Why spend so much on a tripod?

I am a young, I can carry weight.
I don't mind a heavy tripod. I actually love heavy gear (to a point).

I just want one thats very sturdy and dependable

Viva-photography wrote in post #10387835
I am a young, I can carry weight.
I don't mind a heavy tripod. I actually love heavy gear (to a point).

I just want one thats very sturdy and dependable

Well, the 055 is that; I'm pretty sure I would need a large bomb to do much to it.

the 055 is a solid choice. Not great for hiking, but a good tripod. I've used it on waterfall trips. Not too heavy at all. Just not small and as light as a true traveler model.

The tripod in my sig has been with me for almost 42 years and shows its age in the rubber feet and center column rubber stop but is stable and does the jobs I ask it to do. It ran about 65 bucks in 1969, I don't have any idea what it would cost in todays market but I would buy it again in a heartbeat

What about the tripod head?
Is that a good one that comes with the 055?

For the past few years I've been using my dad's aluminum Optex tripod. Its one of those really really garbage tripods with a plastic centre column that is geared. It's lets have arms that slide up and down the centre column. The head and tripod is one unit, so I can't change the head. The head won't go 90 degrees into portrait. Also its a pan/tilt head. All I can say is that this tripod sucks. It sort of works. The legs are made of beefy aluminum, but I still notice that the images that come out are not tack sharp. That maybe because of my lens or tripod. I like to think it is my tripod.

After deciding wither or not to buy a new lens first (17-40L) or a top of the line tripod, I opted for the top of the line tripod. Knowing that the top of the line tripod setup would last me forever, it would withstand what ever I throw at it (within it's limits). It would be a well spent investment.

So after reading many, many threads on this forum about tripods. I went ahead and bought the Gitzo GT2541. Boy I tell you this set of legs is incredibly built. It's a work of art, with modern innovations. Innovations that make using the tripod easier.

I have not yet mentioned why I spent nearly $800 on a set of legs. Let me tell you what made me decide on it. Gitzo is a well known brand for many years. Their name relates to quality, craftsmanship and reliability. If I ever do need parts outside of warranty, I can simply go into a local pro camera shop and pick it up, rather than ordering it from overseas. The G locks make setting up the legs far easier, but beside that fact, they make dismantling them easy as well. Thus it would allow me clean and service the legs. Having flip locks, maintenance on them would be more difficult if not impossible.

So in the end, I am very happy with my set of legs. I am still deciding and saving up for my head. Most likely I will be paring it up with the Markins M10 which is going to set me back another $400. Knowing that I will be saving myself from buying other cheep tripods over and over again, I will be happy for many many years to come.

Viva-photography wrote in post #10387971
What about the tripod head?
Is that a good one that comes with the 055?

No head "comes with" a Manfrotto 055 series tripod unless the dealers put together a package. Normally, you buy a tripod and then you buy a head and assemble the two. That way, you can choose ANY head (from many manufacturers) to put on your tripod leg set.

Thats what I was asking about.
The one that comes with the bundle that I posted.

I wanted stability, light weight and a head that didn't droop. That costs a bit of money.

My previous setup was stable but heavy and the head would droop. I never used it. So, a moderately priced combo that you don't use or a more expensive setup that you do use. I think the second option is cheaper.

Good point Bohdan.
I am willing to up my budget.
I just would still not like to spend more than $500 all together. I have other things I'd like to buy too.

Any recommendations?

anybody knows when's the new RRS TVC-23 coming out?

Just looking at some legs/heads.... $500 is really no man's land. Either you spend $300 or $600+, it seems.

Is weight important ?

If not, one of the Manfrtotto tripods. Depending on your height, the 055 or 190. Heads, I really cannot recommend Manfrotto. Many are happy with them, I wasn't (488RC2). Photo Clam seems to be getting good owner reviews and would fit into your budget.

http://reallybigcamera​s.com

FYI. I have a Feisol 3442 + Markins M10 + RRS Lever clamp.

You buy a good tripod, it lasts you for life... its one of the best investments you can make...even if i hardly ever use mine, Its gonna be there when i need it.

Viva-photography wrote in post #10388009
Thats what I was asking about.
The one that comes with the bundle that I posted.

There's absolutely no way that I would want a "three-way pan" type of head for still photography. The handles really get in the way and slow down the setup.

I would strongly suggest the Manfrotto 498RC2 ball head for still photography. Make sure you get extra quick release plates so that you have one for each and every camera and lens that one can be mounted to.

^ I have that head on my 055xprob... perfect combo