Tripod decision....driving me kinda nuts

Allen

Senior Member
So here is the dilemma: I am looking for the best balance of price/performance. I should note that I am not a pro (not even close), and I take pictures primarily for fun. The gear that I will be using that will test the tripod is a D7000 with a 150-500 Sigma. Weight is always a factor, as I am not young any more. : )

I have been looking at Feisol, specifically the CT3442 with the CB50D head and CT3442CC center column. It seems very capable, but frankly I do not know if this fits my needs or is way overkill. I understand from reading some forums that there are lots of choices....frankly, too many lol.

Some guidance would certainly be appreciated.
 

Kodiak

Senior Member
Hey Allen,

There are indeed many good solutions on the market. For me, a confusing chore to
determine which direction to take.

I discovered with time this new criteria that is a "killer argument":

WHAT IS THE SYSTEM BEHIND THE NAME?

The way you see your approach to photography develop should be a good indicator
as to the system you will need!

Avoid the pride of owning! …be very rational in your decision and without compromise!

I found out that these are guidelines that sustained my decision making over time…

Have a good day…
 
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jdeg

^ broke something
Staff member
Honestly, I wouldn't waste money on carbon fiber unless you really want to pay $150+ extra to shave off a tiny bit of weight.

I have this Slik tripod and I love it: Amazon.com: SLIK PRO 700DX Professional Tripod with Panhead (615-315): Camera & Photo

The only thing I wold change is the head, and go to a ball head.

People also really like this Manfrotto: Amazon.com: Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black): Camera & Photo
with this head: Amazon.com: Manfrotto 498RC2 Ball Head with Quick Release Replaces Manfrotto 488RC2: Camera & Photo

Either way, it's up to you. The Feisol looks like some high quality stuff, but it also looks like overkill.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I'd say you've found a pretty nice tripod/head combo there and I certainly have no reservations suggesting someone get the best equipment they can afford. With that being said I also think you a number of us could suggest something you would be very happy with that costs a whole lot less that $600; this last statement being based on your description of your level of involvement in photography. Simply put, I think you may be approaching "overkill" as you put it. But, I can't really bring myself not to suggest buying top notch equipment.




....
 

Epoc

Senior Member
I really like Slik gear. I have 2 of their tripods, a 800 series carbon fibre and a 500 series aluminium. both have Manfrotto ball heads on. One thing I have discovered though, carbon fibre has another advantage as well as weight and that is rigidity. It definitely flexes less and hence moves less which is what we want from a tripod.
 

Kodiak

Senior Member
But, I can't really bring myself not to suggest buying top notch equipment.

I know that… a very strong and almost uncontrollable urge… almost!

That statement I apply systematically to my glasses purchases, exclusively to my
glasses purchases. But to any other thing, I will temper more or less.

A tool is a tool. A hammer with gold plated something on it is irrelevant but with better
ergonomics, materials, and features…

I suggested to prioritize the system because a manufacturer that comes up with one
has applied the same rigorous thinking over the whole line and that represents continuous
features throughout the catalogue. One may grow within a system and everything is
compatible and "retro-fittable"! Just think of the Nikon system, for one!

Have a good day…
 
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gqtuazon

Gear Head
I have been looking at Feisol, specifically the CT3442 with the CB50D head and CT3442CC center column. It seems very capable, but frankly I do not know if this fits my needs or is way overkill. I understand from reading some forums that there are lots of choices....frankly, too many lol.

Some guidance would certainly be appreciated.

That Feisol tripod and ballhead seems to be a good product as long as the height works for you. The ball head is a good one and is acra compatible. I think it is a great choice.
 

Mfrankfort

Senior Member
That's... a lot for a tripod. Almost 600$? I got mine for 40$ on amazon and it works like a charm. Holds my camera and 70-300 pretty heavy lens without shake or anything. If you have the money, I'd go for it, but you can spend the 540$ on a new lens in my opinion.
 

Kodiak

Senior Member
The answer may be simple:

If you are using the gear you have now and are pretty sure to never go to heavier
stuff, the weight of your heaviest combo +25-50 %.

If you think: "…one never knows…" then the calculation is +100-300 % and more!

Have a good day…
 
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Bill16

Senior Member
I have the SLIK 504QF Video Photo 60" Tripod with the original pan head 11lb rating on it. So far I really like it. It's carbon fiber, but it only cost me $45.00 since I got it used. There are two things I don't care for about it. The crank handle was broken (but still useable)due to user error trying to crank it up with the lock ring tight. The second is the pan head system is very strong feeling, but it is slow to get your adjustments set. But I guess I'm not in much of a hurry when I use it, it will work well for me as is. Lol :)

I'm just a newbie though so I can't say if this tripod is a brand or type you should buy. :)
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
My simple suggestion has always been this: If you can't tell me -- in specific terms -- *why* you need something more than, say, a $50 Dolica tripod and ball-head, then you don't need something more expensive than a $50 Dolica tripod and ball-head. Maybe at some point in the future you WILL be able to articulate why you need to spend several hundred dollars on a tripod and head, and then it will be time for an upgrade. The difference is, this upgrade will be based on your greatly expanded knowledge, experience and specific needs you have identified, not some far flung fantasy of being called in by National Geographic to go on safari for their upcoming issue. Seriously... If you're an average Joe-Blow sort of photographer, as most of us are, get something like the Dolica. When, and if, National Geographic calls and you seriously need something bigger, faster and more powerful, you won't give two hoots about the $50 you blew on the Dolica that has served you well for so many years. I promise. You have to be able to honestly assess your needs really are and, truth be told, most needs can be met by a reasonably stable platform that a reasonably priced tripod can offer.

