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ANOTHER tripod topic!

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Leopard Lupus:
I know there are countless forums of this topic, but I would like to hear some opinions from others that may not have been mentioned (or i just can't find them) on previous forums.
I have been using a basic low-budget tripod for some time now, but not often. I want to play around with this type of stability, and have the equipment ready for use. What I am looking for is:

1.Tripod that can support 5D mk ll and 135mm f/2 L + mounted flash

2.Not necessarily lightweight, but portable

3.Ability to shoot scenic as well as portrait while still mounted on the tripod

Should I be looking for a ball joint tripod? A specific brand? I went into my local camera shop and asked, but i regret to say they knew little and were just focused on selling me the most expensive gear I knew I didn't need...
Thanks in advance!

dr croubie:
I've been also looking, and my current choice is between the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 and Vanguard Alta Pro 283CT, $305 and $330 at B+H respectively. You can also check out the CXPRO4 and 284CT for the 4-section versions, they'll pack a bit smaller for a tiny trade-off in stability.

Also consider the Velbon EL545A, 1.3kg and packs to 43cm, still takes 6kg they say, or the 535A too. The Manfrotto 190CX-variants are also light and portable, just shorter than the 055-series and a bit cheaper too

Michael_pfh:
I am using the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 with a Manfrotto 498RC4 ballhead with almost all of my lenses (plus flash when needed) and a Manfrotto 393 for my 400F2.8L. I have been more than happy with the light weight and compact yet very sturdy tripod.

However, the 055CXPRO3 might be a better choice for you if you do not plan to use heavy super teles with it.

PeterJ:
My first decent tripod purchase was a Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod + 808RC4 Head. The legs have a good range of adjustments and let me get about as high as I'd normally want without needing to extend the top column (which loses a bit of stability) and the top column can be made horizontal for easy straight-down shooting at table-tops etc. For me the legs are a good compromise of weight, size and price. They are probably a bit large for frequent air travel but no problems carrying one in a car and relatively short distances.

That head allows quick adjustment between portrait and landscape and personally I find them a bit easier and more convenient than a ball head because it has the long levers to hold onto which I prefer to holding the camera. One drawback is they aren't very good for precise framing, I recently picked up a Manfrotto 410 geared head which is excellent for precise framing, but not for panning so I'll keep the pair. The 410 might also be a bit tedious for portraits, but that depends if they are 'setup' type situations or somewhat candid where it would be a bit slower to frame the shots.

Those options will easily cope with that setup, and give you a bit of headroom for heavier lenses apart from from some of the bigger super-teles (ie you'll be OK with any of the < $3K lenses).

Flake:
Again, (from other posts) avoid the Manfrotto legs which have been cheapened to a point where they're not very good & require lots of accessories to bring them to the spec of competitor models.

Consider Giottos, or Induro, Benbo, and if you're feeling rich Gitzo.  Manfrotto heads are still made to a reasonable standard and will work with other manufacturers legs.  A ball head is best for action photography, sports or wildlife, the 3D types are better for landscapes & portraits, as each plane can be set individually & then locked.

If you attempt to shoot portrait with the 135mm f/2 L and the flash attached you will run the risk of casting shadows by the lens, consider and off camera flash cable, it doesn't have to be the stupidly expensive Canon own brand one (shows how much they rip us off!), but you do need to get the flash above the camera to light properly.

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