I'm trying to decide which tripod to get. It will be an upgrade since I've been using a very amateur tripod (to put it nicely).
I have about $400 to spend on legs and head. I shoot primarily landscape/nature with a Canon 5D and 18-200mm lense. I need it to be sturdy, able to handle the outdoor elements (sand, water, etc), and light enough and small enough to backpack/travel with on occasion.
I've been looking at the Velbon Carmagne 640A and Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 for legs. Would anyone recommend one over the other? Or something entirely different? Why?
As for ballhead, I was looking at the Manfrotto 488RC2. Is this a sturdy one? Once locked into position I don't want it moving around. Is there a different ballhead that would be better for the price?
I had the same tripod requirements as yours and didn't want to pay the price for a Gitzo. I bought a carbon fiber Benro Travel Angel C-268. It weighs 2.6 lbs and has a max load capacity of 26 lbs. Folded height is 16 inches, max height 57". and normal height 47" I use it with a Nikon D300 with lenses up to my Sigma 150-500mm with no problems. I carry it strapped to my photo backpack. I went with a Really Right Stuff head. I would check out the full line of Benro tripods and heads. They are generally copies of the Gitzo line and made in China with aggressive pricing. The quality appears good to me. Good luck!
Posted by Kent Staubus on June 16, 2009 at 9:33 AM
I haven't tried that specific Manfrotto ballhead, but I'll mention that I think the head is more important than the tripod. A cheap one will drive you insane. The cheapest one I know that works is the AcraTech Ultimate. I've been using one for at least five years and it has never failed, not even once. Not even in blizzards, ice storms, or in thick dust. It weighs less than a pound and works perfectly. It's worth the money.
I have the Monfrotto model - truly awesome. Light and super sturdy - I just came back from 10 days backpacking thru high mountains and the tripod was always hanging from my pack.
I use Markins ballhead - very high quality and highly rated. And they are small enough to carry
Posted by Brent Murphy on June 16, 2009 at 12:39 PM
I actually have the Velbon 540A and love it. Great backpacking tripod. I can only imagine the 640A would be the same level of quality, just designed to support a heavier setup.
I have used the 488RC2 ballhead for years with no complaints. However, I recently removed the quick-release plate and and replaced it with one from RRS, to work with my new RRS L-bracket.
There is definitely better equipment out there, but the Velbon tripod and Manfrotto head you listed are great quality, and a good value.
Posted by Keith Johnson on June 16, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Thanks for all the help so far.
The one thing I'm concerned with is height. I'm 6' and I don't see how I'm going to be able to avoid bending over to look through the view finder. What do you guys do? Does anyone here use an angle viewfinder for landscape work?
I have the 190CXPro4, which, at 5'11" is a bit too short for my liking, and I therefore use the Manfrotto 055MF4 most of the time, except for backpacking and travel. The Pro4, at least, is an excellent tripod for your range of lenses. I recently got the RSS BH-40 ballhead and use the L-bracket, which was the best camera-related investment I have ever made, but it will probably exceed your price range.
Remember that the distance from the top of the tripod to the camera mounting plate on top of the ballhead, in addition to the distance from the plate to the viewfinder will add several inches to the max. height of the tripod.
Posted by Andy Richards on June 20, 2009 at 11:52 AM
In my best "Consumer Reports" vernacular, I would rate that head a "Recommended" or even a "Best Buy." As others have said, there is better equipment out there, but for the price, it cannot be beat. I have used it for about 4 years now. It works just great, is small and light. I don't shoot in -40 conditions like Kent does (does anybody shoot like Kent does ), so I cannot say how it works in those conditions. But I have used it in all seasons, including winter and its. great. I just picked up a set of used (but pristine) Manfrotto Carbon Fiber legs for just under $300. So I would say that combo should be able to be gotten within your budget.
One other thing, I use it primarily with a Nikon DSLR body and lenses no larger than the 18-200 Nikkor. I have a heavy, 300 f2.8 and have used it, but generally will use a heavier head and leg combo for that large a lens.
Discussion
9 repliesI have about $400 to spend on legs and head. I shoot primarily landscape/nature with a Canon 5D and 18-200mm lense. I need it to be sturdy, able to handle the outdoor elements (sand, water, etc), and light enough and small enough to backpack/travel with on occasion.
I've been looking at the Velbon Carmagne 640A and Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 for legs. Would anyone recommend one over the other? Or something entirely different? Why?
As for ballhead, I was looking at the Manfrotto 488RC2. Is this a sturdy one? Once locked into position I don't want it moving around. Is there a different ballhead that would be better for the price?
Thanks in advance.
Keith
Kent in SD
I use Markins ballhead - very high quality and highly rated. And they are small enough to carry
I have used the 488RC2 ballhead for years with no complaints. However, I recently removed the quick-release plate and and replaced it with one from RRS, to work with my new RRS L-bracket.
There is definitely better equipment out there, but the Velbon tripod and Manfrotto head you listed are great quality, and a good value.
The one thing I'm concerned with is height. I'm 6' and I don't see how I'm going to be able to avoid bending over to look through the view finder. What do you guys do? Does anyone here use an angle viewfinder for landscape work?
Thanks again.
One other thing, I use it primarily with a Nikon DSLR body and lenses no larger than the 18-200 Nikkor. I have a heavy, 300 f2.8 and have used it, but generally will use a heavier head and leg combo for that large a lens.