Tripods - What's the best?

I am another one with the MF 3021. I also have a cheap Slik tripod I bought at Target for when I know I want something light to bang around with me. They both work just fine, though I do like that rock solid stability of the MF when using a large lens.

Manfrotto/Bogen is definately top shelf stuff and you will see it in more stores. It's pricing structure tends to be more attractive to folks than Gitzo.

The impression I get of Gitzo is that you purchase one "for a lifetime." Take good care of it and it could give you that much service; that's more anecdotal than emprical though

verty wrote in post #2274547
i thought Manfrotto was the best?

Just about to order a 055PRO but unsure if I should buy the black or silver

The advantage of the silver is that there is no black paint to get chipped off. Any specific reason to buy the black

petrolhead wrote in post #2275678
Just about to order a 055PRO but unsure if I should buy the black or silver

The advantage of the silver is that there is no black paint to get chipped off. Any specific reason to buy the black

Black because 1 i like the way it looks, and 2 when I am shooting in a studio, its just less chance for stray reflection...

That black paint is on there pretty good too, I have yet to chip the paint...

SkipD wrote in post #2274452

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What he said. I don't use the 3021 though; I have a similar-featured Manfrotto CF that's now out of production. Got it on close-out.

I'm another one with a Manfrotto setup. This seems a common setup amongst us. I've got :

190ProB with a 488RC2 Ball Head
680 Monopod with 486RC2
341 Elbow Bracket

I'll throw in a vote for Gitzo products. I've had the G1564L monopod for quite some time and it has performed extremely well for me. just last week i purchased the G1157 Rapid Column tripod - chose it because of its stellar max. load to weight ratio (10:2.25) which is going to be a treat for hiking and other active situations. i will also throw in a vote for the amvona dynatran lineup. i've been using the AT-858 and it's been a sturdy workhorse for a really great price.

deadpass wrote in post #2275096
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.

I just stumbled on in to this thread with a search for SLIK Pro.

I've owned a SLIK for well over a year. I've been looking to replace it due to the extreme weight. My Bogen monopod arrived this morning and I was really impressed, so I brought out the tripod which I've only sued twice. Due to back problems, I only took the SLIK out in the field those two times. DAMN heavy for sure. So, I had an idea tonight, I put the Bogen mini-ball head on the SLIK and man was I surprised! The head of the SLIK must weight three pounds or so (who knows, it is really heavy though). With the mini-ball head, it is extremely light and I really do like the SLIK a lot. I am disappointed with the mini-ball head, I think the 488RC2 has a thing called quick release??? Does that mean you can take part of the head, along with the camera, off the tripod with just a click? If so, that is what I want. Seems like that would be very convenient to change lenses instead of having to unscrew the whole camera, or trying to change lenses with the camera on the tripod. Am I correct in my assumption?

Anyway, I think the SLIK is a great tripod, just too heavy with the head it came with for me. My "find" may have saved me $300 plus in getting the Bogen.

Now, if you want to go with the "name" then go with Bogen, it is a cult tripod here, even though I've seen them in the store and think the SLIK is everything it is, and looks better too. The Bogen and others may last a lifetime, might be much better, and probably are, but for the $$, I think the SLIK is a good buy for the money, stable, solid, etc. I know the SLIK is considered junk by many, but I will use mine now much more, and if it is junk, I'll make the switch, but doubt that I will need to switch.

Well, that's my two cents. Anyone wishing to give me info on the Bogen head and what quick release actually means, please feel free to clue me in. I thank you in advance.

Joe

Quick release is just what you thought it was. Bogen 488RC2 head.

The best one is the one that actually gets used. My CF tripod is light enough to carry with no issues, it gets used all the time, and therefore is the best.

Gitzo 1257LVL with a RSS 40-BH here, awesome combo!

This is an image from ReallyRightStuff.com, my tripod and head is pictured in the center.

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Another vote for the 3021BPro and the 488RC2. Can't beat it for the money.

sapearl wrote in post #2275649
The impression I get of Gitzo is that you purchase one "for a lifetime." Take good care of it and it could give you that much service; that's more anecdotal than emprical though

For one, they have a lifetime warranty within constraints of normal use.

For two, they are built WAY better than Man!Frottos (no wonder it's called bogen in the states )

Everything is tighter. You get extra washers and wear compensating mechanisms. The legs lock precisely and don't shift... they're simply better.

I am using the Gitzo 2220 and am very happy with it.

The head is the bogen 3047 3-way and is rock solid. When I have extra 400 bucks I'll put the medium sized RRS head on it... probably right after I get a colorimeter.

Had I bought 3021, I'm sure I'd be ok. But gitzo is really worth the money once you experience it.

EDIT: On the other hand, you can still get decent performance with 3021 and 488 head and spend less. No warranty though and it's more fiddy and wear prone.

I use a Manfrotto 3021b pro with a 486rc2 head. This has worked well for me, although I do think I would like the 488rc2 better since it has a seperate pan control. Total cost was about $250. You don't want to skimp too much on a tripod. A cheap tripod (which I've used in the past) is not much better than no tripod.