Tripod...Help me choose

USAIR

Between [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gitzo G-1228LVL Mountaineer Reporter Mk2 Carbon Fiber Performance $584[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]And [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gitzo G-2228 Explorer Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs $475 [/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The 1228 holds 17.60 lbs and the 2228 holds about 13.20 lbs [/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]My largest camera is 20D and largest lens is 70-200L f/2.8...so far.[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I would like to get a tripod that would carry me to the next camera in the furture[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I like shooting panos and also macro flowers and bugs [/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Any thoughts ? [/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Thanks [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Fred[/FONT][/FONT]

pathfinder

Fred,
I own and use the G-2228 Explorer Carbon Fiber Tripod pictured here
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/206495.jpg

The ability to angle the center column to the side is very valuable in macro shooting - It is also cheaper than your first choice too.

This is the tripod I always carry with my gear - It goes from flat on the ground to 65" in height, and it is light, and quick and easy to set up.

USAIR

pathfinder wrote:

Fred,
I own and use the G-2228 Explorer Carbon Fiber Tripod pictured here
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/206495.jpg

The ability to angle the center column to the side is very valuable in macro shooting - It is also cheaper than your first choice too.

This is the tripod I always carry with my gear - It goes from flat on the ground to 65" in height, and it is light, and quick and easy to set up.

Thanks Jim
I was hoping you would comment on this
I remember looking at yours but was not sure of the model

I would think the movable center column would be very useful
But I wanted to see what everyone else thought

I have made some bad decisions on tripods in the past and still paying for them.
Do not want to do it again



Thanks
Fred

pathfinder

I am sure the Mountaineer Reporter is excellent too, but I bought the Explorer for myself after having purchased an Explorer for my wife. I so liked hers, that had to have one too.

It's only drawback if if you plan on large, heavy telephotos that need a Sidekick or Wimberly head. It may be a little light for that usage - the 1325 legs are much better in that arena. But I really shines for low to the ground macro shooting.

The RRS BH-40 head is a nice, light head for the 2228 also. RRS makes a great set of pano heads also. I like spending OPM:D

spider-t

I prefer Bogen
I find the legs easier to open and set than the Gitzo. Bogen has quick leg clamps, no screwing required.

I have this one and it has that sideways center column feature as well:

Bogen 055MF3 Cargon Fiber

I have it paired with the Ultimate Ballhead

It's an awesome tripod.

cheers,
Trish

USAIR

spider-t wrote:

I find the legs easier to open and set than the Gitzo. Bogen has quick leg clamps, no screwing required.

I have this one and it has that sideways center column feature as well:

Bogen 055MF3 Cargon Fiber

I have it paired with the Ultimate Ballhead

It's an awesome tripod.

cheers,
Trish

Trish Been looking at this one (on line not in person) looks real nice too
I have seen the 3443 in person is the 055MF3 (4) as stout as the 3443 ?

Thanks for the help
Fred

spider-t

USAIR wrote:

Trish Been looking at this one (on line not in person) looks real nice too
I have seen the 3443 in person is the 055MF3 (4) as stout as the 3443 ?

Thanks for the help
Fred

Fred,

I haven't seen the 3443 myself in person, but from the specs, the 055MF3 is a little more stout. It's a little heavier, longer and rated to hold more weight.

If packing space is important, you can get the 4 section one: 055MF4.

It also looks like the 3443 (aka 441) was part of the old Carbon Fiber line. I'm not sure Bogen makes them any longer.

Oh, and the 055 doesn't have a 'tilting' center column like the Gitzo Pathfinder posted about. The 055 center column just goes perpendicular. I have used it for copy work and shooting artwork. I don't do much macro.

cheers,
Trish

pathfinder

Nightingale uses the Acratech ballhead - http://acratech.net/ - It is lighter and more inexpensive than an Arca-Swiss or a RRS BH-40 or BH-55, and works just fine.

