Making my first trip to B&H this week to pick up some goodies. Want to buy a tripod. Any suggestions from you Pro's on what I should get? Thx.
Using a Nikon D3S w/105mm lens.
What is the BEST Tripod for a Pro style camera? Should I buy the Head separate?
(25 posts) (15 voices)-
Posted 2 years ago #
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manfrotto 155xprob
the head 322rc2 (trigger head)
(i presume for macro its being used for) so the head will give lots of flexability, and the tripod because you can bend the legs apart completley so you can get right down and close :)Posted 2 years ago # -
I like the hexagonal shape of the RC0 qr plate better than the rectangular RC2. I think my legs are discontinued—manfrotto 3021pro. They're heavy but are built like a tank.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Please do a forum search
Posted 2 years ago # -
yes, when you say pro. are you a pro?
there is a big difference between what you want and what you need if you are not.
I have
Gitzo GT3541LS $750
Markins M10 w/ QR $370
RRS BD700 plate $55
RRS BMBD10-LB plate $183
RRS LCF-10 $100
RRS LCF-14 $95
B150-B: Macro focusing rail $345that's right, so far my tripod has cost $1898!
This is essentially the best setup you can get unless you are shooting lenses longer than the 300 2.8 (which i'm not), then you might want the 5 series Gitzo.
If I was (and i still might get it) shooting animals for a living I would get a Jobo Jr or Wimberley sidekick gimbal attachment for $250, or maybe a 4th Gen Mongoose 3.5 for my 300mm 2.8 for $480.
Then I will need to buy the 4th Gen or Wimberley 300 2.8 foot for another $85 as it balances much better on the gimbal than the RRS foot (which is a nice handle).
This is the BEST you can get, I will never buy another tripod, assuming it doesn't break urrepairably.
Do you need this tripod? I don't know. I do as I live in the windiest city in new zealand and will be using the tripod outside often. I need it to meet my needs without question. A lesser tripod would not work for me.
Posted 2 years ago # -
On this topic, I'm actually looking into a good landscape tripod, any ideas? I'm thinking a ball joint head, it doesn't have to be separate and my budget is around $75-$100. Not looking to go pro or anything. but personal opinion would be greatly appreciated.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I like Manfrotto and have a 190MF Carbon and like it allot. I also use the 468MGRC5 Ball Head which is a little overkill but I got it for a song and couldn't pass on it. That would cost new around $350 if not more.
$100 is going to go fast. Best thing I can suggest to to make sure the head can hold 15-22 lbs. It is one thing to have the camera at a vertical or horizontal but once you have it at an angle that is when most heads fail. With a D3s and the 105 it is a beast of a system to hold up.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Workodactyl is supporting a D7000, not a D3. I'd watch craigslist or maybe see if you can find something at a garage sale, workodactyl.
Edit: my dad bought a cheap Arca Swiss knockoff on eBay called Benro. He's had it for two years and likes it just fine. He emailed me an advert for it with some pretty badly translated English: Does your head have damp? Could it can adjust the damp?
Posted 2 years ago # -
ja - as for Your last post, please keep in mind, it's a chinese company that has a problem with respecting any ownership laws, as it's almost a 1to1 copy of wimberlay, almost c-z the production and material quality is not at the same level, apart from that 1to1 copy.
Posted 2 years ago # -
TaoTeJared said:
I like Manfrotto and have a 190MF Carbon and like it allot. I also use the 468MGRC5 Ball Head which is a little overkill but I got it for a song and couldn't pass on it. That would cost new around $350 if not more.$100 is going to go fast. Best thing I can suggest to to make sure the head can hold 15-22 lbs. It is one thing to have the camera at a vertical or horizontal but once you have it at an angle that is when most heads fail. With a D3s and the 105 it is a beast of a system to hold up.
