Tripod Question

I know there is a whole thread and dedicated section for Tripods, but I'm getting to the point where the more I read the more confused I get.

If anyone has the time, can you just tell me what to buy?

I just want something sturdy, I've got a 20D with various lens and flash and I would like the head to be do both horizontal and vertical and be quick release. Medium budget.

That's all, but I just can't work it out with all these different brand options and match this head with that leg etc... help!

When talking tripod legs this is how I see the chioces;
sturdy and light...but expensive.
Sturdy and affordable...but heavy.
cheap and light...but not so sturdy.

I like Manfrotto/Bogen, great brand.

The type of head that you use...is more of a personal choice. Ball heads are quick and easy to adjust. Pistol grip ball heads are pretty cool...but can be expensive. 3-way heads are OK but the cheap ones that I have used...are hard to get level...especially in a hurry.

The connection between the legs and the head should be a standard size (3/8" stud, I think)....so you shouldn't have to worry about what matches with what.

Another vote here for Manfrotto - they're good value for money, have a large range, and quick-release plates that fit a number of different heads/brackets (e.g. we have standard tripod head, fluid head, 3-way head, pistol grip head, 2-way head, etc., all of which take the exact same camera plate).

Can't give you specific current model numbers because we bought our tripods some years back for video and stills use, and the models we have are no longer current.

Manfrotto tend to last well, so buying used on ebay is sometimes very worthwhile.

Rob

The two most popular are Manfrotto and Gitzo. I've had the Manfrotto 055MF3 for a few months and love it. It's costs less than a comparable Gitzo and I like to leg clamps better than the twist devices. The latter seem slower to me. Carbon costs more, so if weight isn't a concern, they also offer cheaper metal lines.

Head choices range from $60 to $400. I would figure out your maximum weight requirement, then go to a local camera shop and play with them. Features and action vary a lot.

I got this kit from B&H, along with this bag, I recommend both.

I use the Manfrotto 055CLB with the 486RC2 head. Nice and sturdy but doesn't weigh a ton. Folds down pretty small, relative to it's crazy full height (70 inches, which is why I chose this one. Typical is about 56 inches) Very quick to set up. That being said, I hardly use it in weddings.

I would look into the carbon fiber benro legs and heads on ebay. They're cheap and seem to be of quite good quality. Benro is new, and people aren't very sure of bying them, but from what I've heard the quality is nice.

There's also feisol, but they've become popular and their prices have risen.

Whatever you buy, get the arca swiss style clamps. You'll never regret it.

I have ordered a benro ballhead and it will arrive in 2 weeks or so. I will post a review then - if you can afford to wait, then maybe benro should be the choice.

Thank you for all the help, much appreciated!

Cate

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #2361919
I have ordered a benro ballhead and it will arrive in 2 weeks or so. I will post a review then - if you can afford to wait, then maybe benro should be the choice.

Which head Doc? I am thinking about a KS-1 to go with my newly purchased (and yet to arrive!) Feisol!

Be really interested in what you think.

Another vote for Manfrotto. I have a 055CLB (3021B) and 488RC2 head. Very nice setup. But only really use it for family group shots at weddings.

055 pro b with 322 head very nice single handed operation sometimes use a superclamp as well to mount second camera on one of the tripod legs

EOSAddict wrote in post #2365536
Which head Doc? I am thinking about a KS-1 to go with my newly purchased (and yet to arrive!) Feisol!

Be really interested in what you think.

I ordered KS-1

In retrospect, I probably should've ordered a KB ballhead because it would match the aluminum finish of the tripod, but still have the same functions.

On the other hand the KS-1 probably shows marks easier which will make me more careful with it.

It should arrive in 2-3 weeks. When it does, I'll post a review for sure.

Obviously, you should not opt towards the cheap stuff. You need the accessories that will compliment your investment. Manfrotto gives a wide selection of tripods that are quite affordable at the same time. I say that is your best bet.

tim wrote in post #2358445
I got this kit from B&H, along with this bag, I recommend both.

I second the 3021B legs. The head is totally personal choice tho.

Tim, Ive been going w/o a tripod bag for a REALLY long time... Getting one hasnt even crossed my mind till now.

Can this bag fit both my 3021B pro with 488 head + my mono pod setup you see in my sig?