Ordered a new tripod.

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TedG954

Senior Member
The last time I was out with my D800/80-200 combo, I wasn't real confident in the stability of my current tripod.

The main reason was because I had to extend the center pole to reach eye-level. This resulted in a little wobble. Didn't like it.

I decided to get a new tripod that was taller so I was less dependent on raising the center pole.

I hope I made the right choice. I know this is like closing the barn door after the horse is out (for Rancher), but do any of you have experience with this tripod? Thanks.

Giottos Pro Series 9314 Aluminum YTL Silk Road Tripod YTL 9314
 
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weebee

Senior Member
I have the Giottos pro mono pod and I really like how sturdy it is. I would expect their tripods to have the same build quality to them.
 
wud

wud

Senior Member
I completely understand you. I don't trust my tripod much either, so some day I'm gonna get a solid upgrade. This one you found looks really good.
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
For those still searching for a decent tripod I will pass along that after much suffering have finally found happiness with a Manfrotto 055XPROB. While it's not as light as I'd like (a little over 5 lbs all by itself) it's as sturdy as I could hope for and at something like $150, it didn't require the donation of any major appendages. The tripod gets rave reviews on B&H and Amazon so I went for it not long ago. Really liking it... Does require a good ball-head though.

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kluisi

Senior Member
Horoscope Fish said:
For those still searching for a decent tripod I will pass along that after much suffering have finally found happiness with a Manfrotto 055XPROB. While it's not as light as I'd like (a little over 5 lbs all by itself) it's as sturdy as I could hope for and at something like $150, it didn't require the donation of any major appendages. The tripod gets rave reviews on B&H and Amazon so I went for it not long ago. Really liking it... Does require a good ball-head though.

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Click to expand...

Which ball head do you use with it? Are there any issues with it? And are there any others that you would recommend over it?
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
kluisi said:
Which ball head do you use with it? Are there any issues with it? And are there any others that you would recommend over it?
Click to expand...
Can't suggest another tripod based on my experience, no. I think I'll have my 055XPROB for a while. That's not to say there aren't other excellent tripods out there for the price. The 055XPROB just had so many good reviews I had to try it and, as it turns out, I'm also very happy with it; no issues with the tripod at all. It is getting a new ball head, though, as I'm replacing my Manfrotto 496-RC2.

As for ball heads for the 055XPROB, I went with the 3 Legged Thing AirHed 2.

You can find both at B&H and/or Amazon. Adorama probably carries them too but I haven't checked.

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gqtuazon

Gear Head
TedG954 said:
The last time I was out with my D800/80-200 combo, I wasn't real confident in the stability of my current tripod.

The main reason was because I had to extend the center pole to reach eye-level. This resulted in a little wobble. Didn't like it.

I decided to get a new tripod that was taller so I was less dependent on raising the center pole.

I hope I made the right choice. I know this is like closing the barn door after the horse is out (for Rancher), but do any of you have experience with this tripod? Thanks.

Giottos Pro Series 9314 Aluminum YTL Silk Road Tripod YTL 9314
Click to expand...

I've spent a good two weeks of research about tripods since I was not happy with my first tripod that was made for Cabelas (hunting gear) picture below. I bought it because when I was just starting with photography, I thought that a tripod that is over $300 was too much a tripod and that I would rarely use it. The ballhead woud not lock down or hold my camera and lens when positioned to a certain angle. The cork would also allow my camera to "twist" when positioned in portrait orientation.


D700 70-200mm on tripod by gqtuazon, on Flickr

Fast forward, I found this article written by Thom Hogan. He made perfect sense and it was inlined to my rationale. Buying equipment right the first time instead of buying it over and over just to be disappointed in the end. We have very expensive camera equipment and an unstable support is just something that I did not want to compromise.

Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan

I do not use or extend the center column also. It just adds more instability. My preferred choice was the Really Right Stuff tripod but they were out of stock.

TVC-33S Versa Series 3 Tripod

So I ended up with my second choice which was the Gitzo series 3 tripod which was rated to support lenses longer than 300mm. The Gitzo probably do not get a lot of reviews compared to the Manfrotto since they are on the expensive side. All I can tell you is that this will be the last tripod that you will ever need in your lifetime. That is how much confidence that I have with this equipment.

Re: Ballheads. I would suggest RRS, Markins and Arca-Swiss brands. I hope this will help someone with their decision.


Gitzo GT3531S Arca Swiss Z1 by gqtuazon, on Flickr
 
wud

wud

Senior Member
Love this thread! You answered so many questions I had, I have been on google several times, but were nowhere near a decision. So thank you all!
 
