Tripod suggestion

TwistedJTwistedJ Registered Users Posts: 193 Major grins
edited March 24, 2008 in Accessories
Most of my still photography is outside in the backyard shooting nature. Any suggestions on a reasonably good priced sturdy tripod would be appreciated.

Comments

  • gryphonslair99gryphonslair99 Registered Users Posts: 182 Major grins
    edited March 17, 2008
    TwistedJ wrote:
    Most of my still photography is outside in the backyard shooting nature. Any suggestions on a reasonably good priced sturdy tripod would be appreciated.

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480325-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__190XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html
  • charlesoutcaltcharlesoutcalt Registered Users Posts: 100 Big grins
    edited March 18, 2008
    My Experience
    This forum caught my eye because I have just been through the tripod review/purchase cycle, for the second time in about six months.

    The first time, I bought the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021B, and I was pretty happy with it. I read so many glowing reviews of the Gitzo carbon fiber series, though, that I was tempted. When I planned a safari with some severe weight restrictions, that was my excuse/rationalization for upgrading. I have been really happy with the Gitzo, but here's what made even more of a difference in the upgrade: I got the Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 to sit on top of the Gitzo. That has made a HUGE difference. After all, I spend much more time interacting with the ballhead than the tripod itself. The Arca-Swiss is responsive, intuitive, smooth as melted butter. . . I wasn't expecting a ballhead to make a difference, but this one does.

    Here's a link to a site with much more scientific reviews than my own anecdotes. I highly recommend it for all types of reviews.

    http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/
  • claudermilkclaudermilk Registered Users Posts: 2,756 Major grins
    edited March 18, 2008
    Budget? There's many options out there. While Gitzos are the top dogs, not everyone can afford a Rolls-Royce & not everyone needs one. The setup gryphonslair linked is considered a very good starting setup for a serious tripod.
    Chris
    http://www.chrislaudermilkphoto.com/
  • RaphyRaphy Registered Users Posts: 431 Major grins
    edited March 18, 2008
    Whatever you do get...make sure you get a BALL HEAD !with quick release...! Trust me, there's nothing like it ! mwink.gif Don't wait to get frustrated with the pan/tilt head...
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  • TwistedJTwistedJ Registered Users Posts: 193 Major grins
    edited March 18, 2008
    Thanks all I am off to to research your suggestions.
  • GergGerg Registered Users Posts: 5 Beginner grinner
    edited March 19, 2008
    Take a look here for some great information. It is Thom Hogan's analsys on buying a tripod. Too bad I didn't see this before I bought a cheap tripod that's only good to suppory my PS S500 :D
  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited March 19, 2008
    lWhile Manfroto/Bogen make a fantastic leg sets.....might I also suggest you take a look at The Giottos line.....my siggy shows the legs I have and I use a Manfrotto/Bogen 322Rc2 handle ball head.....which for me is fantastic and I get more movement from than anyother ball head I have owned......I have used the center column horizontally and also at some difficult angles for closeup/macro shots many times.....

    Good Luck with your research.
    "Genuine Fractals was, is and will always be the best solution for enlarging digital photos." ....Vincent Versace ... ... COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK ONLINE ... ... My Website

  • claudermilkclaudermilk Registered Users Posts: 2,756 Major grins
    edited March 20, 2008
    15524779-Ti.gif I am very pleased with my Giottos legs.
    Chris
    http://www.chrislaudermilkphoto.com/
  • rpcrowerpcrowe Registered Users Posts: 733 Major grins
    edited March 21, 2008
    I love my Giottos MT8180
    I am extremely happy with my Giottos MT8180 legs and I use two heads for these legs. The Manfrotto 3421 Gimbal Head and a Giottos MH1300 Ball Head. I love the Arca Compatible QR system on the MH1300.

    The MT8180 legs are great. The unit is tall enough for me (I am 6'1") to comfortably use, but not too heavy to burden me. Unfortunately, this unit is no longer available. I got it at a great price since it was a discontinued model. It replaced a Manfrotto 3001P and the difference is night and day.

    The Manfrotto 3421 incorporates an Arca like quick release and a long camera/lens plate. The long plate on the lens tripod ring allows me to move the camera/lens back and forth to balance the system so that I can move it with finger pressure but, which stays in place unless I excet that pressure. I use this gimbal mount especially for following action with long lenses.

    I have a camera specific Kirk "L" Bracket for my 30D which attaches to the Giottos MH1300. This allows me to switch from vertical to horizontal without having to move the tripod head. I use this when I am shooting on a tripod with lenses that don't incorporate tripod rings.
  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,939 moderator
    edited March 22, 2008
    Take a look through the tripod sticky. Lots of good info there.
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • claudermilkclaudermilk Registered Users Posts: 2,756 Major grins
    edited March 24, 2008
    rpcrowe wrote:
    The MT8180 legs are great. The unit is tall enough for me (I am 6'1") to comfortably use, but not too heavy to burden me. Unfortunately, this unit is no longer available. I got it at a great price since it was a discontinued model. It replaced a Manfrotto 3001P and the difference is night and day.

    FYI, it appears the replacement is the MT8370 (the MT83xx series is the CF legs with rotating center column mount). Giottos revamped their naming scheme right around when we bought ours. Mine's the MT7261 model (non-rotating lava 3-section).
    Chris
    http://www.chrislaudermilkphoto.com/
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