tommyf Loc: Vero Beach, FL

I want professional quality but light weight . So, please give your advice? Thank you again for assistance.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

It depends on what I'm photographing and what my camera and lens is.

expose it Loc: Phoenix, Az

Main thing you need to consider is how heavy is my lens/camera when you max out the weight. Then buy heavier quality head. Always get more strength than what you think you need. After that buy what is comfortable for you to use. Doesn't matter what anyone else likes if you don't like the feel of it.

John Lawrence

I bought a new tripod last year. I talked to a sales rep at B&H Photo and he walked me through the selection process for my needs. You could do the same thing by communicating privately with MT Shooter on this forum. I'm sure you'll also get lots more information from others on the forum. Good luck.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I use and recommend the Manfrotto #222 joystick with a #234rc on top and working in unison with the 222 for just a head alone. Were I to buy a tripod and head today I would look very seriously at the Vanguard Alta Pro aluminum with built in pistol grip head for the economy and value - unless I was wanting to put big/heavy camera/lenses on it.

Hankwt Loc: kingsville ontario

I have a Markins head- Top notch quality !!

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Without knowing your budget constraints, your needs, or intended use, and going entirely from your description, I'd say to go with Really Right Stuff's Versa 2 or Versa 3 series tripod and their BH-55 ball head. Pricey, but I consider them the best on the current market.

JohninRockville Loc: Rockville, Indiana

I own at least a half dozen tripods, 3 are Manfrottos. It has been my personal experience that fancy/expensive does not guarantee great images. Let's get real here - unless you're shooting during an earthquake or hurricane it isn't likely that your camera is going to move regardless of it's mass or design. Most of my tripods these days are used to hold slave flashes.
Ideally I would insist on a tripod with a quick attach/release action and the ability to pan around easily and smoothly while remaining level - especially if shooting panoramas. I've got one head with a grip/ball that seemed like a good idea at the time - and hate it! The squeeze grip frees movement in all planes - useless in a panorama shot.

Regarding those Monopods - for me they are useless. I know lots of people swear by them but seriously, how many out there can hold a single pole with a camera on top steady enough to take a 1 second exposure??? I've used one given to me on 2 occasions - had to use a tree to prop against in shooting an eagle in dimming light and the results were blurred crap. I've had far better luck hand held bracing against a tree, building or even a vehicle.
Don't know as this helps but decide for yourself and try out different models/brands.

expose it Loc: Phoenix, Az

I have a 40 year old Husky 4 with the old pan head controls that were the only way you could get a tripod then. Just last week I bought a Manfrotto 055cxpro4 with a 057 mag ball head. Been using to old style head for so long I am not totally sold on the ball head yet buy am starting to get the hang of it.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Yes, if you are doing panorams or anything else that does not require SPEED - a conventional locking ballhead is GOOD ! If you want/need speed, the grip ballhead is the way to go. I have and use BOTH. And, yes, if you are doing 1 second exposures without blur - you do not want a monopod. Otherwise, if you are doing anything with FAST action and stop/action shutter speeds you will want/need a monopod.

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

weight of rig + Depth of pocket= Ideal tripod

For light weight camera rig I prefer pistol grip ball head on a Manfrotto 190 XPROB

For heavy rig I prefer Lensmaster Gimbal on a Manfrotto 055 XPROB

These are aluminum tripods, Carbon tripods can lighten your load and wallet.

Losing weight cost money, how much weight do you want to schlep around?

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I am very pleased with this pistol-grip ball-head.

Vanguard GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head

pkricker Loc: Woodstock, NY, USA

I've got an ancient Tilt-all that's a wonderful tripod. Might get a Benbo one of these days for macro stuff, but the Tilt-all has been all the tripod I could need for everything else (video excepted perhaps).

dusty3d Loc: South Florida

what is the advantage of a pistol-grip?

Festus Loc: North Dakota

Check out Really Right Stuff. Virtually all USA made. Expensive but well worth the investment. Will be the last tripod and head you will need.