I have one tripod that I use ALL the time --the gitzo explorer series. It's carbon fiber so it's light and tough, quick release head (I use a plate on both cameras so it's faster to change cameras than to change lenses), the legs can be positioned in unlevel terrain (very handy if you hike or take pictures of fences from a bar ditch on a back road LOL), and the center column can be positioned for on the ground macro shooting.

Here's a link to what it looks like and its features. Series 2 6X Explorer 3S QR Kit - Explorer Kits | Gitzo I bought mine on ebay for about $400 and have never regretted it. No sense having a great camera and lenses and a wobbly, cheap tripod.

I'm getting there thanks to all your help. Leaning towards a Manfrotto 055XPROB. Now I have a question about the height. Different places it shows different max heights. I'm 5ft 10in and at my age I don't like bending over any more then I have to. Will this be tall enough for me? Weight does not concern me. Still big and strong for my age and 5 lbs or so doesn't bother me at all. I did read in one review that this model is too long for airplane carry on. Anyone know anything about taking tripods on planes? Thanks again for your time.

Some includes the center column being raised. My tripod goes up to 4 11" but with the head, battery grip, it is just level with my eyes. I'm 5 9". If you buy a 4 section and the tripod is too tall, you can just leave the bottom legs retracted. Tripod maybe considered as a weapon, so just check them in with your suitcase or luggage.

I would suggest a Vanguard Tracker 3

hmmm...now ya got me curious. I never really paid attention to the height of my tripods. I have a Manfrotto 055 (older model) and a Daiwoo Hi-Ace 400 (now owned by Slik).

The Manfrotto measures in as follows:

lowest - 23" floor to base plate.
highest - 52.25" floor to base.
with center column fully extended - 70" floor to base of ball head.
Legs extended out to farthest point, column fully extended - 37". Column lowered - 20.75"
Legs collapsed, center column fully extended - 27.5". The center column by itself is 17.75" by itself.

The Hi-Ace measures as follows:

Lowest - 14.75" floor to base plate.
Highest - 40.75" floor to base plate.
with center column fully extended - 51.50" floor to base of ball head. Center column by itself is 10.75".
The legs don't have any outward adjustment other than standard spread.

Quite a difference in height between these two. Both have their particular uses. Both are heavy duty.

I am glad I found this post. I am also interested in purchasing a tripod. I am 5ft 2 inches. I have a d7000. What should I really be looking for? I just started my research. I am willing to spend 200-300.

Originally Posted by Claudia!

I am glad I found this post. I am also interested in purchasing a tripod. I am 5ft 2 inches. I have a d7000. What should I really be looking for? I just started my research. I am willing to spend 200-300.

The #1 priority for any good tripod is stability. The whole idea behind a tripod is to avoid/eliminate camera shake, so you need a sturdy platform on which to mount your camera. Carbon fiber tripods are rigid yet sturdy....but expensive. Aluminum tripods are the norm for most people, and they come in a wide variety of sizes and degrees of sturdiness. They are also cheaper...relatively speaking. For your height, I'd get one with a maximum height of 60" fully extended, but no lower than 50". Check eBay for tripods. If you have a camera store near you, check their used equipment department for bargains. Some really good names are Manfrotto, Gitzo, Slik, Velbon.

I spoke with a store representative. He also told me carbon fiber was better than aluminum. I have been looking on the Manfrotto site recently. I will continue to look into it. I am not the type to do a impulsive buy. Right now I am in the research process. Thank you for your fast response.