Tripod value: Just bought a new tripod. I have a Gitzo Reporter from the 70's but wanted something more portable. It appears to be well made and has some features that I like over the...

wmurnahan Loc: Bloomington IN

Just bought a new tripod. I have a Gitzo Reporter from the 70's but wanted something more portable. It appears to be well made and has some features that I like over the Gitzo, like two position legs allowing for a lower angle, both have a center column that can be reversed to make a copy stand. The new one uses one leg and the center column to make a monopod. The Gitzo does seem a little more stable, with only three sections compared to four. At less than a $100, I thought it was worth a try. http://www.banggood.com/QZSD-Q666-15KG-Tripod-With-Q-02-360-Degree-Swivel-Fluid-Head-For-DSLR-Camera-p-1001622.html

Bill_de Loc: US

If you bought a tripod that is less stable than what you already had, you took a step backwards. Tripods are primarily about stability.

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Haydon

Find it interesting he back-stepped from a Gitzo to this model.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Standard Load Capacity: 8kg (17.6lbs) of your proposed tripod.

What is the total weight of your camera and largest lens?

A tripod should support 1.5 to twice the total weight of your camera and largest lens.

The total height of that tripod is only ~ 5 feet.

tinwhistle

Just my very personal opinion, but any tripod that costs only $100.00 is probably worth only a hundred dollars. In other words, not much. Just went back and took another look at your post and went back again to your link and found something interesting. You're from Bloomington Indiana, USA. It gets cold and snowy there and the legs on that tripod have the twist type locks. That maybe a problem in winter weather.

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

wmurnahan wrote:

Just bought a new tripod. I have a Gitzo Reporter ... (show quote)

It just depends on your intentions and expectations are. I have a similar tripod I bought in Korea for about $80. I keep in the saddlebags on my motorcycle. It has come in handy several times for selfi group photos with a lightweight lens. If you don't overload it, it should work fine for its intended purpose. :thumbup:

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

waegwan wrote:

It just depends on your intentions and expectations are. I have a similar tripod I bought in Korea for about $80. I keep in the saddlebags on my motorcycle. It has come in handy several times for selfi group photos with a lightweight lens. If you don't overload it, it should work fine for its intended purpose. :thumbup:

True.
I had two tripods; one that was a monster for when i needed rock solid stability and suffered with the lack of ease and portability, and the other for most every day when I just needed to get the camera stabilized without a bunch of hassle.

The lighter tripod worked just great and it was only $85.00. No problems at all with my 5DIII and L lenses.

Tripod discussions are like raw vs jpg discussions...lots of heated opinions and nobody allowing much in the way of differing opinions.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

rpavich wrote:

True. br I had two tripods; one that was a monste... (show quote)

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Bill_de wrote:

If you bought a tripod that is less stable than what you already had, you took a step backwards. Tripods are primarily about stability.

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You are forgetting the issue of portability. What use is the most stable tripod if you can't bring it with you because of its overbearing size and weight? Oftentimes it's better to have a less stable but portable tripod than none at all.

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

rook2c4 wrote:

You are forgetting the issue of portability. What use is the most stable tripod if you can't bring it with you because of its overbearing size and weight? Oftentimes it's better to have a less stable but portable tripod than none at all.

Yup, I have a monster duty tripod I keep at home and a medium monster duty in my truck. When I ride I usually shoot from my bike so I am traveling light anyway and on occasion have used my light tripod with great success. It is like anything else, know your equipment and use it as it was intended. :thumbup:

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

I have a tripod very similar to this one from Koolehaoda but mine is carbon fiber. Links below for both the aluminum and carbon fiber types. These tripod are probably the same (made in the same factory) and rebranded.

http://www.amazon.com/Koolehaoda-Professional-Portable-Magnesium-Aluminium/dp/B00OT5G0DS/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1457274732&sr=1-1&keywords=koolehaoda+tripod

http://www.amazon.com/Koolehaoda-Portable-Ballhead-Samsung-Olympus/dp/B00LUUHDPO/ref=sr_1_10?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1457274732&sr=1-10&keywords=koolehaoda+tripod

I like mine very much. Strong but light weight great for backpacking. If I wanted a really heavy duty unit I'd be spending well over $500.00 for a tripod but for what I use it for it's not necessary. I use a d7200 with a Sigma 180 Macro with reasonable stability.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

rook2c4 wrote:

You are forgetting the issue of portability. What use is the most stable tripod if you can't bring it with you because of its overbearing size and weight? Oftentimes it's better to have a less stable but portable tripod than none at all.

What I was going to say.
Thanks.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Enjoy your new pair of legs. It should work well for you.

wmurnahan wrote:

Just bought a new tripod. I have a Gitzo Reporter ... (show quote)

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

traveler90712 wrote:

Standard Load Capacity: 8kg (17.6lbs) of your proposed tripod.

What is the total weight of your camera and largest lens?

A tripod should support 1.5 to twice the total weight of your camera and largest lens.

The total height of that tripod is only ~ 5 feet.

load capacity means nothing. The cheapest tripod will hold up a camera, but it will be far from stable. Unfortunately this is common, but bad advice that has taken on a life of it's own.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

rpavich wrote:

True. br I had two tripods; one that was a monste... (show quote)

This is informative. But you need to read all three sections.

http://blog.reallyrightstuff.com/choosing-a-tripod-part-1/

And pp 14-15 of the Gtizo manual which basically says the same thing about stability and design criteria

http://www.gitzo.com/service/request+a+catalog

Look at the data, and find a tripod with similar characteristics - you'll save money (50% or more), and save again by not buying junk.