Tripod advice - tilt column, I think

Let me start with what I have. I have a Mefoto globetrotter from my travel tripod. Very happy with it for that purpose and for work with a bigger lens as long as the legs aren't extended more that two sections. I also have my dad's old Slik tripod with a pan and tilt head. Fairly solid and nice and tall. I use it inside a lot, but the legs are limited by the inner supports so they don't go wide for low stuff. I'm enjoying macro photography, but am not likely to go all out, but would like the option to get the tripod out and over stuff. Hence the thinking about a tilting center column. So, can you all recommend a tripod and ballhead combination under about $500?

Thanks for any suggestions and comments.

Something like this:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Aluminum_Tripod​_Legs.html
with a decent ball head with arca swiss release.

I have the 550 ProB, it works great.

I would use the Manfrotto head and QR system

I also have a Manfrotto 055XPROB, with the center column that goes horizontal. Might have to find a used one though, unless Manfrotto has come up with a replacement. I have a Manfrotto 498RC2 on it.

That Manfrotto is one that I was considering. I suspect tripods are like camera bags. It'll take a few before you really know what fits...and you'll probably want a few around to meet all your needs.

It's not one you want to go hiking with

Dear Rusty,

There is a Benro A2970F on Amazon for $ 129.00. You should buy it before I do. There is a video comparing it to the 055XPROB on You-Tube. The Manfrotto is a fine tripod but the Benro greatly out perform it for considerably less money. If you search ebay you can find the Benro in CF with twist lock legs at sellers in Hong Kong. Many members here on POTN have bought through the Hong Kong dealers though I have not.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Thanks for the suggestion. I put it on a wish list to think about it, plus I found the carbon fiber version of it too. Somebody snagged the last aluminum overnight, was that you? Anyway, I pulled the trigger on the CF one.

Dear Rusty,

It wasn't me. I thought about for quite a while and finally decided that I would get one like it or perhaps a move travel oriented tripod like the Davis & Sanford Traverse TR654C-36 in a few weeks when the weather breaks around here. I really want something with a tilt and swivel center column and there are a few other choices including models by Davis & Sanford, Vanguard, and Giottos. Maybe something new will be introduced in the next month of so? I can wait as I really only want this tripod to use with superzoom bridge cameras and P&S models. I have a larger Benro tripod for my DSLR's. It's too much of a pain in the butt to drag it out for a 2 pound camera set up though.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

So, I got it on Friday. Finally got the ball head on it and tested today. Had some fun. I'm going to like this.

IMAGE LINK: https://woodbutcher.sm​ugmug.com …w-To/n-WmJtLt/i-kJx97B4/A

Heya,

I use that exact tripod for everything I do. Great tripod. You'll love it. Light enough to hike with. Stable enough for serious telehpotos and macro.

Very best,

Dear Rusty,

Is that the Benro C2970F? If so I think I need one! Enjoy your new toy dude!

Edited to add, I hate that you have green grass and I hope that you are soon smothered by dandelions!

Regards,

Tim Murphy

jtmiv wrote in post #17907553
Dear Rusty,

Is that the Benro C2970F? If so I think I need one! Enjoy your new toy dude!

Edited to add, I hate that you have green grass and I hope that you are soon smothered by dandelions!

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Yep, that's the one. http://www.amazon.com …oh_aui_detailpa​ge_o01_s00

And I have dandelions popping up all over. One of these years I'll remember to put a pre-emergence weed killer down in the Fall. Got warm a couple of weeks early here this year. I've been mowing at least once a month all winter. Usually I get a couple of months off.