Tripod Options...

I've been shooting for over 2yrs already but I never really had a good and durable tripod. Im only using the cheapo TARGUS brand from walmart. Last night, I found two tripods off craigslist and wondering which of the 2 should I get. I know I can do more research and comparison but I'd rather have you guys give me the opinions based on your experience...

if you're in my shoes, which tripod would you get?

1.) Slik Pro 700dx Tripod w/ Manfrotto 3130 head ---- $100
2.) Manfrotto 190v with Manfrotto 486 BALL HEAD w/RC2 RAPID CONNECT ---- $95


Thanks

Neither.

The 3130 head is not versatile enough for still photography without some adapters (I made my own). The 3130 is really designed for video use and has only two axes of movement.

The Manfrotto 486 head is not sturdy enough for your heavier lenses. It tends to creep.

What would do well for you is a NEW Manfrotto 055XProB topped off with their 498RC2 ball head.

SkipD wrote in post #10050360
Neither.

The 3130 head is not versatile enough for still photography without some adapters (I made my own). The 3130 is really designed for video use and has only two axes of movement.

The Manfrotto 486 head is not sturdy enough for your heavier lenses. It tends to creep.

What would do well for you is a NEW Manfrotto 055XProB topped off with their 498RC2 ball head.

Got it... thanks Skipd.

will this be good enough for my gear?

Manfrotto 055XB tripod with attached 804RC2 Basic Pan Tilt Head.

or

Manfrotto 3021BPRO

jj fad wrote in post #10242078
will this be good enough for my gear?

Manfrotto 055XB tripod with attached 804RC2 Basic Pan Tilt Head.

or

Manfrotto 3021BPRO

The 3021BPro is the tripod leg set that I use most. As long as the one you find is in good condition, go with it.

For still photography, a ball head is more desirable than a pan/tilt type of head for most folks. Go with the 498RC2 for now.

SkipD wrote in post #10242393
The 3021BPro is the tripod leg set that I use most. As long as the one you find is in good condition, go with it.

For still photography, a ball head is more desirable than a pan/tilt type of head for most folks. Go with the 498RC2 for now.

nice... i found one thats cheaper than the 055XB.

thanks again skipd... you the man

3021 is the leg set I use as well. If you want to save a few bucks, and aren't locked in to a specific Quick-release system yet, check out the Vanguard ball heads. I have the SBH-200 model (since superceded by SBH-250) and it works well with the EF 100-400L lens.

GTriever wrote in post #10243360
3021 is the leg set I use as well. If you want to save a few bucks, and aren't locked in to a specific Quick-release system yet, check out the Vanguard ball heads. I have the SBH-200 model (since superceded by SBH-250) and it works well with the EF 100-400L lens.

got it... thank you GT. I just emailed the seller for the 3021. once i get that then ill pay attention to all possible options for the head.