Tripod help

A few weeks ago,I posted a request for suggestions on ball heads. The responses were instrumental in my being able to make an informed decision on which one will satisfy my needs(Acratech Ultimate). While on a birding trip yesterday, one of legs on the tripod that I intended to use broke. My other tripod is a Tiffen Model 4190 photography tripod that came with a 3-way adjustable platform and I have been using it for my spotting scope. I don't see how to mount a ball head on this platform without having to keep the platform and the movement duplication that will result and it being very awkward. Can I replace the riser and platform only? The manufacturer web site is of little help - don't see any replacement parts available. Do I have to buy a new tripod and if so what are the suggestions? Tks for all the help in the past and forthcoming.

What's the biggest lens you are using? What is the max load the tripod will support? What was the tripod you were intending to use? What's it's max load?


Kent in SD

Duh! Should have included that info if I expected any good responses.
Camera is Canon Rebel XTi (D30) and max lens will be the Canon 100-400 zoom IS lens with a combined weight of approximately 4 #s.
Don't have the specs on the Tiffen tripod and can't find any on the website.

Hi Bob,
I had an aluminum Bogen 3221 tripod for several years. It was a workhorse of a tripod, but every year it got a little heavier. So I bought a Slik Pro 714 CFII carbon fiber model. It's light, has 4 leg sections and collapses to somewhere around 20". I use a Canon with the same lens as you, and the combination works well for me.

Ken

Bob: A lot depends on your budget as well. I have 2 Bogen 3221 models and they have served me very well. I think it is the 190 model now. I'm lusting after a Gitzo CF model but the 3221 with a Kirk BH-1 aboard handles my 300 f2.8 with no difficulty. >=))>

I had a Manfrotto for four years, and like Ken's Bogen, it just got heavier every year. And the new weight limits on a lot of airlines started to present problems. After a lot of help from folks here, I settled on a Gitzo GT2542L. I'm very pleased with it. It's amazing light, but at least as stable as the Manfrotto. And for the first time, I don't have to hunch over using the camera. It supports by E-3 and 300mm f2.8 w/ teleconverter just fine. The rubber feet have an annoying tendency to come unscrewed, but I solve that with a bit of Shoe Goo.

You have received good advice so far. I do not think you can, nor do I think it worth it to fix up your current legs with the pan head on it. When you buy a new set of legs buy one for life. So, light weight is important and be sure to get one that will be tall enough so you don't have to bend over too much to use it pointing up into a tree. If you get legs with a center column don't count the extended column height in this. With the center column extended most legs are too unstable. Many of us don't even have center columns.

General rule of thumb is for the legs to support 2 X the total weight you will place on it - including ball head. Remember, eventually you will buy another long lens. Plan for that. don't forget to include a flash and better beamer into the weight mix. You may not have one now, but again, chances are you will.

Looking for a reasonably priced ultra light carbon fiber tripod that you can carry on a backpack?
If so, look no further than the Feisol CT-3442. One of the best equipment purchases I've made!
You can find more info. at Really Big Cameras, where Kerry provides top notch technical support and will answer any questions you have fast.