Another tripod ?

[fitzperry]

Hi all,

Been away from the photo board for awhile because I've been exceedingly busy with . . . well, life and, therefore, neglecting my camera . . . plus, I haven't been to WDW for almost 5 years , although we did do a quick DL trip last year. Anyway, we're headed back to WDW in November, and I've rediscovered the disboards and my favorite photo board!

I desperately need a new tripod but can't break the bank on this purchase. Of course, I want something as lightweight and compact as possible because the biggest problem with my current tripod is that I never want to carry it. I'm familiar with the adage that you can't have cheap, stable and light, but I'm trying to come up with a reasonable compromise. I like the looks of the Benro Travel Angels, but I wish the <$200 models extended a bit higher (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=benro+travel+angel&N=0&InitialSearch=yes, for example). I'm also considering this one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/586216-REG/Smith_Victor_700427_CF3_Carbon_Fiber_Tripod.html, although I'm not really familiar with the brand. It's fairly lightweight and extends higher than the Benro but doesn't fold down as small, which is a definite drawback.

Any thoughts? Other suggestions? I'd like to keep it under $200 if possible.

Thanks!

 

[annnewjerz]

Any thoughts? Other suggestions? I'd like to keep it under $200 if possible.

Thanks!

Unfortunately, I don't have any suggestions under $200, but if you can squeeze out another few bucks, here is the tripod I'm looking at getting sometime this Fall. It's a Benro (which my current tripod is also), it's carbon fiber, comes with a carrying bag with a strap, and extends up to 70 inches with the center column raised. It's anywhere from $249 to $279 on sites like Amazon and KEH.com.

If that's too much out of your budget, have you considered getting a used tripod? I would look on KEH and also E-Bay and Craigs List to see if you can find something previously owned that better fits your specs.

http://www.amazon.com/BENRO-C-297EX-Carbon-Flexpod-EX/dp/B002CVTUEM

 

[fitzperry]

Unfortunately, I don't have any suggestions under $200, but if you can squeeze out another few bucks, here is the tripod I'm looking at getting sometime this Fall. It's a Benro (which my current tripod is also), it's carbon fiber, comes with a carrying bag with a strap, and extends up to 70 inches with the center column raised. It's anywhere from $249 to $279 on sites like Amazon and KEH.com.

If that's too much out of your budget, have you considered getting a used tripod? I would look on KEH and also E-Bay and Craigs List to see if you can find something previously owned that better fits your specs.

http://www.amazon.com/BENRO-C-297EX-Carbon-Flexpod-EX/dp/B002CVTUEM

It hadn't occurred to me to look for something used. I will definitely do some searching!

 

[zackiedawg]

I have no idea what you actually consider high enough in extending, small enough when compacted, and ideally weighted...but I do know that I've had a very good experience with my current tripod which I travel with and carry often and love for just the same factors you mention - it extends tall enough, compacts short enough, and is a good weight and build for me, plus is only $100. Check out the Slik Sprint Pro EZ, and see if it would meet your needs or has any particular measure that falls outside your standard. For the money, you could put a heck of a nice head on it and still be under your budget.

 

[DPK400]

+1 for the Benro Travel Angel. I have the Benro C2961TB1 and I love it. It will extend higher than you will probably need it. It's light and the ballhead had a really nice feel to it.

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

THat was the tripod I was considering but it only extended to 65"... loved everything about it except that

 

[DPK400]

THat was the tripod I was considering but it only extended to 65"... loved everything about it except that

I will measure mine tomorrow, that seems low. With the ball head on it it is too high to use at its full height. The camera is well above my eye level standing straight. I am 5'11" so I am not sure of your height, but it is more than tall enough for me.

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

No retailers near me had a demo for me to play with, all I had to go off were the online specs. If it does go as high as the one I bought instead I will be upset LOL! Although I like my new one, The TA has the swivel lock legs, but they get so compact! Great tripod, but I had to consider where I normally use mine, and that is here at home.

 

[fitzperry]

+1 for the Benro Travel Angel. I have the Benro C2961TB1 and I love it. It will extend higher than you will probably need it. It's light and the ballhead had a really nice feel to it.

That is a bit out of my price range, but now I'm considering the Benro A-0691: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/738066-REG/Benro_A0691TB00_A_0691_Travel_Angel_Alum.html. Looks like it's a couple inches taller than the Benro in my first post (over 5'--a bit more would be nice, but I'm only 5'2", so I don't really need it most of the time, unless I can find something or someone to stand on ) and a bit lighter as well--for another $60.

 

[DPK400]

No retailers near me had a demo for me to play with, all I had to go off were the online specs. If it does go as high as the one I bought instead I will be upset LOL! Although I like my new one, The TA has the swivel lock legs, but they get so compact! Great tripod, but I had to consider where I normally use mine, and that is here at home.

The eyepiece on my 1D IV is 70.5 inches off the ground when the tripod is fully extended. This is well above my eye level. If you are 6'2" plus you may run into some height issues. I will never run into height issues.

Good point though about buying the tripod to fill your needs. I wanted a super light, small folded size that was capable of holding larger lenses. I don't use a tripod every week so this won't be used constantly. What is the max height of yours out of curiosity? Most of the Gitzo's that I've used were around the same height.


@fitzperry You will like the Benro. Plus the ballhead is arca-swiss compatible if you already have an L bracket it should fit.