Tripod Advice - indoor macro + studio photography (overwhelmed with choices)

First off, I've searched through threads in this forum for other people asking for similar advice. And based on what I've read so far, it seems that the suggestion right for me would be a Sirui 2204X and K-30x ball head. The issue is that I'm not really sure why these would be right for me, aside from seeing them come up the most often in advice to other posters.

I've got a 70D with a grip, and 100mm macro/canon24-105L as the biggest/heaviest lenses.

Primary use case will be doing indoor product shots and macro shots (stationary objects).

It seems that the K-30x is recommended because of the weight of the camera/grip/lens. However I'm less sure about the 2204x. There's also a non-x model (the 2204) which is slightly more expensive on various retailers - but I couldn't find any info on 2204 vs 2204x. Also read some people comparing "spike" vs "non-spike" version of the tripods, but not sure what model that is.

The 2204x is $310, and the k-30x is around $135. That's just under $500 for both - if there's a better option within the same or smaller price range for me needs, I'd love to know more about recommended options.

I will NOT be bringing it on mountain hikes or into marshes or anything. The most "outdoors" I think it would ever get used, would be on slightly uneven grass/gravel to get landscape shots or the occasional outdoor portrait. Point being, the weight and ability to setup on uneven terrain are not major concerns.

p.s. the last tripod I had was a ~$60 aluminum knockoff that looks similar to what "AmazonBasics 60in tripod" now sells for ~$30. It broke and honestly was never very good - would tip over with my 70d+grip+lens all the time.

The B&H deal of the day (22 January) may be of interest.

It is the Benro FIF19CIB0 Carbon Fiber Transfunctional iFoto Series 1 Tripod Kit which is normally $334 but reduced to $169 for today's deal.

See https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …1_carbon_fiber_​ifoto.html for the details.

[Edit] I see there is also a 2nd option with a 31# capacity, normally $379 but $199 for a savings of $180. The link for that is https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …2_carbon_fiber_​ifoto.html. That would probably hold the 100-400mm plus body with ease.

Given that you want a tripod for macro (rigidity is VERY important) and you don't want to carry it anywhere far I would suggest looking out for a used Studio Tripod.
The Manfrotto studio tripods can often be found pretty cheap used - yes they weigh a ton - but who cares for your needs? They are not as rigid (damp down vibration) as a large Gitzo - but they are much cheaper

Even new they are not stupid money: https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …essional_Tripod​_Legs.html

Not saying it is ideal - but well worth a look!

Thanks for the advice. I was really close to getting a used manfrotto as suggested, but went to a friends house who pretty much sold me on a Vanguard Alta Pro for macro work. I'll probably start with that and the included ball head, since it's hard to beat the price. This is considerably less than I was originally planning to spend - but I also feel like after seeing the Alta Pro in action, it was exactly what I wanted. They were using a Sirui 20x ballhead, which I think is probably way overkill for my 70d + 100mm macro lens.

I can certainly be persuaded to look at other options still. It's really hard comparing without being able to touch and use them in person. I might try going to a few family owned camera shops in town for a better idea.

producerism wrote in post #18557637
went to a friends house who pretty much sold me on a Vanguard Alta Pro for macro work. I'll probably start with that and the included ball head, since it's hard to beat the price. ...

I can certainly be persuaded to look at other options still. It's really hard comparing without being able to touch and use them in person. I might try going to a few family owned camera shops in town for a better idea.

From the amazon.com listing, it seems to have a good combination of features.

While it is good that you had a chance to handle your friend's Vanguard to get an initial impression
Did you verify that you can remove the head and replace it with a higher quality head of your choice?

I didn't confirm that in person (they didn't have a different head) however I've seen a number of video reviews and forum posts of people that are using it in conjunction with a Sirui 10x-30x. Most of the negative reviews were from people that were using 70-200 glass, which I can understand.

I am interested in getting a replacement head for it eventually - perhaps the Sirui 20x/30x... although for macro work if the stacking becomes an issue, a Manfrotto geared head might be next instead. Either way, the included ball head from Vanguard is only ~$30 extra with the kit, so it won't sting too bad if I have to replace it in the near future.

producerism wrote in post #18557843
I didn't confirm that in person (they didn't have a different head) however I've seen a number of video reviews and forum posts of people that are using it in conjunction with a Sirui 10x-30x. Most of the negative reviews were from people that were using 70-200 glass, which I can understand.

I am interested in getting a replacement head for it eventually - perhaps the Sirui 20x/30x... although for macro work if the stacking becomes an issue, a Manfrotto geared head might be next instead. Either way, the included ball head from Vanguard is only ~$30 extra with the kit, so it won't sting too bad if I have to replace it in the near future.

In doing just a bit of research into Vanguard, I noticed that the head model that was associated with the tripod (per one web site) was not listed among the separate tripod heads offered by Vanguard. So that got me to wondering if perhaps it was integrated into a center column in a way which did not permit substitution of a different head at a later time...over the years I have seen that some tripod models are like that!

Did a very quick search on the Vanguard Alta Pro range and it looks like they are all compatible with other makes of head - but check first naturally!