Which tripod to buy??

Hi,
I searched quite a bit on which are the best tripods and am still confused!!

I have a rebel xti and the heaviest lens that I own currently is a 70-200mm one. I got a pathetic tripod initially with my camera which broke on about my 10th shot!! Planning to buy a new one that would withstand some weight.

Manfrotto seems to be the unanimous choice - looked at a couple of models that seemed to be selleing pretty well on Amazon - Manfrotto 055XPROB and Manfrotto 190XPROB 3 Section Aluminum Pro Tripod.

Can you pls help me? Areeither of these good or any other suggestion based on experience? I'm looking at something within $200 but would be capable of sustaining good weight...is that asking for too much??!

Thanks in advance!!

I use a sunpac platnium plus 6400 UT... it serves me well... but manfrotto is some of the best stuff out there...

Yup..that looks good too!
Also took a look @ SLIK 615-315 ..seems a great deal for about 140 bucks and the reviews are outstanding.

I would prefer any that allowed me to look through the viewfinder at eyelevel, of course standing up, but, when you want to do macro, it has to be rock steady, for obvious reasons

Well, I like Gitzo tripods so that's what I would recommend. How tall are you? What do you plan to shoot?

I like Macros and landscapes so I bought a Gitzo explorer. Its a little higher priced than the $200 you want to spend but very versatile. Then there is the head......

asty80 wrote in post #6512640
Hi,
I searched quite a bit on which are the best tripods and am still confused!!

I have a rebel xti and the heaviest lens that I own currently is a 70-200mm one. I got a pathetic tripod initially with my camera which broke on about my 10th shot!! Planning to buy a new one that would withstand some weight.

Manfrotto seems to be the unanimous choice - looked at a couple of models that seemed to be selleing pretty well on Amazon - Manfrotto 055XPROB and Manfrotto 190XPROB 3 Section Aluminum Pro Tripod.

Can you pls help me? Areeither of these good or any other suggestion based on experience? I'm looking at something within $200 but would be capable of sustaining good weight...is that asking for too much??!

Thanks in advance!!

Manfrotto 055 especially if you are using it primarily in a somewhat fixed setting (vs. actively hiking around long distances) setting when you want the most sturdy unit suitable for someone 6' tall. Otherwise choose the 190 for its lighter weight and greater mobility when that is the utmost importance that you are willing to sacrifice a bit of rigidity and height for portability!

asty80 wrote in post #6512640
Hi,
- Manfrotto 055XPROB and Manfrotto 190XPROB 3 Section Aluminum Pro Tripod.

Can you pls help me? Areeither of these good or any other suggestion based on experience? I'm looking at something within $200 but would be capable of sustaining good weight...is that asking for too much??!

Thanks in advance!!

The two tripods you list are about the best value in the $200 - $250 range (including a decent ballhead like the 486RC2).

I own the 055....
1. Good value
2. Stable
3. Easy to work with and adjust
4. Friggin heavy.

Now, to get the same stability and adjustability of the Manfrotto tripods with less weight takes a lot more money. This is why these tripods are so popular with people who need a solid tripod and who are a) not willing to part with $1000 for one and b) not needing a tripod they can carry long distances.

The difference between the 190 and 055 BTW, is that the 055 is a taller tripod that weighs more. The usual recommendation is that if you are 5'10" (178cm) or more in height you will probably want the 055.

Beyond the sturdiness of a good tripod itself, the head will be an important consideration. If you're buying a tripod/head combination you need to check the weight rating for the actual head -- a lower-rated head will drift from the weight of your camera. Of course, balancing the body/lens on the tripod helps, but at any angle your gear will sag. It's kinda like when you have IS turned on and the IS sags as it shuts down.

Just make sure you get a tripod with a decent load capacity. I use a Sunpak 7500 pro and it does a good job.

I was in the same situation.. wanting a good tripod under $200. Well that didn't happen

After looking at the Velbons, Slik, and a few others, I decided not to waste my money and do a one-time purchase and get a Manfrotto! I got the Manfrotto 190XPROB with 804RC2 head for $230. I'm 5"8 and it seems to work okay for me. If you are taller or plan on using anything heavier than 70-200 f/2.8 then look at the 055XBPRO cause they are beefier (and cost more). Both I think are excellent choices for beginners (who might end up keeping it and not upgrading).

I'm 5"8 in height...so I guess the 190XPROB seems a good choice! thanks everyone for the ideas!

Kinda depends on if you're going to tote it around.

I picked up a video tripod at a pawn shop for about $100, can handle a lot of weight.
Use it off my deck for birds, does quite well with long glass.

If your going to go backpacking...do a "search" for tripods, get some coffee and read up.

I own both the Manfrotto 055XB and 190XBPROB. Shared family use (5ft 3 to 6ft 2)

055 with 808RC4 - 3 lever (darn heavy - saves on gym membership) - carry short distances only and when very sturdy tripod required.

190 with 486rc2 ball head - used for hiking etc. Great macro tripod.

Updated from a basic Velbon - now very happy.

I have had a 'Topman' budget priced tripod for umpteen years, around 35, with never a problem, Just did a google search and rather surprised to find the company is still in buisness it has been that long. It is budget priced, raised to 6 ft using the screw thread head raiser. However I have always held the camera down with my spare hand, on it when taking a photo.

I'm going with the manfrotto 190! Just ordered it on amazon for $160.
Cant wait for it to arrive!!!

Thanks for the help and suggestions, everyone!!