Tripod for 5D

Looking for a tripod for my 5D for everyday use. I mainly shoot people and action shots but I shoot landscapes from time to time. Budget wise I'm flexible (I'm thinking $500+) and don't mind spending a little more. I don't have a telephoto right now so most of my shots will be shot with the 16-35L, 15mm FE and 24-70L which should mean I don't need a super heavy tripod. If somehow this tripod can accomodate the 70-200 I play to buy down the road then even better. I'm reading the tripod stickies right now but would definitely love to get some help. Any suggestions?

I use Gitzo 2220 legs with an Acratech V2 ball head and I love the setup. The column is outside the legs and is easy to pivot for switching between horizontal and vertical. The legs move independent of each other which is nice in rough terrain and they can extend almost straight out, getting you close to the ground if needed. THe Acratech is smooth as can be and locks in place nicely. I'm sure there are better setups, but this one satisfies me.

My recommendation is a Gitzo 2530/40 and a Markins Q3 or M10. This is a lightweight top of the line setup for your gear as well as for the planned 70-200. It will outlast you and you won't have to worry about upgrading to another setup unless you plan on much larger glass >300mm.

jhom wrote in post #5791836
My recommendation is a Gitzo 2530/40 and a Markins Q3 or M10. This is a lightweight top of the line setup for your gear as well as for the planned 70-200. It will outlast you and you won't have to worry about upgrading to another setup unless you plan on much larger glass >300mm.

I'm agreeing here with Jim and adding one upscale option.

good: 2530/40 with M10 or Q3 (4lbs)
Best: 3540LS with M20. (5lbs)

I'd put a RRS QR lever clamp on any of those ballheads (every ballhead deserves one) and I'd tie it in with an L bracket from RRS.

J.

So basically it looks like it's going to run me $700-1000 for one of these tripod you guys mentioned. That's a little higher than I was expecting but I can afford it. Any other options you guys might recommend?

Another vote for Gitzo: I'd go for the new models: The mountaineers have a leg angle added IIRC, and all are a bit lighter still:
2541 with M10 or, if you need to shoot groups of people for instance, from high up; 3541XLS with M20.

Click

big_apple_ken wrote in post #5803049
So basically it looks like it's going to run me $700-1000 for one of these tripod you guys mentioned. That's a little higher than I was expecting but I can afford it. Any other options you guys might recommend?

Yes they are expensive. However, they will likely outlast you. You are paying for top of the line support. I notice you are using L glass. Think of the Gitzos as another L glass. There is a reason for the expense.

jhom wrote in post #5803674
Yes they are expensive. However, they will likely outlast you. You are paying for top of the line support. I notice you are using L glass. Think of the Gitzos as another L glass. There is a reason for the expense.

I totally hear what you are saying. I guess my natural reaction was like that because I don't really see myself using a tripod super often. I guess when I buy it I'm going to have to change up my style since I want to make sure the tripod doesn't sit in my house collecting dust!

big_apple_ken wrote in post #5803716
I totally hear what you are saying. I guess my natural reaction was like that because I don't really see myself using a tripod super often. I guess when I buy it I'm going to have to change up my style since I want to make sure the tripod doesn't sit in my house collecting dust!

Exactly. What many individuals do not understand is that a tripod is an essential tool in photography. It provides stability and therefore better IQ and composition. Once you get your hands on a quality tripod setup that is convenient to carry and use, you will want to take it everywhere. I think the greatest deterrent to using a tripod is weight. My suggestion is get a setup the fits your shooting needs and willing to carry around where ever you go. You will not regret it.

jhom wrote in post #5804183
Exactly. What many individuals do not understand is that a tripod is an essential tool in photography. It provides stability and therefore better IQ and composition. Once you get your hands on a quality tripod setup that is convenient to carry and use, you will want to take it everywhere. I think the greatest deterrent to using a tripod is weight. My suggestion is get a setup the fits your shooting needs and willing to carry around where ever you go. You will not regret it.

That's a great point. It seems like the tripods you guys suggested are like 5-6 pounds each. Is that considered on the light or heavy side? I'm just curious cause it sounds kind of heavy to lug around for everyday stuff.

The 2 series Gitzo with a Markins Q3 or M10 comes in around 4lbs. The 3 series with Markins M10 or M20 will weigh in about 5lbs. You may even consider a 1 series with Q3 for your gear and it will fall in the mid 3lb range.

My setup is a Gitzo 2530 + Markins Q3 + Markins TB20 base and it weighs 3.8lbs. It is my general purpose legset. I carry it everywhere when I'm not using my monopod.

I agree with Jim right down the line.

My thoughts on the above are:

1. If you can tolerate the 8-12 additional ounces and the slight increase in size, the 3540LS with the M20 is able to damp out about 2X the vibration amplitude that the 2540 is. If you need a good compromise between light and stability then the 2530/40 is the ticket.

2. Buying well at the start is very smart. If you go out and buy all that L glass and then don't use stable support to shoot, you won't get anywhere near the performance the L glass is capable of in terms of resolution.

3. I'm a big proponent of putting a RRS QR lever clamp on any ballhead. It is so much more convenient than the knob types.

4. Invest in a good L bracket/plate. (I like the RRS ones). It really helps make the tripod usage just that much better.

5. I agree with Jim on the weight thing. In fact, I'd go one better - my belief is that tripods get used exponentially less as they weigh over 5lbs.

6. The CF layup and CF content is important. This is what gives you the damping (as well as tube diameter for overall stability). Lots of corners get cut - but the look is great - on those that are trying to knock off Gitzo.

7. I don't think there is any measurable difference between 3 and 4 section legs in the tripods under discussion.

J.

If the high cost of Gitzo scares you off, take a look at the Feisol lineup. I have the CT-3442 with the Markins Q3 head and use it when I need to travel light with lenses upto 300mm f4. The CT-3442 is extemely light, compact yet very stable. Has not let me down and I use it for day hiking and used it 10 days in norther Arizona without any problems.

big_apple_ken wrote in post #5803716
I totally hear what you are saying. I guess my natural reaction was like that because I don't really see myself using a tripod super often. I guess when I buy it I'm going to have to change up my style since I want to make sure the tripod doesn't sit in my house collecting dust!

you can get a very good tripod for a third of what these guys think you should spend.

take a look at the manfrotto tripods and ballheads. you can always upgrade at a later date if you want to.

ed rader

Thanks guys! I'm going to B&H to check out my options this week. Want to see if I can get the tripod in time for the July 4th fireworks here in NYC.