Best value tripod?

[Wander]

In building my photo kit I am in need of a good tripod. The last one I used was a solid/heavy Bogen that was owned by the event photo company I worked for so I haven't put much thought in to them.

I see that carbon fiber has become the material of choice which I can understand for it's low weight and high strength. From cycling I also know that the quality of the CF can vary a lot.

What tripod do you like? I'd like to keep the cost reasonable but I know that this isn't a $100 thing. I do have a manifroto ball head on my monopod already but I might just get another for this so I do have to worry with taking on/off the one.

Please also add ones that I should avoid, that info helps as much as suggestions on what to buy.

 

[cnynrat]

I have a Velbon El Carmagne 640 that I like very much. It's carbon fiber, fairly light, and I've not had any issues with its stability using it with my DSLR. I have a Kirk ball head on it. I frequently carry it strapped to my pack while hiking, usually just with a ball head cover from Kinesis.

You will find many recommendations for Gitzo tripods. I'm sure Gitzo's are fine pieces of equipment, but I thought the Velbon was a better fit for my value criteria.

 

[john101477]

http://www.adorama.com/BG055CXPRO3.html

This has got to be one of my faves. One of the things I have been told although I have not tested is that with the screw type leg locks like the giotos have a tendancy to wear faster due to dust

Supposedly the Manfrotto locks are a lot better.

Some things to consider when purchasing is height w/o center column and weight. look for a tripod that you can shoot with (eye level) with out the center column extended. this will help when you need the center extended on hill sides etc. weight and versatility should also play a part in your decision.

There are some awesome tripods out there right now many no name companies starting to pop up and really doing some great stuff.
For the budget guy Best buy sells a Cf tripod called the Rocketfish (i think thats right) that is supposed to be ok but I have not personally tested it besides taking it out of the box at BB.

 

[Tucson T4R]

It all depends on your planned use. I picked up this Benbo Trekker and really like it. It's well made and extremely versatile in the wide variety of ways to set it up.

It's not the heaviest if your looking for max stability but does have hook on the center pole to add weight when you need it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4822-REG/Benbo_BEN107C.html#features


I also put one of these Vanguard ballheads on it. A lot less expensive than the high end heads but still well made and works great for me.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/666436-REG/Vanguard_SBH_250.html

 

[Wander]

That Manifroto would be just fine in height and the weight is low plus the price is less than Gitzo. I am looking at a Kirk or RRS ball head to put in top.

 

[Lost Canadian]

For value Manfrotto , which is now owned by Gitzo FWIW. If you want the very best though a real Gitzo is the way to go. Those Italians really know how to make a top notch tripod.

 

[Colorado David]

I have tripods from most of the above makers. I have a Gitzo Carbon tripod that is always my favorite and the only reason I don't choose it in every situation is utility vs. weight. I have lighter tripods that go to more remote places. That said, I am very disappointed with the quality, construction and leg rigidity of the non-Gitzo carbon tripods. I've done some type of repair with epoxy on the others. When you compare them side by side with the comparable Gitzo, they come up short. A colleague of mine has an early Gitzo Reporter and a Mountaineer, both of which are of similar size and configuration to a Giottos and a Benro that I have. The off-brand Gitzo knock-offs can't compare. When you buy a Gitzo, you only need to buy it once. Okay, after saying all that, here is another option. I have not seen these personally, but I hear good reports from people I trust. http://www.feisol.net/

 

[Colorado David]

Both the Kirk and the RRS ball heads are great. I have two Kirk ball heads and like them a lot.

 

[Wander]

The Feisol are very well priced-almost too well but it does have 3 year warranty.

What is the word on three section tripods making onto a plane? I admit it would be a rare occasion to fly with one but it would be nice to be able to keep it in my duffle or on a pack it I did.

RRS has a nice article on picking a tripod on their site. The author suggested a four section for travel but also mentioned the limitations of a 4 vs a 3 section.

 

[Lost Canadian]

I have a 3 section Gitzo that's travelled with me over the last few years and I've not run into an issue yet. The tripod stores small enough, and when fitted it sits just a little taller then my lowepro pack.

This is everything I typically carry onto a plane. (Me in Manuel Antonio CR)

 

[taco2go]

I agree with the value of the Manfrotto tripods. The latches for the leg sections are very durable. I use a 3 section Manfrotto190CXPro3. I particularly like the design of the center column which allows you to quickly swivel the post onto its side and rotate it around etc- neat for those close to the ground Macros out in the field.

As far as heads, after trying several types I settled on the somewhat unconventional pistol grip design. The Manfrotto 327RC2

Lightweight, made out of magnesium and STURDY; it moves my SLR around like it's weightless. I often find that when the light is shifting quickly and there's lots of movement (water, surf etc) happening, I want to be to be able to reframe as quickly as possible-and the greatest convenience is being able to do this with just one hand while the other holds on to the cable release, grad filters etc.

 

[Wander]

Do you notice any play with the QR plate Joash? When I was doing group photo's with a med format I used a pistol grip head similar to the but the grip was vertical which made it top heavy so like how they made the handle more horizontal and I can see how that would offer a good panning motion.

 

[taco2go]

It feels nice and tight. The small brass lock lever barely visible in the picture, has a spring, that keeps it in the lock position, so you can plate and unplate with just your thumb. There is a tension control dial on the handle too that can adjust the smoothness of the grip's movement.
They sell a lighter non-metal version that is identical, (322RC2) but I dont think I'd trust a heavy DSLR on it for too long.
The grip itself can be adjusted to sit vertically if preferred, and comes with a wrench that allows you to 'flip' it to the contra lateral side, I think likely for people who are left handed.

 

[Colorado David]

Trevor posted his picture with his Gitzo and I was going to do the same. It took me a while because I needed to get permission form a colleague to use the photo.

One of the reasons I like the Kirk or Really Right Stuff ball heads so much is the use of the Arca Swiss plate design. There are plates designed specifically for almost every camera body or lens you would want to use.

 

[Lost Canadian]

One of the reasons I like the Kirk or Really Right Stuff ball heads so much is the use of the Arca Swiss plate design. There are plates designed specifically for almost every camera body or lens you would want to use.

When I was looking at heads this was key for me as well. Throwing the tripod over the shoulder with the camera and lens attached is how I travel most often while shooting. I don't think I'd feel comfortable doing that without a custom machined plate hugging the camera body.

As for the tripod system itself, choosing what's right for you Matt, will be a very personal thing. Just be sure that what you choose fits your style. For me I like to travel and hike so weight was a serious consideration, but on the other hand stability was also very important. When all was said and done a smaller Gitzo and Acra head proved to be the right combo for me. It's light, which when lugging it around all day makes a monster difference, but most importantly the whole system is rock solid. This shot below was taken standing knee deep in the ocean as the surf crashed in around me and my firmly planted tripod. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding.