Tripod Suggestions

[lady]

So I'm now finally in the market for a tripod. Awhile back on here I was told to skip any cheap tripods and go straight for the good brands like Manfrotto. Now, I'm a hobby photographer that might hope to make some money on the side (I have done so already for small stuff, no major things) but this isn't my main job. I've read through this and while the suggestions for the cheaper head and body are nice, it's out of budget. I need something for less than $600.

Here's what I need in a tripod:

• Strong enough to handle a Canon 7D with a 70-200mm lens on it.
• Adjustable/flexible legs so I can use it on hiking trails and uneven ground.
• Relatively easy to pack and take with me if I travel.
• Tall enough, without being super tall (I'd say enough to equal a person of 5'4-5'6 holding a camera and taking a shot)
• Easy to set up.

I don't need some professional tripod that can handle a 300+mm telephoto lens. I just need something versatile that can be used to take a family photo on the couch, can be used on hikes, and can be used around dog trials and horse barns without taking forever to set up. I looked myself but there are so many options even with just one brand and I'm not sure where to start. What I'd be more interested in is getting a high quality head that I can use later if I decide I need better legs. This is the best I can do for right now, and "just saving up a little more to get something better" isn't an option right now.

So any recommendations would be really great.

[neuroanatomist]

I have and really like the Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 legs.  Light, compact, holds gripped body and 100-400 size zoom just fine.  If you're going to hike/travel, a carbon fiber tripod is best.

As for heads, I started with the 488RC2 (predecessor to the 498RC2) - head was good (not great), RC2 plate/clamp is decent but my least favorite part of the system (there's a little bit of play when it's 'locked' down).  I currently have and really like the Manrfotto 468MG head, to which I mounted a Wimberley C-12 clamp.  That clamp is Arca-Swiss compatible, so it works with plates/L-brackets from Wimberley, Kirk, RRS, etc.

At B&H, you can get the 190CXPRO4, 468MG, Wimberley C-12, and a Wimberley P-5 camera plate for $637, which drops to $587 if you count the $50 in Manfrotto rebates currently available.

[iaind]

Take your pick of the Manfrotto 190 range (055 for those over 6ft)
CX carbon fibre variants save weight but come at premium.

Visit the Manfrotto website to find which head is best for you 

[wickidwombat]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/A2387-Benro-A1681TB0-Travel-Angel-Tripod-Kit-A1681T-B0-/290603382410?pt=AU_Cameras_Photographic_Accessories&hash=item43a94fb68a

I recomend this

I have the carbon fibre version which is a bit lighter but to be honest if you are more interested in saving some money the weight difference is not huge and the ally one is probably a bit stiffer anyway.

these are extremely well made tripods and outstanding value for money it will be perfect for you needs
they come with a decent padded tripod bag too

[Wass]

Gitzo 1542 is a perfect hiking tripod. Unbeatable for its size.

[expatinasia]

Lady, I would come at this from the other way if you can. I would first let your legs do the walking, take a look in some different camera shops that have different tripods etc and select 3-5 you like, fit into budget etc and then ask for recommendations here between them.

There is just so much too choose from, and I find that with tripods you are much better playing around with them before you buy.

[scrappydog]

I have the Gitzo GT1542T and Markins Q3T combo, which is small, light, stable, and is tall enough for your height.  You can hang something on the center hook and this stabilizes the legs considerably.  I routinely use this rig with my 60D + 70-200 f/2.8 II + EF Extender 1.4x III.

The drawback to Gitzo legs is that they are expensive, but they really are as good as everyone says.  I rarely use my larger, heavier, and slightly more stable Manfrotto 055XPROB + RRS BH-55 anymore because I like the Gitzo rig so much.

[RC]

...take a look in some different camera shops that have different tripods etc and select 3-5 you like, fit into budget etc and then ask for recommendations here between them....

+1 on the advice

Another thing to consider is multiple tripods.  Get a smaller, lighter one for travel and backpacking which many not be the perfect height for general use but is optimized for travel.  Obviously it needs to be sturdy and support your maximum load plus some.  Then purchase a full size tripod which is optimized more for size and load.

IMO, tripods are a little bit like bags.  Instead of getting a one-size-fits all, get one that's more suited for a specific purpose (backpacking/travel, macro, landscape, etc.)

[dturano]

Im new to tripods, looking to purchase one soon as well, Im not looking to create a war but looking for an education.  Im no pro, photography is a hobby which sometimes pay the bills .

