Need help on a quality tripod

[KYCruiseCrazy]

Ok fellow DISers. I need your help. I need a good quality tripod that i can carry in a normal sized backpack. what are you using? Have any photo's? Any help will help. Thanks

 

[saturndb]

Please define what low cost is?

I can tell you, I use a Cullman Magic II, fits nicely in a backpack.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I'm going to stay out of this one.

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

wow. any others?

 

[disneyboy2003]

Ok fellow DISers. I need your help. I need a good quality tripod that i can carry in a normal sized backpack. what are you using? Have any photo's? Any help will help. Thanks

There was a very heated discussion about tripods on this message board several months ago. You can try doing a quick search to find that thread.

Well, based on your 2 criteria of "good quality tripod" and "fitting in a backpack", I guess I can recommend a Gitzo GT-1541T Traveler 6X Carbon Fiber tripod (link to B&H) plus the Really Right Stuff (RRS) BH-40 LR: Mid-sized ballhead (link).

Gitzo is one of the biggest brand names in tripods. Carbon fiber makes tripods both lightweight and strong. Because it's a "Traveler" tripod, it's made for portability, with a folded length of 16 inches. That should be able to fit into a backpack or at least a large bag or totebag. For sure, it should fit in your suitcase. It's only 2.1 pounds.

Really Right Stuff makes some of the best ballheads in the business. They come very highly recommended. You can actually *feel* the quality of their ballheads, plus they're very strong and sturdy.

Of course, you will also need to invest in quick-release plates for your camera, too. I'd recommend getting an L-plate over a flat plate. Here's a link to Really Right Stuff that explains the L-plate advantage: http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/05.html. These L-plates are made *specifically* for your camera model, so they fit snugly onto your camera.

Here's a photo of the setup:

You've got lots of choices when it comes to tripods and ballheads, so look around. Hopefully, my suggestions above meet your 2 criteria for tripods.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

There was a very heated discussion about tripods on this message board several months ago. You can try doing a quick search to find that thread.

I think you are referring to this thread. I wouldn't call that heated. We've certainly had much, much worse and the most vigorous opponents in those discussions still get along quite well here (or so I think).

Well, based on your 2 criteria of "good quality tripod" and "fitting in a backpack", I guess I can recommend a Gitzo GT-1541T Traveler 6X Carbon Fiber tripod (link to B&H) plus the Really Right Stuff (RRS) BH-40 LR: Mid-sized ballhead (link).

While that's a great combination for travel (although I think the RRS BH-30 head would match the tripod better in terms of weight savings vs load capacity), I suspect that it is significant overkill for the OP. If I recall, the thread was originally a request for info on more budget oriented tripods.

I'm a big fan of Gitzo and Really Right Stuff. They make great gear. They just don't make very competitive gear for people on a budget. Unless you are a committed photographer, use your tripod a lot, and/or have lots of money to spend, I think they are the wrong brands. It's a bit like suggesting a Lexus for someone's first car that isn't sure how often they will drive.

Unfortunately, my knowledge of tripods is pretty well confined to the high end, so I have little useful advice for the OP. They need to understand that there is a trade-off between price, stability, and weight. Given that they want to stay low on the price side, they can't have low weight and high stability. I would opt for either a compromise or something heavy and stable. Having a lightweight, unstable tripod is more frustrating than useful.

As I've said, I don't know the low end market well, but I would not even bother with a tripod if you can't get something reasonably stable. Those ultra-light, flimsy things they sell at big box stores are useful for little point and shoot cameras, but not really for DSLRs. I'd suggest a more stable alternative solution like a gorilla pod, a bean bag support, or a decent clamp before I'd suggest going the ultra-flimsy route.

I don't think that Bogen/Manfrotto makes anything that is truly junk. Slik makes some good and some horrible tripods, so be a little careful there.

 

[Gdad]

Choosing a tripod can be anything from a $35 wonder from Target to a $200-$300ish rig from B&H to spending several thousand dollars on some extremely nice, well made, light, specialty gear. People have strong opinions about it so defining your budget would be a big help in recommending something. I will say from experience that spending a few hundred dollers is a huge improvement over a bargain starter setup- I can't speak for top of the line tripod gear since I don't own any. I personally use a Manfrotto 055X PRO with a 486RC2 Ballhead- it suits my needs and am I pretty happy with it. (Although it won't fit inside a backpack.)

 

[disneyboy2003]

While that's a great combination for travel (although I think the RRS BH-30 head would match the tripod better in terms of weight savings vs load capacity), I suspect that it is significant overkill for the OP. If I recall, the thread was originally a request for info on more budget oriented tripods.

Yeah, I wasn't sure what the budget was. I carefully read KYCruiseCrazy's post, and I didn't see a specific amount budgeted for the tripod. That's why I went by the only 2 criteria that KYCruiseCrazy mentioned.

I agree, though, that when looking for tripods, there's always a compromise of 3 things you'll have to consider: price, sturdiness, lightweight...pick 2 of 3.

For example:

• If you want cheap and sturdy, it won't be lightweight. Look for those heavy metal tripods.
  
• If you want sturdy and lightweight, it won't be cheap. Look for the carbon-fiber tripods.
  
• If you want cheap and lightweight, it won't be sturdy. Look for the aluminum tripods.

 

[SrisonS]

I personally use a Manfrotto 055X PRO with a 486RC2 Ballhead- it suits my needs and am I pretty happy with it. (Although it won't fit inside a backpack.)

