Help Decide Between 2 Tripods

[PhotoDim]

Hello,

I am looking to purchase a relatively small and lightweight travel tripod+head. This will be for a Canon 40D + EF 24-105mm f/4L setup. I have narrowed my choices down to the following:

Manfrotto 7302YB Aluminum with Ball Head = $115

or

Smith Victor CF300 Carbon Fiber with Ball Head = $180

My budget is around $120-180.

I realize that carbon fiber is preferred to aluminum. Both tripods have 4 leg sections. The Manfrotto supports a maximum load of 7.72 lbs while the Smith Victor supports 8.8 lbs. Also, the Smith Victor ends to 64" while the Manfrotto has a maximum height of 56." Not sure how much of an advantage this will be, but the Manfrotto does have an advantage in terms of folded length - 20" versus 24.7" for the Smith Victor.

Thanks for the help/advice.

[Chromenut]

Wow, now that's a toss up. I'm looking to replace my aging trip too, but need more height (I'm goony bird tall). I've got various one's at differing heights now, but want a good, all around carry-along. These two are almost night and day apart. The SV doesn't give a good look at the head, and that's where I've had some problems with mine in the past, but they do make a great tripod. The Manfrotto has what looks like the all plastic head, I'm not fond of those, I like a thin cork pad, or similar. Kind of a toss up here....

EDIT - Now I see where you're coming from. Just tried pricing a nice kit with ball head at some of my favorite places and you've pretty much identified the least expensive while still boasting a decent brand and make. Good luck to you, I think I need to go looking now for my replacement to ask for Xmas...lol

[motox424]

Take a look at the Slik Pro 700DX.
I purchased this one and have been really impressed with it's sturdyness and build quality, and is suited for us taller people (I'm 6'3), yet folds down flat to the ground

[Chromenut]

Scott, EXCELLENT alternative, and now I know what I'm getting! I love Slik's padded release plate and the foam covered upper legs. The SV has those too, but at double the price. I can mate this to a good ball head and still save money! Nice pick!

[Chromenut]

Found some really great reviews on the Slik tripod..

Slik Pro 700DX Tripod Reviews

[motox424]

Originally Posted by Chromenut

Scott, EXCELLENT alternative, and now I know what I'm getting! I love Slik's padded release plate and the foam covered upper legs. The SV has those too, but at double the price. I can mate this to a good ball head and still save money! Nice pick!

I mounted a Gitzo G1178M ballhead( bought on e-bay for dirt cheap!) to mine and it easily supports my 1D with 70-200 f2.8 .

No NEED to spend alot of $$$ and still get a great reliable tripod!

Check it out here http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...DX_Tripod.html

[Chromenut]

Originally Posted by motox424

I mounted a Gitzo G1178M ballhead( bought on e-bay for dirt cheap!) to mine and it easily supports my 1D with 70-200 f2.8 .

No NEED to spend alot of $$$ and still get a great reliable tripod!

Check it out here Slik | 700DX Pro Tripod Legs (Black) | 615-317 | B&H Photo Video

That's exactly where I went! Great mind think alike...lol... now need to look for a good ball head...ebay to start...

[KmH]

Originally Posted by PhotoDim

I realize that carbon fiber is preferred to aluminum.

Interesting! Why do you assume that?

[Chromenut]

Nice price, ball head is a bit questionnable though...

Slik Sprint Pro II Tripod w/QR Ball Head & Case 611849 - eBay (item 320446580255 end time Nov-15-09 17:55:24 PST)

[Chromenut]

Well, I ended up with a Slik Pro 700DX for $76 on ebay, with trigger type ball head and standard ball head. Excellent deal for cheapo! Hope you are lucky in finding what you want. I'm also bidding on a Dolica AX620B100 62 in Proline Tripod and Ball Head, now at $52.

[PhotoDim]

Originally Posted by motox424

Take a look at the Slik Pro 700DX.
I purchased this one and have been really impressed with it's sturdyness and build quality, and is suited for us taller people (I'm 6'3), yet folds down flat to the ground

Seems like a decent unit, but its a bit too long when folded (30") for my purposes. I mostly carry this unit around in conditions that warrant a tripod's use (and when I travel abroad) so I prefer something that can fold to about 19-22" in length. At this point, I think I would also prefer a ball head to a 3-way.

[PhotoDim]

Now I'm considering something that is more expensive but may be worthwhile (and of higher quality)

Manfrotto 190XB Legs (3-section) + Manfrotto 486RC2 Ball Head

Legs = $130
Head = $60
Total = $190

What do you guys think? I presume its superior to the Manfrotto 7302YB I was considering earlier.


Also, do you think its worth it to pay $15 more to get the 190XPROB with the horizontal center column?

[Chromenut]

Now I'm really liking that! I need a good monopod and here's a great price for a combo kit, same head, same legs, plus monopod $199!! for nine bucks more I'd go for this setup!

Amazon.com: Bogen Manfrotto 190XB 3 Section Aluminum Tripod & Bogen Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head With RC2 Rapid Connect System & Bonus Monopod: Electronics

Amazon.com: Bogen Manfrotto 190XB 3 Section Aluminum Tripod & Bogen Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head With RC2 Rapid Connect System & Bonus Monopod: Electronics

.
.


Or you go for that setup and I'll buy the monopod from you! lol

[PhotoDim]

Originally Posted by Chromenut

Now I'm really liking that! I need a good monopod and here's a great price for a combo kit, same head, same legs, plus monopod $199!! for nine bucks more I'd go for this setup!
Amazon.com: Bogen Manfrotto 190XB 3 Section Aluminum Tripod & Bogen Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head With RC2 Rapid Connect System & Bonus Monopod: Electronics


Or you go for that setup and I'll buy the monopod from you! lol

Actually comes out to $20 more after shipping. I don't really have much use for a monopod...

[PhotoDim]

After hours of research, I still need some help choosing tripod legs. Please help me find the right set according to the following factors:
* The tripod is mainly for travel purposes so my main focus is its folded length and portability. I was originally willing to go up to 22" folded but may compromise a bit if its really necessary
* This will be used with a Canon 40D + EF 24-105mm f/4L lens but there may be upgrades (such as 70-200mm) in the future
* I plan to combine the tripod legs with a Manfrotto 486RC2 or 488RC2 head
* My height is about 5'8" (174cm)

I've narrowed it down to the following:

Manfrotto 055XPROB - 25.8" folded - supports 15.4 lbs - $145

Manfrotto 055XB - 24" folded - supports 15.4lbs - $145

Manfrotto 190XPROB - 22.5" folded - supports 11 lbs - $145

Manfrotto 190XB - 20.9" folded - supports 11 lbs - $130

I'm mostly concerned about the folded length because I travel with this tripod. While the 055XPROB is the best value and quality of the 3, I'm concerned that 25.8" + 4" (head) will be too large to travel with.

Thanks for the help!

[Seawolf66]

How about carbon fiber tripod for $129.00 free shipping
CF1128 Flashpoint F-1128 Carbon Fiber Tripod, 4 Section Leg Set, Supports 9.9 lbs., Maximum Height 55". nice ball heads also: