Tripod Kit options for a dummy

Ok, I know jack squat about tripods folks, for the last 3 years I have been using a flimsy aluminum Sony tripod that was intended for a small Handycam, that has a cheap plastic head. I can't believe I have mounted thousands of dollars in equipment atop this flimsy piece of crap for so long, I'm long overdue for a decent tripod.


The cameras I will be using a 5D2 and occasionally a 1D2, with the largest lens being a 70-200 2.8 (Non IS). I suspect that my flash will be on there every once in a while as well.

I know there are a few threads on the subject, but I would REALLY appreciate some help here from folks with actual hands-on experience from the particular tripod model(s) they recommend. I would just like to get the tripod and head all in a "Kit" and not have to fool with ordering separate pieces, but I'm open to all suggestions.

Man of few words, "Look here". I've got one, only I added the spiked foot option another $32.00. as Tony the Tiger says GREAAAAAAAAAAAAT.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ROB_Tripod_Kit_​Black.html

There are 4 manfotto reviews here
www.cameralabs.com/rev​iews/Manfrotto_190XPRO​B_tripod/
read the reviews , and watch the video , basically centre column up you have a mono pod for stability wise , so look at the heights without the c/c up and see what you can live with the height . I was in the same boat was set on the 055cx then thought about travel
and going to order a benro travel angle carbon fiber because of the fold length . so check out the fold length/weight too .

p.s could not bring my self to order a $600 tripod ( travel tripod ) that cost $100 to make and id wager real world if the q/c them I could not tell the difference .
happy shopping

If you are are into sports maybe you should look Into a monopod?

Fricks wrote in post #13081002
If you are are into sports maybe you should look Into a monopod?

Not doing as much sports these days. When I did, I never used a mono-pod.

For something that is cheap but yet strong and durable with a great name behinds it's product is Manfrotto. Well it isn't cheap but doesn't cost upwards of $6000 for a good tripod unless you get into the carbon fiber ones.

Manfrotto 055xProb is a popular tripod leg and a poplar head if you like ball heads is the 498RC2. Those paired up make a great tripod for a tight budget.

10megapixel wrote in post #13081332
Not doing as much sports these days. When I did, I never used a mono-pod.

Well what are you planning to use it for? If you are doing alot of traviling you will want a carbon fiber gitzo 2 series or a feisol.if you plan to keep it in 1 spot then really anything will work. also what is your price range?

1 thing I have learned is not to buy cheap on tripods... Or don't buy off brand names stick to the main brands(gitzo, feisol, manfroto, gittios, ect)

Also keep in mind that a ball head is also a must! Possibly even more important then the tripod

if you do any macro, the Giottos MT or MTL 8300 and 9300 series might interest you. http://www.giottos.com​/

If you have more money budgeted, the Gitzo Explorer series has a similar multi positional center column.... or so their site seems to indicate.
http://www.gitzo.us ….71837.72040.0.​0/explorer

I only have a G12 so I'm useless when it comes to head recommendations.

Kim

Fricks wrote in post #13081811
Well what are you planning to use it for? If you are doing alot of traviling you will want a carbon fiber gitzo 2 series or a feisol.if you plan to keep it in 1 spot then really anything will work. also what is your price range?

1 thing I have learned is not to buy cheap on tripods... Or don't buy off brand names stick to the main brands(gitzo, feisol, manfroto, gittios, ect)

Also keep in mind that a ball head is also a must! Possibly even more important then the tripod

Landscape photography, and in my homemade "Studio" for portrait work. Light use really, nothing treacherous and I'm trying to keep it under $300 bucks.

10megapixel wrote in post #13082114
Landscape photography, and in my homemade "Studio" for portrait work. Light use really, nothing treacherous and I'm trying to keep it under $300 bucks.

ok then i would go for something like a manfroto 055xprob http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Aluminum_Tripod​_Legs.html and something like this ball head http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …98RC4_Midi_Ball​_Head.html
that will be around 375

Fricks wrote in post #13082144
ok then i would go for something like a manfroto 055xprob http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Aluminum_Tripod​_Legs.html and something like this ball head http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …98RC4_Midi_Ball​_Head.html
that will be around 375

They sell that in a kit for $253.43 with a $35 mail in rebate

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …XB_Tripod_Legs_​Black.html

10megapixel wrote in post #13082192
They sell that in a kit for $253.43 with a $35 mail in rebate

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …XB_Tripod_Legs_​Black.html

oh perfect! that will be a nice kit

Received the Manfrotto kit today, It's very well made

Thanks everyone.

or be baller and go with Markins Ballheads!

I had the 498 an 055xprob combo in mind, then was steared and sold on the markins.

i feared the manfrotto head would droop or not lock correctly especially hving te QR be loose. not an issue with the Markins! being on a budget, i fit it in somehow...

10megapixel wrote in post #13107583
Received the Manfrotto kit today, It's very well made

Thanks everyone.

Congrats; that's a good starting kit, get and extra plate and a lens holder for the 70-200. It's better to support the lens on the tripod vs the camera when the 70-200 is attached as there is just too much stress at the mount of the camera fyi.