Tripods - What's the best?

This topic is pretty simple... I want to know what everyone think's is the best tripod for as many applications as possible?

meaning which tripod would you recommend that can do pretty much anything you need it to?

"Best" has a lot to do with Personal prefrence as well...

I use a...
Tripod: Bogen 3021BPro + 488RC2 Head,
Monopod: Bogen 679B + 486RC2 Head,

I like Bogen, im not saying its the "best" but im sure its up there.. Its one of the more expencive brands and im damn happy with its performance.

Im sure many PONT members here can agree with my combination of tripod/monopod is a good day to day setup.

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Tripod: Bogen 3021BPro + ATH 918 Ball Grip Head
Monopod: Bogen 680 + Manfrotto 3229 Swivel Tilt Monopod Head

There is no best, what you are looking for is whats the best for you. How about you name some applications you will use it for and those you may use it for in the future?

Gitzo is top notch - built like a Rolls Royce or a Hasselblad. Also top price; but Bogen makes a wide variety of very durable, smooth functioning models, with a large array of interchangeable accessories. Pricing is more reasonable too.

But what is your main goal? Lightweight, carbon fiber and easy to carry? Heavy duty? Short and portable - you need to give us some more criteria.

i thought Manfrotto was the best?

Good / Best depends on your need. The best in terms of price, stability etc. could end up with a 10kg tripod that's designed only for studio use

Are you going to go on treks with it? Travel? Do you need ability to handle weird positions? etc. etc. Make your checklist and then you can get your 'best'.

ok then maybe I need to rephrase the question... What I want to know is what YOU think is the best? or what do YOU find works for you?

i use a 488RC2 head with silk 700 pro dx legs, cost like 180 total and it's more than enough tripod for me. the best? it would probably have a reall right stuff head on it and some carbon fiber legs or some sort.

That works too:

My objective is to get the most stable and versatile head combo - with the least weight. For that, I first picked Manfrottos 3001 legs (vs the most versatile and heavier 3021) and the 486RC2 ballhead (vs the 488RC2). The setup gave me the ability to meet my needs 95%+ of the time while saving around 2.5-3 lbs on the weight.

Recently, I picked up a set of CF tripod/monopod. Made by Benro - easier to get for me coz I am in Hong Kong now. And way way cheaper than the alternates such as Gitzos (which its supposed to be a clone of) etc.

The tripod now weighs 2.2lbs, the monopod 1lb and the head 1lb. I see myself using the tripod and monopod more often.

naqs wrote in post #2274840
ok then maybe I need to rephrase the question... What I want to know is what YOU think is the best? or what do YOU find works for you?

I use a Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro topped with their 488RC2 ball head for 95% of my tripod work. It is an extremely sturdy (while reasonably lightweight) and extremely versatile combination.

I have added the convertible "feet" (spike/rubber ball) and a set of three leg warmers to my 3021BPro. New ones come with two leg warmers.

I also use a Bogen/Manfrotto 680B monopod topped with their 486RC2 ball head for a VERY versatile monopod setup.

I do have a much heavier tripod and a few other heads that I can pick from when necessary, but what I mentioned above is what I use by far the most.

I use a Gitzo 2220, one of the most versatile tri-pods made, can twist and turn into just about any position.

I got a Giotto's 9170 Innovator through the post yesterday. Not had a chance to test it, but it's very functional, and seems to be well built. Maybe a bit heavy, but to be expected for the price. You get bag, carry-strap, etc with it (I dont know what you get with the other brands).

I have a Manfrotto (Bogen) monopod, and that's awesome build quality. I would have bought one of their tripods, but the Giotto's one had more functionality for the price.

I've got a DynaTran AT 828 and I love it. It's a Manfrotto clone for a fraction of the usual price. Go to Amvona.com and search for one you like, then go to eBay and do a search for 'Amvona' on there. I picked one up for $75 and I'm happy with it. They do take a while to ship but it's worth the cost difference.

Good luck with your purchace.