Tripod

I've just started taking pictures of landscapes, nature and recently the moon. I'm currently using a cheap tripod that I've had for years and my frustrations with it after expanding my photo shooting are indescribable....simpl​y a POS!! LOL

I know nothing about tripods and would like to know what options I may have in the $300 range. Stability, ability to make smooth minor adjustments and weight are all important to me. Is there a "straight out of the box" option for me or is it better to buy separate heads and legs?

Sorry for the general thread. A few of the threads I read were over my head with all the different options, interchangeable parts and manufacturer model numbers being mentioned.

My gear is in my signature.

Thanks in advance

Check this post out
https://photography-on-the.net …529785&highligh​t=055xprob
I bought the 055XPROB and the upgraded 488RC2 (its the 498RC2)

Its a heavy setup but its fine for me!!!

Yes for that price range DEF consider the Manfrotto 055XPROB/488RC2 combo! Its what most of us started with and for the price its a very good option!

I'll definately consider that combo.

Another question. From looking on BH's website, I saw that there is a joystick/trigger type head which seems very cool. How do folks compare this type of head with that of the more traditional ones like the 488RC2?

Agreed, a 4th recommendation for that combination. I really like my 055xProB and 488RC2 combo. I have a 190XB and 496RC2 as well, and it's not up to the task of a 70-200.

JNRSM3 wrote in post #10069912
I'll definately consider that combo.

Another question. From looking on BH's website, I saw that there is a joystick/trigger type head which seems very cool. How do folks compare this type of head with that of the more traditional ones like the 488RC2?

Nowhere near as versatile, and can be tiring if you have to readjust the camera frequently. Save your money.

Jon wrote in post #10070160
Nowhere near as versatile, and can be tiring if you have to readjust the camera frequently. Save your money.

oh wow. really? In theory, the trigger head would seem easier to me. i.e. less knobs to manipulate.

JNRSM3 wrote in post #10070172
oh wow. really? In theory, the trigger head would seem easier to me. i.e. less knobs to manipulate.

A ball head really only has one knob, and it's not difficult to manipulate. The "joystick" heads are historically problematic regarding tension. The horizontal versions mitigate the torque arm situation the vertical models had.

Yeah - you have to squeeze the grip to move the head. Do that much and you'll feel the workout. I got one thinking it'd double for still and video. Nope. One relatively tame airshow sequence and I went back to the ball head. I'd sell it, but I'd feel guilty doing so.

JNRSM3 wrote in post #10069912
I'll definately consider that combo.

Another question. From looking on BH's website, I saw that there is a joystick/trigger type head which seems very cool. How do folks compare this type of head with that of the more traditional ones like the 488RC2?

the 488 is the old model, you want the 498RC2

Jon wrote in post #10070454
Yeah - you have to squeeze the grip to move the head. Do that much and you'll feel the workout. I got one thinking it'd double for still and video. Nope. One relatively tame airshow sequence and I went back to the ball head. I'd sell it, but I'd feel guilty doing so.

So if I understand correctly, in a situation where you have to pan and/or move to follow an object, the trigger is a nuisance from having to constantly grip to move into position. Very good point. Thanks for that.

I definately need to visit a camera store to see how the ball head can be controlled with one knob as mentioned above. I'm so used to having to adjust 2-3 knobs which is an absolute pain.

JNRSM3 wrote in post #10070172
oh wow. really? In theory, the trigger head would seem easier to me. i.e. less knobs to manipulate.

That is not the reality of it. I have the 322 head and it is ok for some stuff, but for general shooting, landscapes for me mostly, I greatly prefer my Manfrotto 488RC2. The new version of this head is the 498 I think. Along with the Manfrotto 055XPROB legs, you would have a great set up for the money. Read the lengthly review "Manfrotto 055XPROB and 488RC2" here on the forum.

Legs...

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Aluminum_Tripod​_Legs.html

Head...

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …98RC2_Midi_Ball​_Head.html

JNRSM3 wrote in post #10068978
I know nothing about tripods and would like to know what options I may have in the $300 range.

Total price?

$298

Perfect.

ruben00 wrote in post #10069308
Check this post out
https://photography-on-the.net …529785&highligh​t=055xprob
I bought the 055XPROB and the upgraded 488RC2 (its the 498RC2)

Its a heavy setup but its fine for me!!!

A definite +1 from me on this combo.

The legset is rock-solid, priced reasonably, and of very high quality.
The current offering of the 498 head appears to be a quality and useful upgrade
over the 488 head, while the 488 has served me very well so far.
The naysayers will be along soon enough to gripe about the 488 head,
but they haven't yet compared it to the improved features and useability
of the 498.

The set is certainly heavier than hugely expensive carbon-fiber legs and
an exceptionally expensive pro-caliber head, but I find it easy enough
to carry around over my shoulder in a bag or with my camera and heavy
lenses on it.

For the budget-minded, the 055XPROB legset with a 488/498 head is really
an extremely stable & solid rig.

055xprob and 488rc2 head weight is 6.3 lbs. Not light. But to get something much lighter, you will pay for it. Either in dollars or a loss in stability. As some say, there is no free lunch. If the weight of this set up puts you off, look at the 190xprob (just a smaller set of legs compared to the 055 series). The 190 carbon fiber xprob (190cxpro??) is $324 and weighs about 2.8 lbs! You could put a nice 1 lb head on that and be at 4 lbs total, saving 2.3 (or so) pounds. Many ways to skin a cat. Give some thought to your priorities and your budget.

thanks for all your comments and suggestions. i think i'm going to go to samys this week and see if i can play around with the 055xprob and 498rc2. i don't use the tripod enough to merit spending for the carbon fiber options, but who knows...i might see the cf versions at samys and end up ordering that on BH. LOL