Tripod recommendation

Dear friends, about 8 years ago I got a Manfrotto 055CX3 CF Tripod-3 Section with Manfrotto Midi Ball Head 498 w/RC2 Rapid Connect Plate. But for some reason I couldn't get it back now. It's as good as lost. All I have now is the rapid plate. That makes me want to buy another Manfrotto tripod (which may be a pretty stupid reason).

I wonder if the Manfrotto BeFree tripod is good enough for me. Being lightweight is an important concern.

The heaviest setup that my gear has is a gripped 7D with 70-200mm f/2.8 non-IS. Any thought? Or should I try other brands? Thank you!

I have a Gitzo and Really Right Stuff (RRS) tripods. RRS are my favorite. Depending on how much you want to spend, I would look at other brands and then choose what works best for you. You might like the other brands.

I have an Induro Clt 303 and am very impressed by it. It is not the smallest folding or lightest but it might be the sturdiest for the money.

DutchinCLE wrote in post #18756659
I have an Induro Clt 303 and am very impressed by it. It is not the smallest folding or lightest but it might be the sturdiest for the money.

I picked up an Induro 404 a while back from a local forum member. It’s a beast and a bit on the heavy side, but it travels pretty well and is worth every penny. Go take a look at Induro. You’ll be glad you did.

I would recommend Manfrotto (Aluminum or Carbon Fiber):

For Travel Tripod:
Manfrotto BeFree Compact Travel Aluminum Alloy Tripod (Black)

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …compact_travel_​photo.html

If your setup is heavy:

Manfrotto MK055XPRO3-BHQ2 Aluminum Tripod with XPRO Ball Head and 200PL QR Plate

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …aluminum_tripod​_with.html

Manfrotto MT055XPRO3-3W Aluminum Tripod with 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …aluminum_tripod​_with.html

I wouldn’t buy a new tripod, it’s just something that's available for much less used. I paid $175 for my Manfrotto 3233, $110 for my 055XPro and $55 for a Gitzo 1275 ballhead. There are deals out there if you have a little patience.

I was away from the computer for a few days for Thanksgiving. It's nice to see a couple of posts here now. Thank you! I'll check out those tripods suggested. I do have a money concern and a weight concern. I remember going to a trip years ago when I was first eager with photography. I brought as many relevant gears as possible and eventually I couldn't walk far. I knew my limit then. LOL

It may be worth considering Siriu tripods, if their head quality is representative.
Their heads use Arca-Swiss type plates, which are far more secure and robust
than the RC2's I used to use. The plates are also just as inexpensive from
a large number of sellers as the RC2's are.
The two Sirui heads I now own are of an enormously superior build and operational
quality over the Manfrotto RC2 heads I used to have, and are priced far below
offerings from comparable manufacturers of better-known names.

The reviews and user experiences are also loaded with praise for Sirui products,
and you could probably find some great bargains in searching for used examples
of their products.

SkedAddled wrote in post #18762462
It may be worth considering Siriu tripods, if their head quality is representative.
Their heads use Arca-Swiss type plates, which are far more secure and robust
than the RC2's I used to use. The plates are also just as inexpensive from
a large number of sellers as the RC2's are.
The two Sirui heads I now own are of an enormously superior build and operational
quality over the Manfrotto RC2 heads I used to have, and are priced far below
offerings from comparable manufacturers of better-known names.

The reviews and user experiences are also loaded with praise for Sirui products,
and you could probably find some great bargains in searching for used examples
of their products.

I struggled for a few years with the RC2 quick release system.... I always had camera droop when I was setting up a shot. When I switched to the Arca Swiss type quick release, that problem disappeared. I've heard nothing but good things about the Sirui ball heads, in particular both the K-30X and the K-40X for heavier loads.

Thank you!

colormaniac wrote in post #18754168
Dear friends, about 8 years ago I got a Manfrotto 055CX3 CF Tripod-3 Section with Manfrotto Midi Ball Head 498 w/RC2 Rapid Connect Plate. But for some reason I couldn't get it back now. It's as good as lost. All I have now is the rapid plate. That makes me want to buy another Manfrotto tripod (which may be a pretty stupid reason).

I wonder if the Manfrotto BeFree tripod is good enough for me. Being lightweight is an important concern.

The heaviest setup that my gear has is a gripped 7D with 70-200mm f/2.8 non-IS. Any thought? Or should I try other brands? Thank you!

Are you looking at something lighter than the current rig you have?
If so I use a MeFOTO Globetrotter Carbon Fiber for Traveling abroad. Have been using it four years now. Certainly strong enough for my gear as well. I do have others here that I use for work that are more robust and stable.

Nick5 wrote in post #18762844
Are you looking at something lighter than the current rig you have?
If so I use a MeFOTO Globetrotter Carbon Fiber for Traveling abroad. Have been using it four years now. Certainly strong enough for my gear as well. I do have others here that I use for work that are more robust and stable.

I was looking at anything about the same weight or lighter.

I don't know what the situation is like in the US, but here in "Ripoff" Britain I have managed to build up a nice versatile tripod + Mono pod setup without spending silly money.

I like Sirui/Benro/Induro tripods but I find them to be a bit pricey for my tastes/wallet. This is why I buy Gitzo. I find them more rigid for a given size/weight and mine were cheaper too.

Probably best to look at the used market for Gitzo's but they last forever (nearly!) so used is not a concern. From what you state about your needs a 2 series Mountaineer (pretty much any version) would do the job very nicely. If you want overkill then a Gitzo GT3530LS will support you (well me at over 100 Kilos) and is still lighter than a Carbon Fibre Manfrotto 055!

Scour the classifieds...........

I bought a Juba design tripod. Not cheap but very good.

http://coolphotography​gear.com/jobu.html

colormaniac wrote in post #18754168
I wonder if the Manfrotto BeFree tripod is good enough for me. Being lightweight is an important concern.

The heaviest setup that my gear has is a gripped 7D with 70-200mm f/2.8 non-IS. Any thought? Or should I try other brands? Thank you!

The carbon BeFree is currently on sale at B&H for $170; list is $350. See https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …ompact_travel_c​arbon.html.

Added 12/05 Original deal has expired, now $220.