Easy Tripod/Ballhead Combo

Good evening POTN,

Its been way too long since Ive been in the hobby, and my last go around with the T3i years back I had a Manfrotto tripod, with the Vangaurd 250 Ballhead...

It seemed bulky, but did the job... The bubble levels were a nice feature.


I am just looking for something simple, inexpensive, yet not too flimsy to hold up a D7100 with a 105mm Micro lens in front of an aquarium...


Would this suffice, or would it be top heavy; I'm open to suggestions.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …00_SBH_100_Ball​_Head.html

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

this is just a little over your budget, but is carbon fibre and more than strong enough for what you are looking for, it is also much smaller folded up.
http://www.ebay.com …ipods&hash=item​4846934c81

and for a little bit more than that you can get this one which a fair ammount beefier than the 1681, but doesn't have the monopod option (there is a 2 series with the mono pod but it is another 20 bucks more than this one. and a little heavier.

http://www.ebay.com …ipods&hash=item​484693a2c6

If that is just to stay at home or on location, then no need to spend more for CF legs. The Manfrotto will do you just fine. I have no idea how that head is though.

I just suggested it because it is not much more than what he had linked and it might just get taken a few places if it is small enough.

Legs are the easy part, what about the Ballhead? Any other suggestions or feedback?

Got one of these at Costco. Fairly light, tall enough, sturdy, twist locks work fine. Easier to hike with than my Manfrotto 055XPROB, that's for sure! Holds my 5DIII + 70-200 f/4L without a problem. Not bad for $90, and it sometimes goes on sale for $80. Obviously not Gitzo quality, but darn good bang for the buck.

Link

LV Moose wrote in post #17005037
Got one of these at Costco. Fairly light, tall enough, sturdy, twist locks work fine. Easier to hike with than my Manfrotto 055XPROB, that's for sure! Holds my 5DIII + 70-200 f/4L without a problem. Not bad for $90, and it sometimes goes on sale for $80. Obviously not Gitzo quality, but darn good bang for the buck.

Link

Which one??

SouthFlorida_Tron wrote in post #17005147
Which one??

The one in the link. "Dolica Proline 60" Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head Bundle"
Link

Thats affordable. And you recommend it? Don't need studio grade stuff here... just for mounting the camera in front of an aquarium without any wobbling, maybe seldom outdoor use...

SouthFlorida_Tron wrote in post #17005263
Thats affordable. And you recommend it? Don't need studio grade stuff here... just for mounting the camera in front of an aquarium without any wobbling, maybe seldom outdoor use...

If you're going to just use it indoors, and not take it on any outings, the Manfrotto might be more stable if you don't mind the bulk, and it's taller. I love mine (with a 498RC2 ballhead). But when I need a tripod to throw in the car for camping or a drive through a state park or something, I'm more inclined to reach for the Dolica. Thus far, I haven't found any drawbacks to it. Everything works as it should, including the ballhead.

But do you find it sturdy, and solid?

or any flimsiness to it? I can order it from amazon prime for $109 shipped second day air.

SouthFlorida_Tron wrote in post #17005337
But do you find it sturdy, and solid?

or any flimsiness to it? I can order it from amazon prime for $109 shipped second day air.

My first outing with it was at the top of a dirt mound with loose rocks, in 30 mph gusts, and fairly slow shutter speeds since I was taking night shots of the Vegas valley. 5DIII with my 70-200 on it. I found it sturdy enough for that. It's not quite the "anchor" that large Manfrotta aluminum legs at twice the weight would be, but I trust it. I don't find it flimsy.