Now, on the flip-side of that coin, if you *can* tell me, in specific terms, why you need to spend several hundred dollars on a tripod and ball-head, by all means I'll shut up and show myself the door.



....
 
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Kodiak

Senior Member
Worst case scenario:

In spring 2013 I got my D800E. For me, this was just a necessary addition to
the arsenal I already have.

A fellow photographer showed up to my studio pretending to …I don't remember
what exactly, anyway. On his shoulder was hanging hie trustworthy D90 and he
was holding in a hand his new tripod that he was swinging in front of my face
rather thoughtlessly, until I said: "is that new?"

Then he calmed down and answered: "No! …it's already a week or ten days old!"

Go figure: he has a hard time making ends meet, and he shows off a RRS contraption
that retails 1,490.00 € for his camera.

This is the kind of story that makes me think of the infinite stupidity of some
representative of mankind.

My advice is think twice, don't let your ego take any part in any decision making and
remember this:

"The decision power is all yours as long as the money is still in your pocket!"

Have a good day…
 
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Allen

Senior Member
Wow.....Really appreciate all the perspectives.
Again, my reason for even posting is that I know I need a stable platform for birds (i.e. full reach, minimize shake, mirror up, remote release, etc, etc.). Will I need this every day? No, but just like the Bigma lens, which I won't need every day (btw, which is why I didn't bother even looking at the new 80-400).
Clearly, the Feisol tripod I noted will do the job; my question is do I need to spend that kind of money (e.g. sigma vs nikkor) to get pretty close to the optimal solution without breaking the bank? Bottom line: life is a compromise, so is photographic equipment...that being said, there are some things that are not compromise-able....if so I (gulp) spring for the Feisol.

thanks guys : )
 
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John P

Senior Member
This is a review I posted a while ago. I still use this tripod almost daily. It still works flawlessly, and is as stable as the day I got it.
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I see posts looking for less expensive tripods quite a bit.
Just over a year ago I had quite a bit of my camera gear stolen. My manfrotto tripod included.
My kids (three teenagers) purchased this tripod for me for my birthday. It was the best they could afford, and just wanted to cheer me up.
So I thought I would give you my experience with this less expensive tripod so far.

I used to be guilty of having the mindset that you get what you pay for in tripods. But with the Ravelli you get quite a bit for your money.
Mine has seen HARD use daily for just over a year. And is very much up to the task.

The legs are all aluminum. Even the flip locks for the legs are metal. The plastic feet are articulating, for use on uneven ground. The articulating feet unsnap to reveal integrated spikes for outdoor shooting. I really like the fact that the spikes are part of the legs, and not sold as an extra. These legs are every bit as sturdy as my old manfrotto 3021 set. And all connections are adjustable using the included allen wrenches. I have not had to make any adjustments on mine yet.

The Ravelli also comes with a ball head. Here again this cheap tripod shines. The only plastic on the entire head, is the levels. This head holds my D90 and 70-200 2.8 lens rock solid with no creep whatsoever. It pans very smoothly also. The other nice thing about this head. Is an allen head adjustment screw to take up slop in the ball joint over time. But as stated earlier. Mine has seen hard use daily for over a year. And no adjustments needed yet. But it is there when I need it. Ravelli also includes TWO quick release plates. Which is very nice, since I carry an extra body. Instead of switching lenses.

A year ago I would not have given a tripod like this a second look. But now realize that spending more for a tripod would have been a real waste of money.
It has met my needs very well. And shows no sign of letting me down. From what I have seen so far. This tripod set is the best bang for the buck that I have seen.

Here is a link to check it out.
Amazon.com: Ravelli APGL4 New Professional 70" Tripod with Adjustable Pistol Grip Head and Heavy Duty Carry Bag: Camera & Photo

Read more: http://nikonites.com/other-photography-equipment/6513-ravelli-apgl4-tripod-review.html#ixzz2Zh3IV0mW
 

nikonpup

Senior Member
get yourself to a camera store with a good selection of tripods and try them. Your camera and long lens weight about 7 lbs, i would start looking at tripods with a load capacity of 10+ lbs. I hate creep in a ballhead so i would look for a head with a
15+ lbs capacity. Can this be done for less than $600...yes. Try before you buy. We can advise you, your choice has to satisfy you not us. If a $600 purchase is what it takes to make you happy then do it. Looking forward to your posts.
 
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