K

kluisi

Senior Member
Horoscope Fish said:
Can't suggest another tripod based on my experience, no. I think I'll have my 055XPROB for a while. That's not to say there aren't other excellent tripods out there for the price. The 055XPROB just had so many good reviews I had to try it and, as it turns out, I'm also very happy with it; no issues with the tripod at all. It is getting a new ball head, though, as I'm replacing my Manfrotto 496-RC2.

As for ball heads for the 055XPROB, I went with the 3 Legged Thing AirHed 2.

You can find both at B&H and/or Amazon. Adorama probably carries them too but I haven't checked.

...
Click to expand...

Sorry...my post wasn't too clear.

You seemed completely satisfied with the tripod, so my series of questions were all about the ball head. Do you like the Manfrodo and the 3 legged thing? Any issues with either? Any others you might recommend over them?

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk
 
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Cee Fish

Senior Member
I recently upgraded to a new tripod and ballhead.

I have a set of Bogen/Manfrotto legs that I've had for 25+ years.
I bought them for travel way back and they are too short to shoot standing upright.


I found the Induro line of legs to be appealing due to size, build quality and price.
The AT-413 is very solid and relatively light weight.
Amazon.com: Induro Alloy 8M Tripod AT-413 (Black): Camera & Photo


I topped the legs off with a ballhead made by Sirui.
The K-40X compliments the legs perfectly and is a well made head.
Amazon.com: SIRUI K-40X 54mm Ballhead with Quick Release, 77.2 lbs Load Capacity: Camera & Photo


I used the setup a few weeks ago for family portraits for a friend. Tripod is rock solid with my D7100/MB-D15 and 70-200 f/4.
Ballhead adjustments are very smooth and fluid, you can set the tension with one hand.

I was impressed, so I picked up a Sirui K-10X for the Bogen legs and ditched the pan/tilt head I had on them...
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
kluisi said:
Sorry...my post wasn't too clear.

You seemed completely satisfied with the tripod, so my series of questions were all about the ball head. Do you like the Manfrodo and the 3 legged thing? Any issues with either? Any others you might recommend over them?

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Sorry for the misunderstanding!

Yes, love the tripod... The ball head will be here on Monday (24 Feb) so I can't tell you much about it yet. Considering the price, I'll review it once I've had some time to really work with it.


....
 
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iamntxhunter

Senior Member
Horoscope Fish said:
For those still searching for a decent tripod I will pass along that after much suffering have finally found happiness with a Manfrotto 055XPROB. While it's not as light as I'd like (a little over 5 lbs all by itself) it's as sturdy as I could hope for and at something like $150, it didn't require the donation of any major appendages. The tripod gets rave reviews on B&H and Amazon so I went for it not long ago. Really liking it... Does require a good ball-head though.

...
Click to expand...

I have one also. Great bang for the buck. Sturdy? Yes...
 
T

TedG954

Senior Member
I received the Giottos tripod and it's everything I wanted, and more.

1) With the legs fully extended, without using the center post, my camera is above eye-level and I'm 6-foot.

2) Additionally, it is not a lightweight affair. But, again, I only use a tripod with a plan in mind. Otherwise I'll just take my monopod.

3) At a bit over $200, it's not inexpensive when you compare it to what they stock at Walmart (and we all have one of those). But, if I had bought this Giottos before the 2 other "professional" tripods I own, it would have ended up a lot less expensive. The old buy once, cry once theory.

Would I recommend this model? Would I buy it if I could do it over? Yes, on both counts. If you want a truly heavy duty tripod with lateral mount capability, check it out.

http://www.adorama.com/GTYTL9314.ht...ate&utm_campaign=Other&utm_source=rflaid64367
 
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egosbar

Senior Member
i do respect the article by thom hogan but 900 dollars is a lot of money and most of us just can justify that for a tripod , id love a 1000 dollar tripod but just cant do it at this stage , i shoot with a d7100 , 18-55 , 55-300 and a prime 50mm 1.8

heres the one im looking at for about the 300 mark , i havent found any bad reports so id like opinions please, i can get it for 300 delivered

Mefoto Benro C1350Q1 Carbon Fiber Tripod Monopod KIT RED White Black Blue | eBay

happy too have it shot down but ill still be in the 300 range, the thing that worries me is the height at 1350 normal , im guessing that is with the middle extender down which is how we should shoot , im 5'11" , should i be looking at more height ??

i do want a tripod i can travel with so it may be something i have too put up with
 
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