Posted by Tad Bowman on October 17, 2006 at 12:19 AM
Hi everyone,
I'm thinking about upgrading my tripod (current one is slightly better than an entry level tripod) and was wondering what people's suggestions would be. I'm looking for a light, stable, and durable tripod. I would be using it for landscape photography. Thus, I would be hiking with it and doing roadside photography. My camera body is a 1dsMII and the heaviest lens I have is a 70-200mm L series lens. Tripod names, model, and tripod heads would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Tad
Posted by Kent Staubus on October 17, 2006 at 8:43 AM
Gitzo 1258 with AcraTech ballhead.
Kent in SD
Posted by Bill Chambers on October 17, 2006 at 11:08 AM
No help for the legs - I'm still using my old Bogen 3021 aluminum legs. Stable, but not very light. Great for use in salt water though, none of the maintenance issues that some seem to had have with the Gitzo bushings, etc. after salt water, sand, mud usage.
As for head - I use the RRS BH-40 and have been very happy. Very light, but still very stable. I use it with my D2X and the RRS pano package, and it handles the weight easily. I was concerned about the ability to do so, but Scott at RRS assured me it would and that I wouldn't need to go up to the BH-55 - he was right!
Posted by Roger Rouch on October 17, 2006 at 2:44 PM
I have the Bogen/Manfrotto 055MF4 and especially like the flip levers rather than the twist locks. Relatively lightweight and compact with moderate use and abuse for about 4 years with no problems. I use the AcraTech ballhead which is also relatively lightweight and seems near indestructable and impervious to water and dirt. Moderate use and abuse for about 3 years and no problems.
Another vote for the Acratech head - tough, well-built, lightweight, and convenient to use. For tripod legs I usually go for the low-end CF offerings. My current set is a Velbon Carmagne (second one I owned). My philosophy is that I'd rather get 4-5 years of use out of a cheap tripod and not have to worry about banging it around rather than buy an expensive one and freak out every time it takes a hit.
Guy
Posted by Tom Nevesely on October 17, 2006 at 5:51 PM
I use Feisol 3401 tripod with an Acratech ballhead. A nice lightweight combo! The Feisol was cheap for a CF tripod - about $200 and so far I've had no problems with it.
I really should try a carbon fiber tripod. I have no issue with the stability of my slightly decrepit Gitzos, but from what people tell me, I am way behind the weight vs. stability curve using an aluminum 320 (now 1320 I think) and ocasionally, when I eat my Wheaties, a 410.
I'm way too out of touch with modern times to help much. I will say, there is huge difference in stability of tripods. Going from my original three-legged friend, a Bogen 3021, to the Gitzo 320 was amazing. People used to say they were very similar in stability, but that wasn't my experience. I had a hard time seeing the difference in the next step up to the brawny 410, with 35 mm slides, decent equipment, impeccable technique (tounge in cheek) and where I shoot the only difference was more shoulder pain.
I've looked at the Velbon Carmagne tripods, but they're still not cheap to me. Gitzo carbon fiber tripods are breathtakingly expensive, but people swear by them, or was that at them?
Pete D.
Posted by Gary Gulash on October 17, 2006 at 11:08 PM
One man's ideal tripod is another's nightmare. I bought a Gitzo 1228 CF, I'm just 6 ft tall but it is too short and a pain in the neck, literally. Seems obvious but don't give your chiropractor any extra work. If you are "shortish" I would offer to sell you the 1228; however I plan to keep it for hiking and get something taller for stationary use.
Posted by Tad Bowman on October 19, 2006 at 12:46 AM
Thanks everyone for your response and information. It was very helpful.
Discussion
8 repliesI'm thinking about upgrading my tripod (current one is slightly better than an entry level tripod) and was wondering what people's suggestions would be. I'm looking for a light, stable, and durable tripod. I would be using it for landscape photography. Thus, I would be hiking with it and doing roadside photography. My camera body is a 1dsMII and the heaviest lens I have is a 70-200mm L series lens. Tripod names, model, and tripod heads would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Tad
Kent in SD
As for head - I use the RRS BH-40 and have been very happy. Very light, but still very stable. I use it with my D2X and the RRS pano package, and it handles the weight easily. I was concerned about the ability to do so, but Scott at RRS assured me it would and that I wouldn't need to go up to the BH-55 - he was right!
Guy
I'm way too out of touch with modern times to help much. I will say, there is huge difference in stability of tripods. Going from my original three-legged friend, a Bogen 3021, to the Gitzo 320 was amazing. People used to say they were very similar in stability, but that wasn't my experience. I had a hard time seeing the difference in the next step up to the brawny 410, with 35 mm slides, decent equipment, impeccable technique (tounge in cheek) and where I shoot the only difference was more shoulder pain.
I've looked at the Velbon Carmagne tripods, but they're still not cheap to me. Gitzo carbon fiber tripods are breathtakingly expensive, but people swear by them, or was that at them?
Pete D.