tripod help

[biggin]

anyone used this tripod or one of the simular models and if so what do you think of it? Could it hold a 20d with flash mounted on a flash bracket? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30094&item=7522106644&tc=photo

[lostdoggy]

I never use this tripod before, but speec wise it should be able to hold a 20D w/flash and bracket. Since you didn't mention what lens you planning to use w/ this set up I can only assume that you will using a lens weighting less then 3lb.

Did you consider one of the Bogen Legs???

[DocFrankenstein]

Seems OK from looking at the pictures. As for stability, you'll never know how it compares to gitzo/manfrotto unless you field test both of them.

[biggin]

what bogen or gitzo legs would be a good choice in the $100 dollar range. I don't care if it is light weight ,I would rather have it heavy and sturdy. The tripods I have been using cannot take the weight of my 20d, flash and flash bracket with a 28-75 tamron lens. It bounces up and down real bad. Also what about a head to fit my needs (ball type), any suggestions? Has anyone had any luck with the ball heads that have a gun like handle that you squeeze to move the camera into position? There are no photography stores in my home town to test any equiptment, I have to buy my stuff by reccomendations from this forum.please help with my situation! Model numbers would be real helpful!!!

[lostdoggy]

Bogen 3001, 3011, and 3021 w/ your choice of heads.
Here is some samples:
http://www.adorama.com/BG3005N.html
http://www.adorama.com/BG3000N.html

The Bogen Rapid Grip 3265 RC2 ($85-$100) is nice and I have used it on my Monopod. The action is simple just One Trigger and the Ball head will move to almost any position. The drawback is its weight and weight limitation. It weights 1.8lb and it can support only 5.6lb. I also have the Bogen 390 RC2 ($46) Tilt and Pan head, weights 1.6lb and supports 11lb. It has 3 controls that are smooth and simple to use. My only grip with it is the long handle.
http://www.adorama.com/BG390RC2.html
http://www.adorama.com/BG3265.html

I also bought and returned the Bogen Mini Ball RC2. Single control not good for panning.
http://www.adorama.com/BG484RC2.html

[DocFrankenstein]

I don't care if it is light weight ,I would rather have it heavy and sturdy.
www.bythom.com/support - this guy has it right... approximately. I think bogen pistol grip will not be stable with flash brackets if the camera's center of gravity isn't directly over it. (which is never the case)

For something with a flash bracket and flash, you'll need a very sturdy tripod. I'd suggest something withough the center column. And consider markins or RRS or Arca B1 ballheads.

[Eric DeCastro]

I didn't care if it was light weight either, but after I bought my bogen for >$100 I would walk around with it and want to leave it and come back for it later it was so heavy. suddenly the 300 something carbon fiber ones didn't seem so expensive.