Posted by Norm Krell on September 30, 2008 at 12:19 AM
Not sure if this is the right place to ask but I am looking to buy a tripod to work with my D80 and 70 - 200 lens. I will be hiking with it so want light weight but still sturdy to hold my camera and lens. Do you have suggestions of what would work best for me. Thanks for taking the time to help with such amateurish questions.
Posted by Steve Foss on September 30, 2008 at 12:50 AM
Well, for $115 you can get a Manfrotto 725B with integral ballhead and quick-release plate. It's black aluminum and rated to about 8 pounds. It's pretty light, quite compact and very solid. Just one option to check out, but an excellent one if price is an issue.
I've been using its predecessor, the 724B, for about three years tromping around the wilderness trails near Ely with my backpack, and it's served me well.
Many options out there. If money isn't an issue . . . carbon fiber!
Posted by Robert Fisher on September 30, 2008 at 8:26 AM
Have a look at this discussion, http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=34482&CGISESSID=003b521afcc226518a9284778bc640ff&u=21309.
If you want to keep the weight down then carbon fibre is really the way to go. It's not cheap though.
Posted by John Mumaw on September 30, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Knowing your budget for a tripod and head would help.
Posted by Larry Fischer on September 30, 2008 at 3:51 PM
I'm not a professional but do some backpacking and take the camera. Shoot a D300 with 18-200 mm most of the time.
My tripod is Chinese! The brand is Hakuba. I put a ProMaster ball head (I like ball heads!!) and the carbon fiber of this "pod" is light. Will go really low to the ground by spreading the legs and removing most of the center piece. Screw releases some may not like but they don't catch on things in or on my pack. Have you tried E-bay??? Might get a good deal on carbon and ball head. I'm guessing the whole pod weighs in at 4 lbs. This "pod" is not sturdy enough for non-VR telphotos, however. Even the shutter will make my system move slightly at 1300 mm.
Hakuba
Posted by Richard Hahn on September 30, 2008 at 9:15 PM
Norm,
Good evening. If I may suggest that you keep in the back of your mind that there is a better then good chance you will want to get a bigger lens when you do buy a tripod. I personally at the moment do not use one.
Good luck with your choice.
Posted by Norm Krell on September 30, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Thanks for the input. There is a chance I will have a bigger lens in the future and likely step up the body as well. I was just curious on your ideas. My budget could be $300- $400 if need be but why pay more if I really don't need it. I just want to be sure the tripod will be versatile and safe for the camera.
Posted by John Mumaw on October 1, 2008 at 9:10 AM
You might consider the Feisol CT3442, an excellent deal for a super lightweight, yet sturdy tripod. Head will cost extra.
Posted by Steve Foss on October 1, 2008 at 9:14 AM
John, I just checked that one out and it looks like a real winner. Good tip!
Discussion
8 repliesI've been using its predecessor, the 724B, for about three years tromping around the wilderness trails near Ely with my backpack, and it's served me well.
Many options out there. If money isn't an issue . . . carbon fiber!
If you want to keep the weight down then carbon fibre is really the way to go. It's not cheap though.
My tripod is Chinese! The brand is Hakuba. I put a ProMaster ball head (I like ball heads!!) and the carbon fiber of this "pod" is light. Will go really low to the ground by spreading the legs and removing most of the center piece. Screw releases some may not like but they don't catch on things in or on my pack. Have you tried E-bay??? Might get a good deal on carbon and ball head. I'm guessing the whole pod weighs in at 4 lbs. This "pod" is not sturdy enough for non-VR telphotos, however. Even the shutter will make my system move slightly at 1300 mm.
Hakuba
Good evening. If I may suggest that you keep in the back of your mind that there is a better then good chance you will want to get a bigger lens when you do buy a tripod. I personally at the moment do not use one.
Good luck with your choice.