I have this same setup (except with the 496RC2 ballhead). It's definitely not backpack material; but I love it. This was my first tripod, and I only bought it a couple of months ago. I kinda spent a little more than I what I initially planned, but I considered it a good investment. And after getting a chance to use it, I was much more comfortable in knowing that it would last a good amount of time.

The tripod selection process can be quite daunting. And unlike cameras, there aren't too many places that carry a lot of models, where you can at least check them out in person.

So I know how you feel.. so good luck!!!!!

 

[WDWFigment]

I think you are referring to this thread. I wouldn't call that heated. We've certainly had much, much worse and the most vigorous opponents in those discussions still get along quite well here (or so I think).

Speak for yourself. Because of that thread, I send that turd, Kramberries, daily hate mail via PM. I also may or may not have kidnapped one of Bob's cats and held it ransom.

Honestly, I really didn't think it was that heated. My thoughts on the topic can be found there, so I won't bother reposting them here.

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

Yeah, I wasn't sure what the budget was. I carefully read KYCruiseCrazy's post, and I didn't see a specific amount budgeted for the tripod. That's why I went by the only 2 criteria that KYCruiseCrazy mentioned.

I agree, though, that when looking for tripods, there's always a compromise of 3 things you'll have to consider: price, sturdiness, lightweight...pick 2 of 3.

For example:

• If you want cheap and sturdy, it won't be lightweight. Look for those heavy metal tripods.
  
• If you want sturdy and lightweight, it won't be cheap. Look for the carbon-fiber tripods.
  
• If you want cheap and lightweight, it won't be sturdy. Look for the aluminum tripods.

I'm looking into getting into the more Pro-side of photography. I like mono-pods and use it at times. Now i'm starting to enjoy the use of the tri-pod. I really like trying out different ideas to see what works. Otherways to have fun while on vacation while at WDW

Thanks for all of the help everyone. I was never trying to get

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

I have this same setup (except with the 496RC2 ballhead). It's definitely not backpack material; but I love it. This was my first tripod, and I only bought it a couple of months ago. I kinda spent a little more than I what I initially planned, but I considered it a good investment. And after getting a chance to use it, I was much more comfortable in knowing that it would last a good amount of time.

The tripod selection process can be quite daunting. And unlike cameras, there aren't too many places that carry a lot of models, where you can at least check them out in person.

So I know how you feel.. so good luck!!!!!

So, using a "cheap less then $100" tri-pod what would you recommend? I've seen a few of your posted photo's and it makes me go "Hmmmmmm, can I get photo's this good?" And a few others on the DIS. I want to be able to take wonderful photo's. And maybe get a job in photography

 

[SrisonS]

So, using a "cheap less then $100" tri-pod what would you recommend? I've seen a few of your posted photo's and it makes me go "Hmmmmmm, can I get photo's this good?" And a few others on the DIS. I want to be able to take wonderful photo's. And maybe get a job in photography

I really don't know too much about tripods to suggest anything other than what I have. Mine is on the heavier side; but it's sturdy, and feels nicely built. So even though it might be a pain to lug around sometimes, at least I know it's not gonna fall apart.

And as far as picture quality, any tripod beats handheld.

 

[Icemann]

So, using a "cheap less then $100" tri-pod what would you recommend? I've seen a few of your posted photo's and it makes me go "Hmmmmmm, can I get photo's this good?" And a few others on the DIS. I want to be able to take wonderful photo's. And maybe get a job in photography

Take a look at Dolica Proline I have a CF one I paid under 150.00? I think,I'm no pro by any means and this tripod is very sturdy and light

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I'm a little confused about your request. Do you want a travel tripod or an everyday professional level tripod? There is a difference. I'm no expert, but I have three, one for around the homestead, one for travel and a gorillapod for 'just in case'. My homestead is a Slik, not the best but I got if for free. For travel I have, as a PP recommended, a Cullmann Magic 2 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/14703-REG/Cullmann_CU_2722_Magic_2_Tripod.html). This is great for travel because it folds flat and easily fits in any suitcase. Its about 2 1/2 lbs and when folded is approximately 5" X 13". It extends to roughly 57" and comes with a ball head and quick disconnect. My just in case tripod is the DSLR Zoom Gorillapod. The claim is that it will hold 6.6 lbs so with my heaviest lens I'm at about 5 lbs. The Cullmann is not an everyday use tripod, but for travel it works great. The main reason I got the Gorillapod was because my DW also shoots with a DSLR and I have that as a backup to the Cullman on her bag. IMO you will have to define your need and go from there. Good luck.

 

[photo_chick]

All the equipment in the world will not make you take wonderful photos. Photography isn't about the equipment, it's about the photographer.

I think you'll be hard pressed to find a good quality, stable tripod that fits in your backpack for under $100.

 

[mom2rtk]

I did this search myself a couple of months ago. The choices were overwhelming!

After reading all of the threads, and starting one of my own, I absolutely concur that you can get 2 of the 3 (price, stability and size) but not all 3. I ended up buying this one on the recommendation of WDWFigment:

http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPage/VNLUXIL.html

It is nice and small and comes in a easy to carry shoulder bag. Is it as light and stable as the high end ones? Of course not. Is it WAY nicer than the $35 Wal-Mart one I had for years? Yep. And while more than $35, it still didn't break the bank.