Tripod Suggestions??

[We-Luv-Disney]

Ok its time for a new tripod, my two current manfrottos are up on e-bay to fund the purchase of a new one. I am looking to spend around $200, for a set of legs and a head, preferably a quick release ball head. I have a few in mind, but would like to see some suggestions from the crowd.

 

[Master Mason]

I just got a slik 714, that is somewhere between here and b&h. Was a little over what your looking for, but carbon fiber, and I just got a cheaper monfrotto ball head to go with it.

 

[brack]

I have several tripods from a VERY heavy Manfrotto to a midget table top.

I always have the tabletop in my bag and it does fine for many things. If I have certain shots in mind I will take my medium weight full tripod.

I have only taken my Manfrotto to WDW once and was sorry because of the weight. I have taken it on the Magic cruise though.

 

[We-Luv-Disney]

Well I have two tripods right now. one is a very small travel tripod and the other a full size one. I guess I want to be somewhere in the middle. Oh and I'm not worried about lugging one around, I'll just throw it in the bottom of the baby's stroller

 

[KrazyPete]

A month or two ago I got the Manfrotto 055XPROB. I picked up the 486RC2 ball head at the same time. The total damage was just under $250.

It's a solid set of legs. I kind of wish I'd have spent a little more and got a head with a panning base but I'm very happy with my setup.

 

[mabas9395]

How heavy does your setup get? That will partly determine which head you need.

I use this setup which is very similar to KrazyPete's. I think I got the head he wanted (mine pans) but his legs go from vertical to horizontal without having to take them apart.

But this set is widely recommended on many photo boards as a good general purpose set. Its a little heavy to use as a hiking set or carrying around WDW all day but it is high quality, sturdy as a rock and I won't feel like I need to upgrade until I'm ready for one of those $1,000 Gitzo Mountaineers (yeah right).

I highly recommend this article about the importance of buying the right tripod the first time around to save you money in the long-run. Makes sense if that is an option for you.

 

[Groucho]

I've also got the Slik Pro 714 CF II and am quite happy with it. (How are you liking yours, MM?) I got mine for just over $200 off eBay (wanted to avoid the tax I'd pay by buying from BH or Adorama.) I picked up a Bogen/Manfrotto 484RC2 and it's a pretty nice combination. The Slik is a bit lighter and stronger than similarly-sized aluminum tripods.

 

[Master Mason]

I am eagerly awaitiing UPS to deliver it..... according to the tracking info it is on the truck right now. I'll let you know this evening.

 

[Groucho]

"I see you quiver with antici.................








........pation!"

Evening is a good time to get a tripod.

 

[Master Mason]

Ok, so the UPS man came, I put the ball head upon the legs, set it all up with my 40D, 70-200, and 430ex flash all set up, this is my heaviest combo. It was rock solid, no motion at all. And this was without adding any weight to the center colum. Also, I am 6ft and the camera was sitting right at eye level, no stooping or bending.

With the ball head it is a little heavier than the velbon, but not much maybe half a lb.

All in all I am most pleased. No to figure out the best way to carry it, think I'll look at the op/tech tripod strap.

 

[Groucho]

Cool, glad you like it! It's always nice to know that you're not the only one who likes something - who knows, I could be completely wrong.

Let me know if you pick up one of those Op/Tech straps - I'd like to get one some day.

 

[We-Luv-Disney]

Thanks for the replies and the help! I decided on the Manfrotto 190XPROB and 484RC2 Mini Ballhead, its very similar to KrazyPete's setup. I paid about $215.00 shipped from B+H! OK, now its time to plan some night photo excursions