Narrowing My Tripod Search - Input Needed/Welcomed

CyberSteak · January 20, 2010

I'm still rather new to the "hobby" (less then a year). And still figuring things out. Funny how you never know what you want, until you see what someone else has. Thanks to "the supervillain" for posting a thorough review of his tripod http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=155108 . It steered me in a much better direction with my next (first...really because having a tripod thown in as a sweetener when I bought a video camera 12 years back doesn't really count) tripod purchase.

I've narrowed it down to...

Giottos MT9370
Giottos MT9371
and Induro's AX213

The features that these tripods have that I'm interested in is...

- Low to the ground shooting
- Legs that can be set at different angles independently
- Twist locks on the legs that are sealed from the elements
- Tall enough so I don't have to hunch over (6'2")
- ***A center column that can be set at angles from 90 to 0 degrees*** (to use with my new 100mm Canon Macro)

Not sure if there's any other models I should be looking at that fits these needs. Please let me know if there's something else I should be considering that's in a similar price range.

I have to decide first if I want to go with Giottos or Induro. If I go with Giottos the only thing I have to figure out is if I should go with the 4 section or 3 section tripod. The head I've already figured out. The Giottos MH-1000/MH652 combo seems like it'll do the trick.

The Induro is currently on sale:barbat Adorama . They don't have the 4 section AX214 available so that's one less decision. Only problem I'm having is figuring which ballhead to buy with it. The ones listed on Induro's site (the DM and SA series) that are suppose to be for this model tri-pod isn't available at Adorama. They do have the newer BH series but I haven't a clue what size this tripod is considered so I'm not sure which ballhead to match it up to.

I have no clue how to mix and match ballheads to tripods. If there are ballheads from other companys that are better then the Giottos or Induro ones, and are in the $200 and under price range, please let me know.

Any help you can be with helping me decide which tripod/ballhead I should get would be greatly appreciated.

Oh I guess I should state what kinda weight this will be supporting. Check the sig...

Thanks in advance.

CyberSteak · January 23, 2010

63 views and no opinion/advice?

FlyFisher70 · January 23, 2010

The Induro AX213 is only 66 inches high with the column fully extended which would seem like a unstable position IMO. You're 6'2" you're already going to be hunched over big time whenever you don't extend the center column, without the center column extended the tripod height is only 58.6" which seems really to small even for me at 5'10".

I chose the C313 from your previous post, I was unsure about the quality, but reading reviews there was only two bad reviews I could find. The C313 is 60.9" without extending the center column, with the ballhead and camera height, it should put the camera right about eye level for me, good for not hunching over. Extending the center column will put it at 71.3" which would be a better position for a taller person, although IMO extending the column makes for an unstable position.

Anyhow I hope this helps a little in making a decision on the tripod. Lots of people make the mistake of getting to small/short a tripod, you might reconsider getting something a little taller since you're 6'2" tall.

CyberSteak · January 23, 2010

Yeah the only issue is that the C313 doesn't come with the adjustable center column which is what I would be getting in these models here. Otherwise, yeah I would have been all over the C313 at that price for sure.

rookieshooter · January 25, 2010

I have a Manfrotto 190x Prob 3 series that I can sell you. Has all the features you want too.

http://www.adorama.com/BG190XPROB.html

$120 flawless, I'll throw in a shoulder strap as well. I can even include a manfrotto ballhead if you are interested. PM me.

CyberSteak · January 25, 2010

rookieshooter wrote:

I have a Manfrotto 190x Prob 3 series that I can sell you. Has all the features you want too.

http://www.adorama.com/BG190XPROB.html

$120 flawless, I'll throw in a shoulder strap as well. I can even include a manfrotto ballhead if you are interested. PM me.

Thanks for the offer. I considered Manfrotto and even checked out that tri-pod on their site, but it's FAR too short. 48" without the column extended. That won't help me at 6'2".

CyberSteak · January 28, 2010

Well I went with the Induro AX213. It was the shortest of the three extended without the column but it was right in the middle as far as folded size (read: portability). It's also a 3 section tripod so more stability and less leg locks to play with/worry about.

The clincher though was the sales price. I took the extra savings, splurged a little more, and got the BH-40 LR from real right stuff. I figured the legs may get replaced or I may get another set, but at least I'll only ever have to buy the ballhead once.

So um...good choice?

Narrowing My Tripod Search - Input Needed/Welcomed

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