Cheap, heavy tripod recommedations?

equach206 wrote in post #12424528
I have a 700DX and it's amazing! It's solid and sturdy; definitely feels like it can support more than the rated 15lbs.

Another vote for the Slik Pro 700DX. It weighs 7 pounds and costs $140 for legs with a 3 way pan head (the head is part of what makes it so heavy). I use a Benro Travel Angel when I do lots of walking, but I always have the Slik for super long exposures or high wind.

I've got a used Bogen 3040 on the way and ordered a single Induro AT413 Alloy 8M from Adorama. I may pick up another 3021 locally. That should do for awhile. Thanks for the input!

-K

kurt765 wrote in post #12431578
I've got a used Bogen 3040 on the way and ordered a single Induro AT413 Alloy 8M from Adorama. I may pick up another 3021 locally. That should do for awhile. Thanks for the input!

-K

Let us know what you think.

Referring to that pic of 5 tripods I posted above... I purchased that Bogen 3040 in 1981 or so and got the "Big Bogen", a 3035, (the tall one on the far left) in 1987. Both have been great tripods over the years - especially that 3040.

After years of hauling those heavy Bogens around, I decided to try something lighter and more portable.

The three black ones on the right in that pic are Dolicas and I'm trying them out. I haven't really used them in "anger" yet, but they seem like they'll do the job. That little Dolica (2nd from right) is that $40 aluminum model and isn't suitable for SLRs, so it will be used for my point-and-shoot cameras.

While I had all those tripods assembled for the group photo, I tried a little test. I placed my hand on top of each one and gave a "wiggle" to see how much the legs flexed. Four of them flexed a little - but not that 3040. It didn't budge a bit.

kurt765 wrote in post #12421191
I'll check with Adorama, though I'm annoyed that they can't be bothered to list whether items are in stock or not. Since everyone else seems to be out of those Induros, it doesn't seem likely that they have them. I dont' want to pay tons for shipping, hence Amazon where I have free 2 day shipping.

Most of those Slik tripods seem small, except for their heavy metal ones which are not cheaper than the Induro, which makes the Induro the front-runner assuming I can find them.

-K

Description for the 700DX
Designed for the professional photographer that will not compromise. Where durability and steadfastness overshadow other concerns, THE PROFESSIONAL is a workhorse camera support with ultra heavy-duty construction. Use it with large format cameras (4x5, 8x10), medium format, or digital SLRs and 35 mm cameras with long heavy telephoto lenses. Photographers that don't travel light will find the heavy metal construction of this tripod more than adequate.

With professional features like worm gear elevation of the center column, all metal leg and joint construction, and the ability to hold more than 20 pounds of properly balanced equipment, this tripod will give years of unyielding service. With a height of 78.75 inches (that's 6 foot 6 inches off the ground!) it can handle just about any shooting situation where absolute stability is required.

The legs are made of a titanium alloy, if you don't want metal you can always get plastic, but it's usually light....

This is one heavy SOB, and is genuinely awesome if you don't care about heavy.

Are you sure that's the description of the 700DX? Slik makes a tripod called THE PROFESSIONAL which is quite a bit larger, heavier and more expensive than the 700DX

kurt765 wrote in post #12432688
Are you sure that's the description of the 700DX? Slik makes a tripod called THE PROFESSIONAL which is quite a bit larger, heavier and more expensive than the 700DX

+1

The Slik 700DX is only rated for 15lbs and does not extend to 78.75 inches. (6 foot 6 inches)

I just checked, you're right my bad, I linked the pro version, less wine before quoting next time 15lbs is the correct weight.
Legs alone raise it to my working eye level at about 5' 10", then you are in the hands of the centre column, it's still a heavy solid tripod, made from titanium alloy that does exactly what the OP was after

The Induro AT413 Alloy 8M arrived today. I think this thing will fit the bill of NOT MOVING, heh. It's pretty massive and I think it will do nicely. The 3040 won't be here for awhile yet, though I'm suspecting it will fit the bill as well.

Check out the Benbo No 2.. Probably one of the toughest, strongest tripods out there. Possibly a little over your budget but worth it in the long run.

I've had mine since the late 1980s when I was shooting large and medium formats.

I use one of these: http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1306467​235&sr=8-1

cheap ($50 shipped), relatively light (10lbs), and as sturdy as they come. Should I chose, I could use it as a chair which means absolutely no camera shake with any of my 35mm, medium format or large format cameras.

stevewf1 wrote in post #12424860
The Bogen 3040 (second from left here) is a darn steady tripod.

If you can find one...

Steve, do you have a day job as three papparazzi and two videographers, or as two papparazzi and three videographers ?

I recently purchased a SLIK PRO 700DX Professional Tripod with Panhead (615-315) from Amazon and while I'm not a professional, it is a huge step up from the lighter weight Pro Master traveling tripod I own. The Slik IS heavy... but in a nice, comfortable, the-wind-wont-bother it.. kind of way.

Wilt wrote in post #12493734
Steve, do you have a day job as three papparazzi and two videographers, or as two papparazzi and three videographers ?

I just ate lunch yesterday at the same place Arnold Schwartzenegger was eating. I can assure you, the hoard of paparazzi vultures on the sidewalk outside weren't using tripods.

In other news the Bogen 3040 arrived. I think it will work well enough for my purposes.

-K

The 700 dx has that bundle with the pan tilt head. I presume that is detachable?

-K

yes, you can remove the pan head from the 700DX