Recommended Tripod / Height

Hello,
i would like to ask you more experienced guys about recommended tripod height. Unfortunately i´am 6'3/190cm and I have serious issues finding right tripod for me. Little unusual question ... What tripod are you using happily and how tall are you?

As much as i invested time to learn about camera gear, I´am absolutely lost in tripod department:/

Thank you!

as tall as you can handle.

generally, your height minus up to 15 inches is ok for minimum height. Reason for so much leeway is so you account for height of ballhead + height of camera + a little over so you can see the top lcd display/controls.

of course, if you can get a taller tripod, that's even better. Sometimes on hilly terrain, you need that extra length.

now when you speak height, you've got to consider how low can it go as well..... tripods without center columns, can go lower. Best to avoid the center column when possible.

I'm 5'7 and I use a manfrotto 190. As long as the head is at eye level without the centre column extended you GTG.

so avoid tripods with center column, got it, i like low angle shots, so min. height is very important to me.

Thank you, guys for helpful tips!

the feisol 3442 (4 section) and 3342 (3 section) get relatively tall without a center column, not even close to your eye level lol, but the optional center column they offer can be used at times when you need the height. those are travel tripod's and are about the tallest ones I could find.

FerozeK wrote in post #17582089
I'm 5'7 and I use a manfrotto 190. As long as the head is at eye level without the centre column extended you GTG.

The preceding statement assumes that eye level is always the best point of view for every shot...(not). Where one's eye is positioned ought to be where the composition is strongest.

Charlie summarized it best.

I'm also 6'3 and I use a Gitzo GT3542XLS with a manfrotto 410 geared head. This is a wonderful tripod (carbon fibre) and more than big enough for me. In fact it would suit someone at 7'0 tall.

PCousins wrote in post #17582765
I'm also 6'3 and I use a Gitzo GT3542XLS with a manfrotto 410 geared head. This is a wonderful tripod (carbon fibre) and more than big enough for me. In fact it would suit someone at 7'0 tall.

Not quite 7 footers - but I agree with you. It is a fine tripod and will happily support silly lenses. I have it's (shorter) brother the GT3530LS and that works perfectly for Leprechauns to 6 and a bit footers. It is also more than adequate for any current Canon?Nikon lens - mine is used with my Canon 800 F5.63 L IS as well as shorter lenses close to the ground for landscapes & macro.
You can't go wrong with any of this series - it's just a matter of finding the optimum model for one's personal requirements.

What you're shooting also figures in.

Generally, I'd want to be able to hit the subject's eye height or a little above when shooting people.

But it's also true that way too much is shot at the most convenient height for the photographer. Some subjects are begging to be shot at high angle or low angle.

I'm 5'9" and most often use a Manfrotto 190-series. With ballhead (and a little column) it gets to my eye height quite easily. I don't mind using the column for additional height - but I know I'd feel differently if I were shooting a super-telephoto. With its articulating column it gets as low as you want. If I need a truly high angle, the old Manfrotto beast that goes over 9' comes out, along with the stepladder.

It's often repeated that columns are less stable, and should therefore be avoided. It's true that most are a little less stable than a higher tripod, but unless you're shooting over 200 or 300mm, a good tripod with column does fine. I'm well prepared for others to call my view wrong-headed, but I do think that these commonly held truths should be dusted off occasionally, and see how it fits for you and your shooting!

So... what do you shoot? And do you or will you plan to own a lens over 200mm?

I've mostly shot Gitzo & Manfrotto, but the Feisols look like an excellent value.

Back in the day i bought amvona tripod and mono carbon fibre I'm 6-6in dam mono eyeballs me and so does the tripod love them
Hoof

Get the tallest tripod you can, unless you want a back problem from hunching over (or are using a waist level finder).

I'm about 5'8". I use a Manfrotto 055 PROB with a rather large Sirui ball head. At full extension I have to stretch up just a bit to use the viewfinder.
a word about center columns. The usual warning about them only applies when using the tripod at slow shutter speeds. Even then, if the column is not fully extended, it may not effect quality. If you do extend the center column, realized the camera is not as steady so use a remote release and lock the shutter up.

Center columns have other uses. If framing is critical, a tripod imposes framing discipline that hand holding won't. It is also useful when you need to pre-focus. I often shoot large (100 or more people) groups - usually with studio type flash. This involves both pre-framing and pre-focusing. In order to get the camera up as high as possible so no one's face is blocked, I extend the center column as far as possible and stand on a chair or step stool. I am never concerned with camera movement because of the flash.

Center columns are also good for small adjustments and, depending on construction, may permit getting the camera quite low or in an unusual position.

As long as the camera is stable with the center column down, I would advise buying the model with center column if one is available. Just don't get a geared type (as opposed to a geared head wihich is a great idea for some uses) because they are always weak and won't be stable. I don't believe I would want a fluid type either.

I'm 6'2" and have a Manfrotto 190xprob and its too short even with the center column extended and the RRS ballhead.

I have a Induro at 413 tripod , I love it, I am 6,2 .
I also have a manfrotto tripod and IMO the Induro is 100 times sturdier .

Thank you, guys!

I certainly try these Feisol and Induro tripods, gitzos are great, but little bit over my budget
I was thinking about Manfrotto 055CX3, maximum height is 177 cm + head and camera.

What about Velbond or Vanguard? have anyone tested their latest tripods?