I'm torn between size, and usefullness... (Tripod)

[Daisy14'sDH]

I'm getting a new tripod but am truly torn between a few...

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT, I played with it today and like its functionality it does everything the Manfrotto 055XPROB does with a little less weight a nice ballhead. But its 24" or so with the BH removed. Making it pretty big.

http://www.henrys.com/64584-VANGUARD-ALTA-PRO-263AT-3SECT-TPOD-BHEAD.aspx

AND the Benro Travel Angel 2691, havent played with it, but its compactness is nice! It doesnt get very high, which I may need in a crowded area... and it costs $100 more! Plus I'm not big on the twist lock legs...

http://www.vistek.ca/store/ProPhoto...unction-tripod-kit-wb1-ball-head-b/Specs.aspx

Which would you choose and why?

 

[GrumpyGoat]

You can get as many different tripod recommendations as there are photographers...

There are three things photographers want in a tripod: Light weight, rigidity and low price. Pick two. 'Cause you can't have all three...

I think of those, my order of preference would be rigidity first, light weight second, then I'd worry about the price. The entire purpose of a tripod is to stabilize the camera to allow slower shutter speeds and wider apertures and still get sharp images, so rigidity is foremost.

Nobody wants to be hauling a ten pound tripod around all day, so light weight is the next consideration. There are many light weight tripods made of carbon fiber on the market today and these are extremely portable, but this is where the third consideration comes in.

How much do you want to spend, or perhaps more importantly, is your photography worth the expenditure? This is where most people fail. They feel they don't want to make a large, expensive purchase when starting out and they end up with an inferior tripod. This leads to frustration and has caused more than one person to give up on photography early on. Buy the best you can afford.

Not having used either of the tripods you show, I can't speak to their functionality. I've heard good things about Benro, but the other brand is a new one to me. I've always had Manfrotto tripods and more recently a Giottos.

I hope this is of some help to you.

 

[mom2rtk]

I faced the same considerations. Finally I decided I use the tripod most at Disney, so height and compactness were critical to me.

FWIW....... I ended up with twist lock legs to and am still not a fan. I just know that I have to be vigilant to be sure they are firmly twisted in place before trusting my camera on it. I knew I was making compromises, and wasn't willing to budge on those 2 considerations.

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

Thanks for the replies! I chose the larger tripod, I will only use it at Disney once or twice a year so I decided to get one that will suit other needs more. My son enjoys using it to make Lego movies, with the swing out head that will make it that much easier for him.

I'll get it in the mail tomorrow I hope!