Frying my brain trying to figure out what tripod to buy!

Well, this will be my first tripod and I am just so fried at reading reviews, forums, articles, everything.

My first choice is the Slik 700 DX, based on reviews, but I hesitate since it weighs 7lbs and I have no idea if thats going to prove too heavy.

My other choice I suppose would be the Bogen/Manfrotto 3001 or 3021 but I've read about leg locks pinching your fingers.

Any help for a newbie? I CANT afford right now to be buying a $500 Gitzo, and I'd like to have my tripod for August when I head up to Maine for two weeks.

Help!

Thank you!

Have you looked into a Velbon tripod? I have three of them in various sizes, very sturdy, lightweight(depending on model of course) and somewhat cheaper than a Gitzo. ..........Joe

I've seen them but didnt really look into them too much. Thanks though, I'll check a few out!

I need something tall since I am 6'.

How do you use it?
Your heaviest lens?

I fell in love with Velbon quick releases and have two Velbon tripods. One aluminum, one graphite. Pretty happy, although I have never owned any other brand.

Well I use an Elan 7 and a N80 with a 50mm and a 24-85mm lens. I mostly shoot outdoor scenes, landscapes, nature, etc.

Feisol. Look it up.

So is 7lbs really THAT heavy?

How much does a 3021 w/head weigh?

Check out the Pro series at www.amvona.com.
I just ordered one. I will write up how good/bad they are when i receive mine.

Not sure what the pinching leg problem of a 3001 is about - have had it for a month plus and havent had any issues. Actually, not even sure you can get your fingers pinched with the 3001....any others?

I've been using my 3021BPRO for about two months, and while I like it, it seems pretty heavy when I'm lugging it around. I ordered a Feisol CT-3402 Carbon Fiber tripod today; it weighs less than half what the BPRO weighs and, based on the feedback I've seen on their tripods here and on other photography sites, should be a great tripod when I'm hiking around the UK for two weeks in August. And it sounds like it makes a good accompanyment for the Manfrotto 694 Magfiber monopod I've been using.

I got my Manfrotto 055 Pro and 488RC2 midi ball head today and they are excellent.
They are called different things in the states, but are the medium weight range. They are very good quality and not too heavy. What is the point of light if it isn't sturdy. I have a mickey mouse one that is virtually disposable for out of the house stuff.

I have never used a ball head before (used a three way head), but it feels very natural.

This is my second Manfrotto and I have always found them good value and robust.

You won't go far wrong.

Graham

At 7 pounds you'll feel it, but it's not too heavy. Weight is good for stability too. I use this combo and it works well.

cfcRebel wrote:
Check out the Pro series at www.amvona.com.
I just ordered one. I will write up how good/bad they are when i receive mine.

I just got a tripod from Amvona. Definately a Bogen copycat, but it feels sturdy, comes with a bag, and a vertical pistol type grip. As for the weight, yes it is a bit heavy about 7 lbs, but for the price, $70 including shipping, it is a good value in my opinion.

Cool! At least I see a feedback (positive one too) from a fellow POTN member. It was a big gamble for me. I ordered three actually, all Pro but different series though. One put in the house, one in my car, and another for my friend. Now i just need to get the UPS/FedEx guy to drive faster. Thanks longshot!