Post your Best Tripod and Head Combination

jcw122 wrote in post #7784878
1. Walmart MX2000
2.
3. It works, and it's stable, and it cost me $20. Other tripods have NOTHING on this when your just putting a 350D and 85mm on it.

Terrible. I have had one before I was serious about anything photo and I don't trust it with a flash on.

This is what it's all about, if it works for you, no matter what it is or what it cost, it's all you need.

HAh you should see what i put my 5d and 16-35 L lens on..... it's one of those cheap aluminum tripods used to hold point and shoot cameras. Granted, i keep the tripod locked in horizontal level mode and never swivel it around.

my other tripod fits the bill, but is too effing heavy. manfrotto 3001bpro + 322RC2. but again that is 5lbs that will definitely take it's toll on hikes.

Currently

Manfrotto 055XPROB + 488RC2

not happy and will be buying

Feisol 3342 (no center post) + Markins Q3

1) Gitzo GT1541T + Markins Q3T + the RRS quick release plate
2) Gitzo GT2531 + Markins Q3T + the RRS quick release plate

I bought setup (2) first, and just got the 2nd set of legs - still only one ballhead - for backpacking overseas, as it will fit in my day pack.

Weight-wise, both tripods are about the same, but the traveller is definately way more prone to vibrations, and less stable in bad weather as the bottom leg sections are very thin. The 2531 is a rock - glad I got the 31 instead of 41 version however (3 versus 4 - leg sections), because chunkier legs = more stable, from experience now with the traveller tripod.

The Markins ballhead and RRS plate are awesome, fit on both tripods well, but the 2531 base fits the next ballhead size up too.

I currently use the tripods for landscapes and macro - both go down to 17cm + BH + camera. I'm on the lookout for a 2nd ballhead so my hubby can use a tripod at the same time as me, but he doesn't need a fancy one.

SK6 wrote in post #7784898
Terrible. I have had one before I was serious about anything photo and I don't trust it with a flash on.

With a flash...hmm...yeah adding a flash might be a bit much. They seem to have came out with a second version. The first MX2000 I got several years ago was pretty junky, but their updated version is somewhat decent. It works for me though. I'd rather save a few hundred dollars on flash units and glass still.

katodog wrote in post #7784979
This is what it's all about, if it works for you, no matter what it is or what it cost, it's all you need.

Yup!

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #7782688
Any insight on the 1321 vs. the 5121?

1321 = Leveling base. "Old number style"
5121LVL = Leveling base, "New number style", looks to be more compact (shorter), and has an PTFE coating.

I think in this case the numbering works rather illogical:

5: would signify series 5 I'd say. Confusing, since it also fits the series 3.
1: signifies nothing. It's aluminium, so this "should" be a 3.
2: is for "not a ballhead or column" I suppose. (Head = "5, 7 or 8", Column = "1" as far as I can tell. An that's disregarding the oddities such as monopods and booms :rolleyes
1: The one without PTFE (2007) was "0"

Centre posts are a bit more consistent in numbering:

3310S:
3: Series 3 (as opposed to "5" which signifies Series 4 and 5 systematic)
3: Aluminium
1: Column
0: Still the same as always
S: Systematic

3511S:
3: Series 3
5: Carbon
1: Column
1: In 2007, there was a 3510S. I suppose the only change is a new top plate. (Power Disk with head locking screw, according to the catalogue)
S: Systematic

Bubble wrote in post #7784749
http://www.prweb.com …/2008/06/prweb1​049004.htm

i use this for Canon 600IS and Nikon 600VR without any problem. You tell me.

Looks like they also have a straight ripoff of the Arca Cube...

1.Benro C269
2.Benro B-2
3.Price:$474.95
Check Review here
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=664575

Gitzo 3541XLS - On sale for $719
Marking M20 - $390

I am using a 40D with 100-400mm mostly. Also use it with 24-105mm.

I was originally going to get the Gitzo 2531 Mountaineer and the Markins M10 but since I'm 6'2", I would either have to bend over or have the center column extended 4" (if I wanted it to eye level) so I decided on the 3541XLS. As it turns out, it's perfect. When I have only 3 legs extended, it's the perfect height for me. If I need it higher, I extended the 4th leg a little. If I need it lower, I lower the legs. I really like not having a center column.

I realize that this tripod and head is a bit of an overkill for what I'm using but 2 weeks ago, I was at Harper's Ferry on the train bridge about 2 feet away from an oncoming train. The entire bridge was shaking and I still got some "in focus" images at 300mm ... it's a sturdy tripod

I've used a variety of tripods and my favorite is definitely the one I have now, which is why I bought it:

Gitzo G1257 legs
Markins M10 head
some Kirk plates

When I get the 5d Mark II I have no idea if I'll get a Kirk or RRS L bracket.

Eventually I'd like to get another tripod with a heavier legset but this set is great for hiking around.

Colorblinded wrote in post #7794726
I've used a variety of tripods and my favorite is definitely the one I have now, which is why I bought it:

Gitzo G1257 legs
Markins M10 head
some Kirk plates

When I get the 5d Mark II I have no idea if I'll get a Kirk or RRS L bracket.

Eventually I'd like to get another tripod with a heavier legset but this set is great for hiking around.

Could you please post pic of your Kirk Plates.

mangaloreaviators wrote in post #7770707
1.Gitzo 1541T Tripod
2.Markins Q3T Ballhead w/ RRS B2 LR II Clamp

Second that!

My Review Here: LINK

1. Manfrotto 190XPROB + 804RC2

2. Gitzo GT1540T + Markins Q3T

3. Gitzo GT2451L + Markins Q3T/RRS BH-55

4. Gitzo GT5540LS + RRS BH-55

322RC2 additional head, purchased with the monopod Manfrotto 679B, also i purchased the clamp RRS B2 LR II to use with Q3T but too bad i am coward to remove that Markins clamp myself, and sending it will cost me something un-necessary.

Not sure if i will buy Gitzo series 3 tripod as it is between series 5 and series 2/1, and not sure if i should add another head, but both head from RRS and Markins working perfect, and another head that i will buy no doubt is WimberleyII.

This is probably one of the most useful threads ever.

Gitzo GT2540
Markins M10
Markins Tripod base
Great for travel. Backpacking. Built quality is best. No question.
Only set-up I will need to own. My longest lens is 200mm.