Which tripod/monopod company is better?

1. Bogen/Manfrotto
2. Gitzo
3. Silk
4. Giottos
5. Velbon

I have always wondered which company would be the best, as far as build, stability, weight, etc. I know that they are many different levels of tripods/monopods, from classic, to carbon fibre. But what are reasons one would considered another brand? is it simply price (I don't know )?

Just wanted to see what peoples opinions were .

Koaster

Gitzo and then manfrotto would be my two top choices.

Gitzo is better as far as finish, precision and small details go and it's more expensive. Also, they seem to market to a slightly different niche of photographers who would want a more "sophisticated" tripod.

Manfrotto on the other hand is an average workhorse which would work nicely on a movie-set for years and never wear out.

I don't think anybody can give you an answer supported by fact because each of the companies listed produce so many different types of product, each geared to different markets.

One manufacturer's model compared to a similar model by another manufacturer would be fair comparison, but trying to compare company vs company is not possible with any real meaning in the comparison.

As Skip said, you really have to compare tripod to tripod. Manfrotto, Gitzo, and Giottos make a lot of comparable models. If money's no concern then Gitzo would probably win - probably, not certainly.

I would take a look at the features you want and need, pick a budget, and then compare the tripods that fit from the individual companies. You might find a feature that only Gitzo has - their Explorer model with the highly maneuvarable center column comes to mind, but I think Manfrotto makes one similar, and if you like that feature then you'd also have to consider Benbo. Just an example of one feature.

Thanks for your replies guys.

I know what you are saying when it really comes down to is to compare each model, I just wondered if they are any major differences in each company, like does one company use a specific material, or have a function that no other company has. Just like comparing Canon CMOS sensors vs Nikon CCD sensors, both are great no doubt.

I just never could find any info on tripods so I just though I would ask a community that has vast amounts of knowledge when it comes to photography .

I personally have a Manfrotto, and a Velbon. I am thinking of getting a monopod in the near future so just thought with the combined research that I am doing with people's opinions it would make my decision easier. Thanks again.

Koaster

I am partial to Bogen/Manfrotto for tripods, monopods, and heads for both. It's just because I latched on to some extremely good stuff by them a few years ago and have always had good results with the additional items I have been buying from them.

For a relatively inexpensive but quite versatile monopod, I use the Bogen/Manfrotto 680B with a Bogen/Manfrotto 486RC2 ballhead on top. Quite a few others in the forum seem to like the same combination.

Sounds like a good combo, I will definitely take a look at that model. Thanks Skip

Koaster

This might be an eaiser search for you if there were some particular feature you were looking for. People here might know of tripods with that feature and why one company's version is better than another. Or is there something that you like or hate about the tripods you have now? Again, it might help us narrow down or pinpoint to a tripod or three. But there are simply hundreds of tripods, and so many are well made...

Well for the monopod, I actually took a look at the Giottos P-Pod that Dante had opened a thread pryer to mine. From there I thought that the P-Pod was a great design (with the hidden legs). Basically I am looking for one that will support my gear, its not much but I plan on getting the 70-200 IS. So I am trying to keep that in mind, so for the Manfrotto 160 it is a good comprimise between price and functionality. I personally would like to get a P-Pod from Giottos but the price is holding me back .

Koaster

Look at the new kid on the block www.feisol.com A lot of members have purchased including me . I like mine it's small 17" and light fits in suit case.
Ricko

I'm a fan of Bogen/Manfrotto. Reasonable price, decent quality and the big thing for me is the way the leg sections "SNAP" to lock. I don't care for the twist collar things.

Nobody beats Gitzo for stability, durability and sheer quality, except maybe Linhof or some of the outrageously expensive cine tripods. I have a couple that are over 20 years old and still as sturdy and precise as the day I bought them.

so is it more worth it to invest in a better than average monopod and not have to worry about purchasing another one? or any monopod would do (as long as it supports the weight)?

Koaster

I'm a firm believer in never buying junk - for photographic equipment, tools, or whatever. Whenever I have purchased the cheap alternative, I have wound up sorry at one time or another. Get the best you can afford, as long as it meets the requirements for how you want to use it. You'll be happier with your purchase.