Tripod.

Dick on Aruba

Well…it’s about time to put a “first post” in this forum.

My question is about a tripod. I’m looking for a tripod with ball-head that can hold about 15LB~20LB. They offer such a big variety on tripods and (ball) heads, that I don’t know what’s best. The prizes are not as such that I just buy one and see if it works for me.

May one of you can point me in the right direction based on your experience.

I’m into nature photographing (mainly birds)

Dick.

Bob Bell

D200-D70 wrote:

Well…it’s about time to put a “first post” in this forum.

My question is about a tripod. I’m looking for a tripod with ball-head that can hold about 15LB~20LB. They offer such a big variety on tripods and (ball) heads, that I don’t know what’s best. The prizes are not as such that I just buy one and see if it works for me.

May one of you can point me in the right direction based on your experience.

I’m into nature photographing (mainly birds)

Dick.

Welcome to a very expensive world

I think Gitzo is the best followed by Manfrotto(Bogen). For Nature / Travel I use a Gitzo 1348. I prefer 3-way heads primarily because I am an advertising / product photographer. I think the leading product is RRS with the BH-40 for lighteight lenses and BH-55 for heavier loads like 400/2.8. 500/4, 600/4. I used to own an Acra Swiss B1 which is great but I think now that I spend so much time in the field that I am going to get a BH-55 for nature and keep the 3way for studio work.

David_S85

The load capacity of the BH-40 is 18 pounds, give or take. With a long heavy lens, one is best to mount the lens foot to the clamp above the ball instead of cantilevering the whole mess from the base of the camera.

If you're going to be hiking, a lightweight tripod and head is almost a must. Your arm and shoulder will thank you for choosing a good one. The BH-40 is a reasonable compromise for weight/stability. The 55 simply weighs a ton (by measure of carrying, not by actual weight).

My new Gitzo carbon pod and BH-40 will be getting a workout, and its first real-world test in Utah mid May. The 30+ year-old Bogen 9 pounder has been relegated to semi-retirement.

Dick on Aruba

Thanks Bob and David. I will evaluate to options.

Dick.

Art Scott

I have owned bogen/manfrotto and other brands of tripods and heads and I am now sold on the Giottos they give me what I need in comapctability to be backpacked and also the stability I need in the field or studio. This link is for the model directly under what I own but it was the closest on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/GIOTTOS-MT9170-Professional-Universal-Tripod_W0QQitemZ7612902705QQcategoryZ3325QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I use the Giottos MT9180 and I use a Bogen/manfrotto 322RC2 Grip action ball head. This has been a great set up for me as I do carry it alot and wil be backing it all over europe very soon.

ian408

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Why not take advantage of the search feature and look for the various
threads discussing tripods. Lots of good stuff (including photos). You can
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Dick on Aruba

Thanks Scott and Ian