Thanks Tao, I'll keep that in mind. I've just been poking around B&H and trying to find a semi pro tripod that's able to handle a rougher terrain.
jonnyapple said:
Workodactyl is supporting a D7000, not a D3. I'd watch craigslist or maybe see if you can find something at a garage sale, workodactyl.Edit: my dad bought a cheap Arca Swiss knockoff on eBay called Benro. He's had it for two years and likes it just fine. He emailed me an advert for it with some pretty badly translated English: Does your head have damp? Could it can adjust the damp?
That's right I will be sporting a D7k. I think my heaviest lens is my 10-24mm. I should have specified my gear when I asked. That was my bad. and I'll keep my eye on Craigslist or save up longer to maybe 200-250 for a tripod. I have no trips planned yet.
Thanks guys!
Posted 2 years ago # -
When you say rougher terrain, do you mean uneven?
Do you plan to do photography only or are you planning to hike and carry a camera for shots along the way? Basic question is do you plan to walk around alot.I have an aluminum Bogen-- I think it's same as johnnyapple's.
It's nice and solid, but weighs a ton. I too like the QR plates and prefer RC0.
But the older I get the smaller radius around the trunk of my car that tripod gets used unless I don't expect to move around much. I probably used Bogen's mini-tripod with a remote 100x more than I dragged that out when hiking, but it doesn't give you any height off the ground so has limited application.Another option if you have a limited budget is the Trek Pod II ($80 Amazon) This is a combination walking stick, monopod, and tripod that has a head of sorts. I have a friend with the 3 great 2.8 zooms and a D200 and he swears by it. There's a magnetic coupling you use like the QR heads and a stronger magnet available if you have to support a bigger camera/lense. My friend also has a couple Bogen's (one is carbon fiber) and a few heads by Bogen and Arca Swiss, but though he doesn't think twice to carry the heavy lenses for landscape work, he'll primarily rely on the Trek Pod II now. If you go this direction, I'd suggest you look at it in person and do some reading up on how to use it correctly since you will be placing alot of $$$$ on top of a pretty unstable looking contraption. Also, if the ground is rugged or windy, I'm thinking it's not the way to go.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I have a Manfrotto 055PROP with a 804RC2 pan tilt head
mostly used used for night photography using a D90 and 10-20 sigma. also used for macro with a sigma 70-300 excellent if heavy combinationPosted 2 years ago # -
Depending on your needs, Manfrotto does have some tiny cheap tripods that are much less expensive and could do macro and landscape work if working off the ground at 2 feet doesn't bother you. (You actually can get a good advantage point.) I used a friends last weekend and I think she paid $90 for it. Granted I did have grass stains on my pants, but it worked well. Sort of limited on uses though.
Posted 2 years ago # -
adamz said:
ja - as for Your last post, please keep in mind, it's a chinese company that has a problem with respecting any ownership laws, as it's almost a 1to1 copy of wimberlay, almost c-z the production and material quality is not at the same level, apart from that 1to1 copy.Right you are. I didn't understand c-z, though.
Posted 2 years ago # -
As much as I want the "good Stuff" the copies are reachable and many are better than the Wall-Mart and Best Buy specials. I have seen a few Benro-s and they really are not that bad and very good for the price. Not a Gitzo, but not chopsticks either.
Something that is Good beats nothing of great any day in my book.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I just purchased a Manfrotto 055CXPRO3.Carbon fiber pods are not only good because of the light weight but because they damp vibrations twice as fast as metal tripods due to their greater rigidity.at the moment I am using it with the Manfrotto 468MGRC2 ball head.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Posted 2 years ago #
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Guys just love Gitzo Carbon Fiber tripods, and for a good reason. They are simply the best so despite the high price tags buy one and you'll never regret it. The ballhead is where things can get tricky. I have used a large variety over the past 10 years and found that the manfrotto heads slip under heavy weight, Markins release knobs can be stripped if you over torque them leading to ceasing up. I believe this occurs under extreme conditions like desert sand, high temps and freezing cold. I found the Gitzo heads to be too uncomfortable to use and the Arca Swiss to be VERY EXPENSIVE.
