Tripod recommendation, please

Looking to get a good tripod and could use some help. Yes I've read the stickies and did some searches, but my head is spinning from all of the choices. Basically what I'm looking for is a solid tripod meeting the following criteria:

- Ball head
- Can safely handle at least 7 pounds of gear in any position
- Weighs less than 7 lbs
- Extends to a height of at least 65 inches
- Allows for camera to be mounted close to the ground
- Preferably under $200

I have my eye on a couple but just want to see if there is a hands-down favorite meeting this criteria.

Thanks in advance!

Spend a bit more and get this: LINK

Satisfies all your criteria and is tried and true.

Thanks for the suggestion. That Manfrotto 055XPROB w/ head looks just about perfect and was one of the 3 I had my eye on. After shipping I'm looking at a little over $300, though. I love B&H and Adorama but I think they pass all of their free shipping costs available to 90% of the rest of the country on to those of us who live in Hawaii and Alaska

Any other retailers or suggestions out there? If not I guess I'll get this one. Thanks

Amazon has those legs (055XPROB) + 498RC2 head for 282 with free shipping at the time of this post. Which isn't much more over what ben_r posted on the B&H site.

My g/f has the Manfrotto 055MF4 tripod w/ 488RC2 head. It feels 10X more sturdy then our Benro Travel Angels. Pretty nice setup!

Courtesy of my friend, Dan Bailey
5 Budget Tripods for outdoor & landscape photography

When you buy the 498CR2 head separately, does it come with the quick release plate? B&H specifically lists that QR model number as part of the kit, but on Amazon I can't tell if it's included or not.

Thanks for the link KoalaCowboy. I'll definitely take a closer look at those options as well.

j-mar wrote in post #13862648
When you buy the 498CR2 head separately, does it come with the quick release plate? B&H specifically lists that QR model number as part of the kit, but on Amazon I can't tell if it's included or not.

Thanks for the link KoalaCowboy. I'll definitely take a closer look at those options as well.

They should come exactly the same whether you buy them in the kit or separate. As long as youre buying the 498RC2 (note the RC2 on the end) you should get the quick release clamp and one quick release plate.

Nice, thank you! Ended up ordering the Manfrotto 055XPROB and 498RC2 kit you recommended. Should be on my doorstep next week. Thanks again!

Well, what can I say. 055PROB came in and I'm very impressed with the build quality and stability, but the thing is a little too heavy for me. Wishing I had got something a couple pounds lighter.

I should have clarified how I'll be using it. 50% for indoor and occasional outdoor potraits, 50% for landscapes. I have a Lowepro Slingshot 202AW bag that has a slot for a small tripod that I'd prefer to use while hiking, and with the 055PROB the weight is just not manageable with that particular bag.

Just had a birthday and got some gift certificates to Amazon so looks like I can afford something nice in the carbon fiber category. Would the Manfrotto 190 series be my best bet?

I don't really have a frame of reference for functional weight capacity. Most I plan to put on it is a 5D Mark II (eventually will get one), 70-200 F4L IS and perhaps a 580EX II or equivalent flash, no modifier. Can the 190 series handle this comfortably or should I be looking at one of the Gitzos?

I passed on the 055 for the same reason. My 190xprob (aluminum) with 488RC2 head handles my gripped 550D with 100-400 zoomed out to 400mm and a 430EXII with no concern at all (I generally do not use my speedlite with my 100-400 it was just a weight test). Does it sag some with the big lens and the center collumn fully extended, yes a tiny smidgen so I just adjust for that. The carbon version I believe is even more rigid so I see no issue with your 5D and 70-200 F4.

Here's the CF that I use. Feisol 3441T. With the column down, the view finder will be at 65".

You could consider this tripod from Amazon. The review is from a forum member: http://www.amazon.com …ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1

have a look at this ebay seller. dc stuff, I have bought both my benro tripods and ball/gimbal heads from them. great seller, and the benro product is very good.

http://stores.ebay.com …Store?_trksid=p​4340.l2563

Don't forget that for maximum stability (and that's what you want a tripod for), you should keep the center column down. Othewise, you have a sophisticated monopod. Look for one that will get your viewfinder to 65", unless you don't mind stooping all the time, or kneeling.