Tripod recommendations

[Spectro is #1]

Looking for a good quality tripod for a D70. I already have 2 tripods but are clumsy and of poor quality. Any help?

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Get a Bogen/Manfrotto or SLIK. Actually PM me, I have a Manfrotto I no longer use.

 

[MissionMouse]

Another Bogen/Manfrotto user here. They also have a good selection of tripod heads too.

 

[Razor Roman]

I just got a Manfrotto to go with my new GL2.

the thing is like butter.

 

[Daisy57b]

Are these small enough to carry around? I'm looking for a nice sturdy one, but small enough to carry around the parks.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

rules of thumb:

1. the more sections the tripod is cut into, the smaller it becomes
2. the more sections the tripod is cut into, the less stable it becomes
3. the lighter the tripod, the less stable it becomes

The rules suck!

So I stick with an (approx) 24" (folded), 3 sections Manfrotto for my travels. They are not too light, though. Even then it's not ideal for long exposures using huge lens

 

[boBQuincy]

The Velbon Maxi series is very good for the price, size, and weight. At about 2 lb and 18" it is probably the best affordable lightweight tripod that is worth carrying.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/VEL/VEL.HTM

Yes, I have one and yes, it has been to WDW.


boB

 

[Kelly Grannell]

what is the maximum load for this tripod? I can't seem to find it on the site.

 

[boBQuincy]

Velbon's website claims 2 or 3 KG, why there are two numbers is a mystery to me but it is done for all their tripods.
I use it often for my 10D and 70-200 f4 (about 1.5 KG together) and it works fine.
At about $100 it is not likely to be confused with a Bogen/Manfrotto but for casual use it works very well.


boB

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Hmm, I should check it out. I don't want to always carry heavy tripod. How stable are these? Stable enough for 20" x 30" enlargement of fireworks pics?

 

[boBQuincy]

I used this tripod for some 4 second exposures at AK one night and the images look sharp enough when sized to 20 x 30 on the screen. This was with a 10D and 24-85.
I do not yet have any 20 x 30 prints from images where I used the tripod, I have some 12 x 18s and they look great.

Hanging your camera bag from the tripod should help, the review mentions pulling down on the center post for greater stability. It is surprisingly stable for the size and weight. I was a bit skeptical but after reading three good reviews I decided to try it and was not disappointed.


boB