.