A lot of guys swear by Arca Tech, and i have heard only good things about them. I just fixed my Markins head, and I am selling it off at my local shop this weekend to make room for my Really Right Stuff unit which arrives on my birthday on the 7th. Really right stuff gives solid performance and a senior photographer gave me his to try for a weekend and I fell in love with it. Remember to spend the money for quality now rather than wasting it later on replacements you should have bought at the time. I wish I did, but worried about Really Right Stuff not being sold in stores. Buying online from them has been no problem.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I think that the Manfrotto carbon fiber tripods are a good alternative to the Gitzo's,and no,I'm not saying that they are as well manufactured but they will be all that most shooters need.
As stated,ball heads are another animal altogether and more of a personal choice depending on your shooting needs....my Manfrotto ball head handles all the weight that I put on it but I am dissatisfied with its range of motion....sooooo,after some research,I have decided that the Acratech GV2 Ballhead will probably work best for me and will replace the Manfrotto in the next few months.
Posted 2 years ago # -
many people also like feisol tripods.
never had a problem with my markins stipping but I got the markins foot for the 70-200 and couldn't get it off due to lack of purchase. i see the kirk is also a round knob. i seriously recommend the rrs 70-200 foot. due to the shape it is easy to get on and off, even when very tight.
because i bought the rrs foot, i then had to buy all rrs plates as i have a quick release clamp. so far no complaints. the macro rail is the king! when i look at the other macro options i am happy i have rrs plates.
Posted 2 years ago # -
The Man From Mandrem said:
When you say rougher terrain, do you mean uneven?
Do you plan to do photography only or are you planning to hike and carry a camera for shots along the way? Basic question is do you plan to walk around alot.I have an aluminum Bogen-- I think it's same as johnnyapple's.
It's nice and solid, but weighs a ton. I too like the QR plates and prefer RC0.
But the older I get the smaller radius around the trunk of my car that tripod gets used unless I don't expect to move around much. I probably used Bogen's mini-tripod with a remote 100x more than I dragged that out when hiking, but it doesn't give you any height off the ground so has limited application.Another option if you have a limited budget is the Trek Pod II ($80 Amazon) This is a combination walking stick, monopod, and tripod that has a head of sorts. I have a friend with the 3 great 2.8 zooms and a D200 and he swears by it. There's a magnetic coupling you use like the QR heads and a stronger magnet available if you have to support a bigger camera/lense. My friend also has a couple Bogen's (one is carbon fiber) and a few heads by Bogen and Arca Swiss, but though he doesn't think twice to carry the heavy lenses for landscape work, he'll primarily rely on the Trek Pod II now. If you go this direction, I'd suggest you look at it in person and do some reading up on how to use it correctly since you will be placing alot of $$$$ on top of a pretty unstable looking contraption. Also, if the ground is rugged or windy, I'm thinking it's not the way to go.
Yeah I should have specified, Im mean uneven terrain. I was looking at Bogen too, found a decent Manfrotto for about 210 on Amazon, also looking into a gorilla pod, they seemed quite versatile for uneven terrain.
Posted 2 years ago # -
i just saw feisol do a really nice looking monopod
Posted 2 years ago # -
I would look at Gitzo and RRS 55 first, then work on down to the Hakuba and Manfrotto legs while getting the best ball head you can afford...RRS if possible.
I have the Hakuba, and it's pretty nice. Manfrotto is really good too. However, the Induro A313 is very solid too.
You can spend months sorting this all out. :-)
Posted 2 years ago # -
Has anyone tried this?
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Horusbennu-C-2540-Tripod-w-LX-3-Ballhead-NEW-/300465302652?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f520ac7cI haven't owned any expensive legs before so there's nothing to compare against;
heaviest equipment that I have would be a D300 on grips with 70-200 f2.8.Any idea??
