1st Real Tripod

grapejape

For a 1st "real" tripod, is there anything out there comparable to this for the same amount of money?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505863-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

I was looking to spend under $200, but it seems like this combo gets more good "starter tripod" reviews than anything else I've read about. I currently have a Wal Mart tripod, and I'm scared to use it with my 40D b/c it's so flimsy.

I'm also open to better deals on the Manfrotto combo I listed - this was the best one I came across.


- Jason

KenK

That is the tripod I use. You can't go wrong with it - gets very good reviews.

Candid Arts

Agreed. Very good tripod. I went with the 190CXPRO3 legs vs the 055, you loose a little bit on what it can support, but it's a bit lighter, but also a hair more spendy, actually a bit. I don't remember what the differences were now, max height, min height maybe. I dunno. Look into both though. Either way can't go wrong with those legs, they are excellent.

I also have the 488 Ball Head, but with the RC4 plate/clamp vs the RC2. Personally, I prefer the bigger plate as it provides more stability and a bigger surface area to sit on for more control as well. For me (just upgraded to 50D from 40D, and my heaviest glass right now is 24-105 f/4L) that Ball Head works...but is a little small. I would have preffered to go with something larger like the RRS BH-55 would be my top choice, it also supports quite a bit more weight than the 488, but will operate much much smoother and will last a lot longer, only problem is...$$$. They are spendy. Check this thread for more good info. It's a current thread discussing a couple different brands and models. http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=112630

To sum up: The legs are a great choice, can't go wrong with them. The head is decent and will work for most likely whatever you have now decently, there is just better out there and after using it for awhile, you might want to upgrade, but at more than twice, or three times the cost. It's an excellent head for the money.