Lightweight tripod

What are some suggestions as far as a lightweight tripod and or monopod .... I have a 60D with a 70 200 f4 lens ... just want to have a more steady base for taking pictures ...

any suggestions? i am just getting into this so I wouldnt know a good tripod from a bad one ...

Budget wise .. I dont mind spending the money if I am going to get a good value meaning I only buy it once ... I dont want to buy 2 or 3 before I find one i like or suits my needs!

What are some things I look for in a tripod?

Steve

Many of us here have had long, scenic tripod journeys. If you use the search feature here, you'll see lots of stories posted. Many of us end up with stuff from RRS (Really Right Stuff), Gitzo, Kirk and Markins.

Lightweight, stable and expensive is possible.... Gitzo legs with a Markins head is a very popular combination among POTN-ers. I chose an RRS combo that is beautiful, stable, middle weight and a pleasure to use.

Take a look at the Benro carbon fiber tripods. I adore mine. Great value for the money.

Phoenixkh wrote in post #15929560
Many of us end up with stuff from RRS (Really Right Stuff), Gitzo, Kirk and Markins.

I would also add Feisol tripods and PhotoCam ballheads to this list. Seemed to be popular and what I went with along with a RRS lever clamp. Not cheap, but cheaper than Gizo+markins setup, pretty darn light, certainly stable enough for me and a pleasure to use. If you don't need the height you can definitely go for lighter. For really lightweight options I think you will be looking at Feisol or Gitzo, that's what it came down to for me.

I'd go through the sticky in the accessories section, lots of info. Buying my second tripod (after having a 'cheap' one for several years that was pretty decent) was the most research I have done into any camera gear.

A lot depends on personal preference. How sturdy does it really need to be, can you live with something that doesn't go to 6ft etc.. How smooth does the ballhead need to be are you concerned about +/- 1/2lb etc...

You mention both a monopod and a tripod.

I shoot with a monopod quite a bit just because I find it comfortable to carry like that.
You can get a nice monopod for $100 or less. They are light and give you more stability than hand holding.

Or do you want to be able to let go of the camera and do a timed shutter release for really stable shooting?
In that case, you'll obviously need a tripod and I would suggest going with what close friends are using so you can try it out before you buy it.

Im still debating what Tripod to get as I dont think I will use it much so its hard to justify $500 on a setup, but I also only want to buy it once. I feel your pain.