Posted 2 years ago # -
@LoveTheBerry:
If you haven't already made your purchases, here's what I would recommend:
1. Yes, you should buy the head and legs separately for the most options.
2. Buy a set of carbon fiber legs--yes, carbon fiber is pricey (Manfrotto offers the best bang for the buck in carbon fiber), but you'll enjoy its lightweight long after your initial purchase. Choose the legs with the locking style that you prefer. Determine your minimum and maximum desired lens heights, and choose the legs accordingly (personally, I don't like legs with more than three sections).
3. Buy a decent ball head. They're more compact than traditional heads, and faster to use. I also have several Bogen "pistol-style" grips, which I also like, but they're a bit of a compromise, and lack precision lock-off.@everyone:
I already own a decent set of Manfrotto carbon fiber legs (about $300), but I'm looking to get a new ball head. Searching B+H's site, I see that there are a crapload of manufacturers I've never heard of, now making ball heads. This is making the choice more difficult than I had expected. Among the unfamiliar brands:
Giottos
Benro
Novoflex
FLM
Cullmann
Induro
StudioballAlso, the range of products on the low end is surprising (many heads <$50). But, I figure, I'm going to want a head between $100-$200 for the quality I would like (short of an Arca-Swiss head). But the number of products and price points has me a bit overwhelmed.
I was initially going to go with a brand I know, like the Slik, but the Induro ball heads look interesting, especially since they have built-in Arca-Swiss QR receivers (unfortunately, I'm using all Stroboframe QR plates and receivers). In fact, many of these unfamiliar brand offerings "look" like high-quality products, but I definitely want a true, high-quality head, and not some cheap Chinese knock-off (e.g., Benro).
Anyone here have any experience with the Induro, Giottos, FLM or Novoflex ball heads?
Maybe I should just throw in the towel and go for the Arca-Swiss head, and then convert all of my QR plates and receivers. The lowest-priced Arca-Swiss model I see is the Arca-Swiss Monoball P0-series for $228 and $299. The Kirk Enterpises' BH-3 also looks pretty good for $275 (also, with a built-in, Arca-Swiss receiver). I wonder which is better, the Arca-Swiss or the Kirk?
Actually, converting all of my quick-release plates to Arca-Swiss style plates would be hideously expensive. I think I have about 12 sets of Stroboframe 300-QRC plates and receviers for various bodies, camcorders, and specialty mounting devices. While a lot less than Arca-Swiss, at $65 a set, that's still a total of $780 in Stroboframe quick-release plates!
Okay, so lemme ask this: what does everyone think is the best-quality, ball head without an Arca-style receiver built-in?
:::::now looking through some of the more expensive heads on the B+H site:::::
Hydrostatic ball heads:
Now this product category looks interesting! Haven't heard of hydrostatic heads until now . . .
Manfrotto:
Oh, so now I see this Manfrotto 468MGRC0 "hydrostatic" ballhead for $299. Sounds like an interesting technology, perhaps a superior one to the others, even the Arca-Swiss: "The 468MG series uses a hydraulic system to lock the ball mechanism in place. Using hydraulics instead of a mechanical system produces a super-tight lock from a minimal turn of the locking knob, without sacrificing the smoothness of the ball's movement when unblocked. To keep weight low, the head is made of magnesium; and to provide smooth movements the 1.5" (approx.) aluminum ball is Teflon coated. The oversized ball locking knob allows for easy control even when using gloves."
The only problem is that this head is a bit bulky, at 5.3" in height, and fairly heavy, weighing in at 1.9 lbs.
Gitzo:
Now I see that Gitzo offers a similar technology in a far more streamlined design: the Gitzo GH5380S Systematic Ball Head $389. Also a hydrostatic head, this thing sure looks slick! But, it requires special "systemic" Gitzo legs.
Conclusions:
So far, it's between the following:
1. Arca-Swiss Monoball P0-series for $228 and $299.
2. Kirk Enterpises' BH-3 $275.
3. Manfrotto 468MGRC0 hydrostatic ballhead for $299.
4. Gitzo GH5380S Systematic hydrostatic ballhead $389.Posted 2 years ago #
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