Manfrotto Advice Pls!

Hey All,
I'm in the market for a new tripod and ball head (?) and I am not sure what to get! I don't particularly care what it costs but it should be under 500$.

I shoot currently with a Canon 7d. So far, my biggest / heaviest lens is the 70-200 IS L USM. I have other lenses as well that are light (eg: the nifty fifty, a crappy kit 18-55, and a 55-250). I also have a 430 ex ii external flash that is usually on the camera.

I tend to shoot wildlife and people fairly regularly. Both indoors and out. I am a camper, and I do a good amount of hiking in the warmer months. I'm about 5'5 and I don't mind carrying a little weight.

I want something very sturdy, and which will support the weight of the current set up as well as whatever I may end up with in future (eg: a full frame body, and or a larger lens (eg: perhaps a 400 one day?).

I did buy 190XPROB Pro Aluminum Tripod Legs yesterday, and have read decent reviews on it... but I did read one that suggests the center column has issues that are well known to the camera store as they keep spare parts on hand for it as it wears out often. I also read its good for an enthusiast - I'm slightly more than an enthusiast.

What do you guys recommend??? Should I send it back for something better??? Pls help.

For your current and future needs, I'd definitely return the 190XPROB and consider other tripods made by Feisol, Induro, Gitzo, etc. When considering the models, you should look at the maximum load, weight, maximum height with and without the center column, folded length, etc. With your height you have a greater choices. You need to then consider the type of head to go with it. For the max budget of $500 for both the legs and the head, I'd give Feisol a serious look.

I would also say the 190 or Gitzo, look into getting a carbon fiber tripod if it meets your weight carry requirements.... After walking around with mine for a while it becomes a pain to deal with and less weight would help a huge amount.

Manfrotto is good stuff, but the 190 is a little lightweight for a 7D with a 70-200 mounted. It's more Rebel weight. Quality tripods are forever outlasting great glass. Buy the best you can afford and you won't be buying another one in 5 years. I love my Horusbennu C-3540v legs and FX-45Q ballhead. Something about carbon fiber is rock stable no wiggle.
There are many posts in this forum on tripods. Someone asks your same question every day so if you search you'll find lots of posts with lots of favorite combinations of legs and heads.

The 190 is just too lightweight. If you want to stick with Manfrotto, get the 055PROb legs. I have two of them and a very stable but pretty heavy wooden tripod (mohogony with a paduk mounting plate). I have never used CF but I'm told it falls between wood and aluminum for stability and it is lighter but costs more. Wood is much more stable than aluminum.

The concern with a tripod is more stability (vibration dampening) than actual weight holding ability. Anything less than the Manfrotto 055PRO will wiggle far too much and too long. Several good brands have been suggested above. Pick one you like and are willing to pay for.

The tripod should extend to whatever height you need without the use of a center column. Outdoors it can be useful to have legs that are independently adjustable. You may need to stick one leg in the side of a mountain while standing on a ledge. Braces on the legs and should be reserved for studio tripods. You will need to consider whether you want rubber, spiked, or convertible feet. You may want to consider if you want twist or lever locks on the legs. That can influence your decision.

Center columns can be useful but must be used with care. Tripods are used for two reasons: stable support for long exposures or to lock down framing. If you just want to lock down framing (more often in a studio), the center column is not a concern, especially with flash. But if you are using long exposures, avoid using center columns if possible. They vibrate even when the legs don't.

Feisol CT3441S or CT3441T (depending on your height) for the legs. Very light, large load capacity and travel size. These would leave you around ~$120 for a ball head

Such great advice thanks everyone! This should not be such a hard decision!

pdrober2 wrote in post #15642882
Feisol CT3441S or CT3441T (depending on your height) for the legs. Very light, large load capacity and travel size. These would leave you around ~$120 for a ball head

Might as well throw into the mix CT-3442...

I've had great results with the 055 series from Manfrotto; I'm currently using the carbon fiber, 4 section model along with a Markins Q-20 ball head and it's more than enough to handle the 7D and 100 - 400 or 70 - 200 MkII.

I used a Manfrotto, mine was the 055Prob. I was pretty happy with it until I need a part (a screw/nut combo had come off). It was a 4 week nightmare to get a screw out of them.

Well i went back and exchanged it for the 055xProb. So good. I like that it is heavy and sturdy! I will look at a Gitzo in the summer for hiking if I find this is too cumbersome. Thanks all.