tripod.

pforsell

Senior Member
ISO a good sturdy tripod, that goes to ground level and light weight. GO!

I suggest you take a look at the Gitzo Systematic tripods. They go pretty low legs splayed fully out. If you need to get to the ground, in the Systematic series you can replace the top plate with a "Low Level Column Kit". Mine is Gitzo GT5542LS but that is discontinued and I think the replacement is called GT5543LS. Pretty sturdy IMHO and low weight because it's made of carbon fibre. Rated weight is 40 kg = 88 lb.

I have learned a long ago that manufacturer weight ratings are heavily (pun intended) inflated. Weigh your heaviest lens with your heaviest camera, and multiply that with at least 5. Yes, five. There's your target number for tripod load capacity. :cool: Otherwise you'll get a disappointingly flimsy p.o.s.

My other tripod is a Gitzo Mountaineer type where the center column assembly is not removable but, the column itself comes off and is reversible, so you can get your camera to the ground, upside down. The model number is Gitzo GT3542. Not quite as sturdy as the 5542 and I don't trust it to hold my 400mm f/2.8VR on Wimberley (rated weight only 21 kg = 46 lb).
 
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pforsell

Senior Member
Tripod and head. Money isn't an issue. Getting some money in and can get a decent one

Ballhead shortlist is very short in my books. Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1, Kirk BH-1 or Markins Q20. Buy a good one, buy only once. For bigger lenses consider getting a gimbal in addition to a ball.

I use Arca-Swiss Monoball B1 which is the predecessor to the current Z1. Well-built, smooth, tiltable panning head, with finely adjustable tension. Rated for 59 kg = 130 lb. Has seen heavy use for 20 years and looks and operates like new. And it is compatible with Arca-Swiss quick release plates. :)

For long lenses I prefer Wimberley WH-200 II gimbal instead, because it makes long lenses weightless.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Tripod and head. Money isn't an issue. Getting some money in and can get a decent one
Well if money is no object you can easily get into four digits for a tripod, same goes for heads. Have you done any research on your own? Because without knowing what your needs are, how you feel about weight vs stability etc. it will be nothing but a wild-goose chase combing through thousands of tripods/ball heads so you can shoot them down. I'd suggest you do some research by hiting the usual locations (Adorama, B&H, etc.) see what's popular and why and narrow things down to a shortlist. I mean in all honesty, it's a tripod... not rocket science and if money is of no concern you have no shortage of options.
 

Just-Clayton

Senior Member
Well if money is no object you can easily get into four digits for a tripod, same goes for heads. Have you done any research on your own? Because without knowing what your needs are, how you feel about weight vs stability etc. it will be nothing but a wild-goose chase combing through thousands of tripods/ball heads so you can shoot them down. I'd suggest you do some research by hiting the usual locations (Adorama, B&H, etc.) see what's popular and why and narrow things down to a shortlist. I mean in all honesty, it's a tripod... not rocket science and if money is of no concern you have no shortage of options.

I have been looking at the Manfrotto line. Looking something to carry with back pack. When I go for hikes and can handle a beating.
 

Fred Kingston

Senior Member
I have a Manfrotto 190XPROB and it's been excellent as a light weight tripod. If I thought I needed something more sturdy, I'd jump on the 055 model from Manfrotto. A buddy has the 055 and I'm only envious when it's setup... he's a big 6'6" guy, so he can carry the extra size....

I use the Vanguard SBH-300 head with no problems...
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I have a Manfrotto 190XPROB and it's been excellent as a light weight tripod. If I thought I needed something more sturdy, I'd jump on the 055 model from Manfrotto. A buddy has the 055 and I'm only envious when it's setup... he's a big 6'6" guy, so he can carry the extra size...
I'm a not-so-big guy at 5' 9" and my go-to tripod is a Manfrotto 055XPROB. It's all aluminum so it's not the lightest 'pod on the market but neither has it ever failed me in the slightest. I topped mine with an Airhed II ball-head from 3 Legged Thing because I hate with every fiber of my immortal being the Manfrotto QD system. I understand I'm in the minority with that but yeah; we're all Arca-Swiss in my house and we accept no substitutes.

Lastly, I believe the 055PROB I have has been replaced by the bigger, faster, more powerful 055XPRO3.
...
 

Fred Kingston

Senior Member
I agree... The Manfrotto QD is probably the worst (weakest) attachment system designed...I still use it on my Manfrotto MonoPod... and cringe every time I use it.
 
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