So what tripod are you using, $, and why?

[tmnt]

I've just bookmarked about 156 tripods on the B&H site, need to narrow it down.

I have a D80 and mostly use the 80-200 2.8. Also have the 17-35 2.8. I'll probably buy the battery grip and the Kirk battery grip L bracket.

I don't do much nature stuff but perhaps if I get a decent tripod I'll get off my ass, so nothing too heavy.

I'd like the tripod to future proof me a bit so it needs to be able to carry a reasonable load.

How much am I willing to spend? Don't know really. If I can get something good for $100 then that's cool, if it's $500 then that's not as cool but still ok.

I might even use the tripod for a HV30 (will be a c-cam), so I'm leaning toward 3 way pan-tilt. I'll also want to be able to take panoramas. Not set on this though so talk me into a ball head if you can.

Oh yeah, so what tripod are you using, $, and why?

Ian

[Barry_S]

I have a Gitzo 1228 carbon fiber which is now replaced by a newer model with roughly the same specs. I don't think you can do better than a Gitzo CF, but they've gotten insanely expensive. The 1228 is light and reasonably compact and I've used everything from a D300 to an 8x10 view camera on top of it. I've heard some good things about Feisol (Taiwanese) carbon fiber pods. They price out at less than 50% of the Gitzos and have a good reputation.

http://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Feisol_Table


I also have an Arca Swiss B-1 ballhead and will tell you that a 3-way head is a waste of money--frustrating to use with a dSLR and worthless with a video camera. Buy a good Arca Swiss, Really Right Stuff, or Kirk ballhead and you'll have it for life.

If I had to buy something tomorrow, it would probably be a Feisol 3442 with a RRS BH-40 head. If I wanted a less expensive combo, it would be the Feisol 3401 sticks and the Kirk BH-3 head.

[DivotDan]

Listen to Berry. I have a nice metal Bogen, but it's metal and gets very heavy......not that I have to tell a much of video guys.

CF is the way to go if you got the cash, and Gitzo makes the good stuff.

[tmnt]

Thanks a lot Barry (and Dan). I would have never found the Feisols and I'm pretty sure that's what I'll go with it.

Barry, what optional parts do I need with the 3442? Buy them all?

Here's the blurb from the feisols page "This picture shows semi-finished CT-3342/CT-3442 metal components. The parts are machined to a level of precision that no other mass produced tripods can match. The CT-3342/CT3442 Tournament Class series comes with the default flat mounting plate. It also supports an optional 75mm Leveling Base Mount for use with the optional LB-7567 (http://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Tournament_Class.htm#LB-7567) leveling base ($79.00) base, or the optional Center Column for use with the optional CT-3342CC (http://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Tournament_Class.htm#CT-3342CC) and CT-3442CC (http://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Tournament_Class.htm#CT-3442CC) center column kits ($39.00 each) The legs of CT-3342 and CT-3442 can be reverse folded upward to hold the CB-50D (http://www.feisol.com/english/CB50D.htm) ballhead within the three folded legs for a more compact collapsed size for travel (see photos below). Optional short ($12.00) and long ($15.00) stainless steel foot spikes (http://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Tournament_Class.htm#Spikes) are also available for the CT-3342 and CT-3442 Tournament Class models."

Once again, thanks a lot.

[Jeff Anderson]

take a a a look at the RRS heads as well - http://reallyrightstuff.com/

[tmnt]

Thanks, I checked out the RRS BH-40 but it's a bit expensive. I might look in to the Kirk BH-3 head, it sounds pretty good and well priced. Any other ideas?

I'm thinking the Kirk BH-3 and Feisol 3402 (specs better than 3401 in weight, max/min height but it's cheaper?) sticks with centre column kit would be quiet a good tripod and a decent price.

[Jeremy Ordan]

RRS heads are the best... absolutely incredible and good bang for your buck.

Thom Hogan (http://bythom.com) wrote a great article about tripods. I read it, ignored it, and did exactly what he said I would do.

I spent about $2000 on tripods instead of spending $800 and getting it right the first time.

Barry makes a great post about WEIGHT. If you are planning on moving your tripod, invest in the BEST and LIGHTEST you can. If it takes you an extra 2 months to save to get a better tripod, then do it. Otherwise you will kick yourself later.

[Jeff Anderson]

I should add that I'm in the same situation of needing a tripod for still work. And am in the situation of waiting until I can drop 1000 on one. I'd rather buy just one. For a bargain look at Benro stuff. I've been contemplating some of their CF legs with an RRS head, but still not sure. Lots of mixed reviews on their gear but most of the recent ones seem to be fairly positive for both thier heads and legs.

[Postmaster]

A vintage steel Cartoni (probably 80s or early 90s) because I belive in as much weight as possible for 3pods toped by a also vintage and very heavy duty Universal (Miller) fluid head.

I found that buying used upper league equipment is way better than buying new middle-class stuff that I can afford.
I got both from Ebay for 350 Euros, what kind of sticks would I get for that if buying new?

Frank

[sinapps]

If weight is an issue, consider pairing one of these heads (http://acratech.net/) with a CF Feisol. I have this combo and it definately goes with me much more than my old aluminum Bogen.

Also, get an L-bracket. It will make the rig much more stable when you switch from horizontal to vertical.

[Jeff Anderson]

Sinapps - any reason to go with an L-bracket over a camera mount like the ones from RRS that wrap up the side of the camera? Wasnt sure if there was much stability difference between the two.

[sinapps]

Sinapps - any reason to go with an L-bracket over a camera mount like the ones from RRS that wrap up the side of the camera? Wasnt sure if there was much stability difference between the two.

Those are l-brackets, or l-plates: http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Itemdesc.asp?ic=BD80%2DL&eq=&Tp=

[Jeff Anderson]

oh so they are! :) I was thinking of something completely different like a flash bracket or something. Thanks for clearing it up for my cluttered mind Sinapps!

[Barry_S]

n
Barry, what optional parts do I need with the 3442? Buy them all?




You don't really need most of the accessories unless you have specific application. I don't like center columns because they add weight and you end up with a monopod sitting on top of a tripod. A leveling base is good for panoramic or video use, but unnecessary for most still work. I would get some spikes--probably the long ones. You can always buy the accessories later as you need them.