I'm looking at getting a new tripod and ballhead. I'm leaning toward getting the Really Right Stuff BH55 with quick release for the ballhead. I can't seem to make my mind up on tripod. I like the gitzo, but also like the price of induro tripods. Would like something that is really sturdy and will last me for years. I like my Dolica tripod, but it really isn't that stable. Any recommendations on a tripod you like and why. I have $500 in giftcards for Amazon, but would probably go up to $1000 for gitzo if really worth it in the end.
Tripod Recommendations
- Thread starter dickelfan
- Start date
I got a Benro TMA48CXL lately, main reason was I wanted a dedicated tripod (and gimbal head) for my big lens, so the two main things I looked for was weight (camera and lens) it could hold and height, I didn't want to extend the center column, I also have a vanguard tripod which does fine for all my other needs with my smaller lenses. There has been plenty of threads on this lately, so if you do a search on titles it may help you with your decision, different people want/need different things, just do a lot of research, good luck.
csgaraglino
Senior Member
I'm curious why you went with a tripod that had a center column vs one without like the Benro COM48CXL, with its flat mountains plate?
?? maybe i didnt see this one? i dont know.
csgaraglino
Senior Member
No worries, I just ordered one for my gimbal, was hoping I didn't miss something 
The whole Combination Line is no column, flat plates.
The whole Combination Line is no column, flat plates.
let me know how it works for you, with mine i got two center columns, the regular one and a small one about 5inches, i was going to change to the smaller one but never got around to it. For short re positioning of the tripod its handy to lift it by the center column (for me anyway) legs are still in place.
csgaraglino
Senior Member
Will do, it will be here Tuesday. Right now I have have a smaller Gitzo w/cc and it just doesn't get it done.
I recently got a Desmond DCF-428 carbon fiber tripod on Ebay. It is extremely light (about 3 pounds without head) and very sturdily built and is stated to support up to 41 pounds. It handles my 600mm f/4 ED-IF AIS, TC-300, Movo gimbal head and either the D700 or D300 with battery packs (for about 22 pounds +/-) without any effort at all. The legs can be moved 180º and the center column is reversible. One leg can be removed and used as a monopod. I already have a very good Manfrotto head and the Movo gimbal head so there was no need to get another head. Without head, the tripod was about $180, with a ball head it went for about $200. It is very highly rated in the reviews I read on it