Tripods...

[Shelbell82]

I would like to see what kind of tripods everyone is using. I know it is kind of a "go w/ what you like" topic, but I was just wondering if there are any brands I should steer clear of or one that is so great and wonderful that I should know all about already??

I'll need to be getting one soon that has to be pretty durable and can still hold my camera up when in the locked position!! (no offense to Walmart tripods I bought back when I was 13 in my first official photo class!!)

[ohenry]

I have a Gitzo 1325 CF tripod with a ballhead (BH-55) and also have a gimbal mount head for longer lenses. I like it because it is very stable, lightweight considering the load it is capable of carrying, and well built. It doesn't have a center column which is not a major issue most of the time, but when I do macro work or other work where I want the camera positioned differently than I can get without tweaking the legs awkardly, I fee a desire to buy a 2nd tripod with a versitile center column. I am considering one of the new Bogen's (I think it's the 55, but can't really recall) as an additional (not replacement) tripod.

[Shelbell82]

Thanks for the feedback. How much do the Bogen's run?

[ohenry]

Bogen's are the sister company to Gitzo. The price is lower than Gitzo, but the quality doesn't suffer. Prices vary depending on what you're looking for. A good aluminum pod like the 3021 pro runs between $100-150, I believe. The newer carbon fiber mags, run in the $300 range. I'm guessing at the prices, but I think I'm fairly close.

[Blinky]

In my book, nothing compares to Gitzo. I've been using the same Gitzo 320 for almost 20 years and it's still slick and easy. They cost a bundle, but once you have one you're set, you don't even have to think about camera support as long as you don't forget it. I bought a quick release, Arca-Swiss B1 ballhead with the 320 and the same goes for it. Works as well as the day I bought it, no slips, no dips... just rock stable.

I've put that setup through all sorts of dirt, sand, saltwater, rock banging, swamp muck... some of the best money I ever spent on photography.

Chip

[scoundrel1728]

I've been using a Slik 330DX Pro myself. A lot less expensive than the Manfrotto/Bogen models but still sturdy enough to keep my little Coolpix steady.

[JDArt]

After trying Bogen and several other brands, I settled on Gitzo exclusively. I agree with Chip: these pods cost a bundle, but they just work. I keep one of mine in the trunk of my car. It freezes, it boils. It still works.

[cameraguy21773]

1) A very old very heavy very big aluminum Bogen
2) A very old very heavy very big wooden Eastman Crown Graphic
3) A Manfrotto Neotec (458B)
4) A Gitzo 1327

[Blinky]

Originally Posted by cameraguy21773

1) A very old very heavy very big aluminum Bogen
2) A very old very heavy very big wooden Eastman Crown Graphic
3) A Manfrotto Neotec (458B)
4) A Gitzo 1327

That reminds me, The Gitzos are my location tripods. In the studio I use this big old monster of a Majestic tripod with crank head and column. It's a beast and not as versatile as a stand but it does what I need.

Chip

[bgeorge]

Originally Posted by B

That reminds me, The Gitzos are my location tripods. In the studio I use this big old monster of a Majestic tripod with crank head and column. It's a beast and not as versatile as a stand but it does what I need.

Chip

WOW have not heard Majestic in years ... damn those are beasts

[Blinky]

Originally Posted by bgeorge

WOW have not heard Majestic in years ... damn those are beasts

It's the truth, probably weighs 25 or 30 pounds dry with a gearlift and gear head. I'd rather have a stand but for the money and space, it does most of what I need it to. A bogen 3156 caster assembly fits it nicely so I can move it incrementally with ease and then lock it down.

Bencher still makes the heads but the tripods they label as Majestic are very 'Bencher-like'.

I love it, rock stable with gear lift and tilt, good studio tool.

Chip

[Paul Shields]

Not sure of any that you should steer clear of (though I once had a dreadful experience with a cheapo Slik tripod). I love my Manfrotto 441 Carbon One tripod. Very stable and light. Was also going for a very good price in the UK at the time (around $180). I'm sure there are better options available but I don't have any issues so refuse to look. I'm much more concerned about getting a better head.

[JKSeidel]

I use a Gitzo 1325 with a RRS BH-55 and add a Wimberley Sidekick when needed. This is a fairly common combo.
The best tripod advice I've ever found is the oft cited article by Thom Hogan ... http://www.bythom.com/support.htm.
Don't mess around. Save and go for the best model you think you'll ever need in terms of load bearing, size, weight, and stability.

[steveb]

I use a Manfrotto 055P with the 029 head, this suits my 4x5 and MF. I really do need a ball head for 35mm, but its a format I use less and less. I've previously used an original Benbo MK1, very configurable but not as rigid as the 055P. Eventually a leg fell off, it was welded, then the weld broke at a crucial time. I've also had a Velbon tripod fall apart on me after little use.

[wapiti]

I did exactly what Thom Hogan mentioned. Spent several hundred $ on lesser stuff, which I either sold or gave away. I now have two Gitzo's and two Arca Swiss ball heads. No matter, if you are serious about photography, you will eventually end up with a premium quality tripod and ball head. Go ahead and buy the best and bypass the introductary stuff.

[src]

I use a Manfrotto 055 Pro with the 488 RC2 Head..... Solid set-up..... I too keep it in my car all the time... Cooks during the summer and freezes all winter...

[Leehman]

Berleback
I like the wood to absorb shock. Less vibration. Heck it is just plain pretty.
Leehman

[badpickev]

its Berlebach.

lets see its wood, so it looks cool, doesnt carry heat or cold as much as metal. has natural dampening. just as light. costs a little less metal tripods, and mine holds 22 pounds. hard to top. lifetime warranty.

http://www.berlebach.de/e_index.php

but get a ball head not a pan head like me.