I only use a tripod on certain gigs, I have never looked at the tripod, i always use my own gear but when it comes to tripods, external lighting, backdrops I use my brother in laws equipment (he owns an entertainment company) I do certain gigs during the year for him and just grab all his companies gear, I could be grabbing an expensive tripod, honestly i dont even know the company.

I see tripods can range from $15 to over $500, please forgive me like i said I could have been using a high end tripod and it just works, thats why I never really looked into it. 

I can see the heads, quick release, etc if you need it meaning something.  Im looking into Bird shots and want to setup a tripod neat a nest so i have been looking into gear for myself and am shocked over the range.

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a cheap Tripod?  My local dealer carries,
Vanguard (45), Joby (36) Velbon (26) Davis & Sanford (15) Nikon (11) Alm Corporate (10) Tamrac (9)
Canon ( Cullmann ( Vidpro ( Slik (6) Sony (6) Sunpak (6) Zeikos (6) Giottos (5) Vivitar (3)
Bell & Howell (2)Bower (2) Osn (2) Polaroid (2) Precision Design (2) Tiffen (2) Benro (1) Dot Line (1)
Gary Fong (1)

For example for minor use would this fit the bill?

http://www.cameta.com/Precision-Design-PD-57TR-Photo-Video-57-Tripod-with-Case-35405.cfm

Or would this make a difference in quality?

http://www.cameta.com/Vanguard-Auctus-Plus-283AT-Aluminum-Alloy-Tripod-58738.cfm

Thanks, again not looking to hate on expensive tripods, i just dont have any experience, I believe you get what you pay for ad dont want to get some cheap tripod that will jam up on me.  I understand materials and weight make a difference but is worth getting a cheap brick house if you dont carry it around?

[rocketdesigner]

...take a look in some different camera shops that have different tripods etc and select 3-5 you like, fit into budget etc and then ask for recommendations here between them....

+1 on the advice

Another thing to consider is multiple tripods.  Get a smaller, lighter one for travel and backpacking which many not be the perfect height for general use but is optimized for travel.  Obviously it needs to be sturdy and support your maximum load plus some.  Then purchase a full size tripod which is optimized more for size and load.

IMO, tripods are a little bit like bags.  Instead of getting a one-size-fits all, get one that's more suited for a specific purpose (backpacking/travel, macro, landscape, etc.)

I agree, multiple tripods make sense. I have also found the value in retractable spiked feat for my lightweight/travel tripod.

[scrappydog]

IMO, tripods are a little bit like bags.  Instead of getting a one-size-fits all, get one that's more suited for a specific purpose (backpacking/travel, macro, landscape, etc.)

I did this, although if I could do it over again, I would have just gotten my travel tripod and used the money I would have spent on a lens.

[Michael_pfh]

055CXPRO3 or 055CXPRO4 with a Manfrotto ballhead.

[ksuweh]

Take a look at the brand Sirui. I have their model N-2204 legs. This brand is very high quality & especially for the price! I have mine coupled to a Arca-Swiss Z1 sp ballhead. That setup is about $800, which I realize is above your budget. That doesn't mean that you have to buy the same ballhead as me though. The largest lens I currently have is the 70-200 II. My tripod setup handles that lens & gripped 7D with ease! Great setup!! My buddy was so impressed with the legs that he bought a set for himself. Highly recommended!

[Cali_PH]

I did this, although if I could do it over again, I would have just gotten my travel tripod and used the money I would have spent on a lens.

Me too, bought a Manfrotto to save some money...but it was just a little too heavy, and a little too big for my suitcase...so I bought a Gitzo Traveler and have been happy ever since.  I've seen a lot of other people make similar comments.  Wish I'd listened to the many photogs saying do the research, save up, and buy the one you want for your particular needs from the beginning.  Otherwise you may be just buying it later anyway. 

[kalmiya]

I'm in the same boat, and also looking around for tripods - so unfortunately not speaking from experience.

However my research let me to look at tripods made from "Basalt" (by Gitzo) - they are lightweight (a tiny bit heavier then carbon) but cheaper. This one could be interesting: gt1940c

Combine it with markins-q3 (or q10 for heavier lenses) and you might have a nice setup which should be close to your budget (250 euro for the tripod, 260 for the head, which I guess should fit around 600 usd).

Regards