I envy her it when hiking, but I think for very heavy cameras and long telephotos that the BH-40 or the BH-55 may be a bit more rigid.

Did you see the cool level quick release on the acratech website? - http://acratech.net/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOS&Product_Code=LQRP&Category_Code=Universal+Plates

gluwater

Fred I use the Gitao 1228, not the LVL that you mentioned with a RRS BH-40 and a couple other RRS toys. I am currently using a 20D with the 400 f/5.6 with 1.4TC and 580EX. Here is a pic I took of it the other day.



The set up feels solid to me and I enjoy using it. My only complaint about it is the 4 piece legs can be a little hassle if you are in a hurry but I also like them because it breaks down shorter. Personally I like the screw tight legs instead of the knobs used on other legs because I think the knobs get in the way and caught on stuff when hiking. Good luck, buying new stuff can be fun and frustrating all at the same time/

USAIR

gluwater wrote:

Fred I use the Gitao 1228, not the LVL that you mentioned with a RRS BH-40 and a couple other RRS toys. I am currently using a 20D with the 400 f/5.6 with 1.4TC and 580EX. Here is a pic I took of it the other day.



The set up feels solid to me and I enjoy using it. My only complaint about it is the 4 piece legs can be a little hassle if you are in a hurry but I also like them because it breaks down shorter. Personally I like the screw tight legs instead of the knobs used on other legs because I think the knobs get in the way and caught on stuff when hiking. Good luck, buying new stuff can be fun and frustrating all at the same time/

That looks like a very solid system.
It would hold anything I have now.
I also like the twist legs over anything I have tried my first tripod was like that.

I dont see myself with those big lenses anytime soon...although Troy is making it hard with the sale of his 100-400L

I leaning towards the 2228 because of the movable column

Thanks
Fred

kdog

Nick,

That's a pano setup, right? Does that work well for overhead panning for tracking birds in flight like a Wimberley? Thanks.

-joel

gluwater

kdog wrote:

Nick,

That's a pano setup, right? Does that work well for overhead panning for tracking birds in flight like a Wimberley? Thanks.

-joel

Yes, it is the RRS Pano setup just in a different configuration. I haven't had many chances to get BIF's with it yet but as far as i can tell it will work well. You can adjust the resistance of the vertical and horizontal axis to fit whatever size lens and camera you are using. It is very sturdy and pans smoothly. I'll give it a good work out in Florida with Harry next week so that will be the big test as to how well it works.

kdog

Thanks! That's very creative. Sounds like you get the best of several worlds. I wish RRS did a better job of describing their pano gear. Looks like you have it pretty sorted out though. I'll be interested in hearing further reports.

Savas K

I've hear RSS people are very good to talk to. I imagine if you think out fully your objectives, they would be able to come up with something to satisfy that requirement.

wxwax

pathfinder wrote:

Nightingale uses the Acratech ballhead - http://acratech.net/ - It is lighter and more inexpensive than an Arca-Swiss or a RRS BH-40 or BH-55, and works just fine.

I envy her it when hiking, but I think for very heavy cameras and long telephotos that the BH-40 or the BH-55 may be a bit more rigid.

Did you see the cool level quick release on the acratech website? - http://acratech.net/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOS&Product_Code=LQRP&Category_Code=Universal+Plates

Hey, I hadn't seen that. Do I understand this correctly - you put the level on your head, level it, then remove the plate and insert your camera?

And you're right about the Acratech being lightweight - a virtue I forgot to list in the ballhead thread.

ivar

wxwax wrote:

Hey, I hadn't seen that. Do I understand this correctly - you put the level on your head, level it, then remove the plate and insert your camera?

That's the way i read it, cool, i had never seen it in a qr plate before.

USAIR

Just thought I would let everyone know which one I chose
The Gitzo G-2228 Explorer Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs for $475
Had it out a couple of times so far and I am a happer camper
Might do a mini review on it
Now on to RRS ballhead and L bracket $$$$$$$$$$$$



Fred