Tripods-What's to know? Greetings all, I'm in the market for a new tripod. I've search Amazon and reviewed all the different higher priced brands. Can anyone offer an opinion on...

CWW Loc: North Jersey

Greetings all, I'm in the market for a new tripod. I've search Amazon and reviewed all the different higher priced brands. Can anyone offer an opinion on aluminum vs carbon fiber? Also, flip lock vs twist lock? I realize their is a weight savings with carbon fiber however, I need some opinions on durability. I looked at Manfrotto/ Zomei, some of the negative reviews stopped me cold. So, I'm reaching out to the good folks at UH for some unbiased opinions. Thank you for for any advice...price range is $300-$400

Bill_de Loc: US

I've had my Gitzo 1548 carbon fiber for around 20 years. It is durable and has proved it in water, rocks, snow and conditions I never should have been in myself. :)

The only disadvantage to the flip lock ,I also have a lighter duty Manfrotto, is that they can catch on brush, vines, etc., if your camera takes you places where this could be an issue.

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CWW Loc: North Jersey

Thanks Bill, much appreciated...

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I do not use a tripod very often - I much prefer monopod/bodypod for the mobility/speed. And when I do use one I do not plan on trecking far or flying in airplanes with it. In view of the above, and the fact that I am not a rich person, the heavier/cheaper aluminum is just fine with me and has always worked for me.

If you are a versatile photographer, it is very hard for one tripod to do everything well for you. For maximum performance, they are somewhat application specific.

One Rude Dawg Loc: Athol, ID

I have several tripods but my favorite is a "Manfrotto 3021BPRO. Not so heavy you won't take it. The shaft comes out so you can mount it side ways and the legs will spread out so you can get right down on the ground and get close. Very versatile tripod. Highly recommended If you can find the optional leg spikes get them they are handy for certain terrain. Good luck. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

CWW Loc: North Jersey

Thanks, much appreciated...

CWW Loc: North Jersey

I'll check it out, thanks, much appreciated...

Fotoserj Loc: St calixte Qc Ca

What use use you intense to do static or mobile, portrait, Birding, landscape, all question you should look at BEFORE looking for a tripod.
Keep in mind that is one piece of equipment that WILL outlast all the rest camera and glass included

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

imagemeister wrote:

I do not use a tripod very often - I much prefer monopod/bodypod for the mobility/speed. And when I do use one I do not plan on trecking far or flying in airplanes with it. In view of the above, and the fact that I am not a rich person, the heavier/cheaper aluminum is just fine with me and has always worked for me.

If you are a versatile photographer, it is very hard for one tripod to do everything well for you. For maximum performance, they are somewhat application specific.

The fewer the leg sections the more stable the tripod - ie 3 is more stable than 4 - if stability is truly what you are looking for. Also, heavier is more stable than lighter.

Bill_de Loc: US

imagemeister wrote:

The fewer the leg sections the more stable the tripod - ie 3 is more stable than 4 - if stability is truly what you are looking for. Also, heavier is more stable than lighter.

True, if the leg sizes are the same diameter. The diameter of the bottom (narrowest) leg section needs to be considered.

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henrycrafter Loc: Orem Utah

For most applications I use my Majestic. It is big and heavy but there is no camera shake even when I am using my Sinar F monorail view camera.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

CWW wrote:

Greetings all, I'm in the market for a new tripod.... (show quote)

ReallyRightStuff has an area where the reader can learn a lot of what they need to know about tripods. The different number of leg sections, how high to get, thickness of leg tubes, and several other factors are discussed You can solve you own problem by adding another $100 to your top end and then call MTShooter, Carter Bouslaugh at the Camera Cottage in Billings MT. $500 gets you a Nest NT363CT, C/F ,3 section tripod. Plain and simple, ends your dilemma , great solid tripod.

NealB Loc: Lowell Indiana

davidrb wrote:

ReallyRightStuff has an area where the reader can learn a lot of what they need to know about tripods. The different number of leg sections, how high to get, thickness of leg tubes, and several other factors are discussed You can solve you own problem by adding another $100 to your top end and then call MTShooter, Carter Bouslaugh at the Camera Cottage in Billings MT. $500 gets you a Nest NT363CT, C/F ,3 section tripod. Plain and simple, ends your dilemma , great solid tripod.

Carter also has many very good used ones that may work for you also. I have a Nest that I purchased from and it is great.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

how tall are you?

what body and lenses to you to intend to use with it?

what type of head are you looking for (ballhead or gimbal)?

I love my manfrotto 190cxpro3 and acratech GP-S setup.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I would recommend carbon fiber that weighs less than 4 lbs and can support 25lbs. Rigid. Travels well in a carry on. I have one and love it.
Price $311
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822143-REG/Sirui_BSRT2205_T_2205X_5_Section_Carbon_Fiber.html

CWW wrote:

Greetings all, I'm in the market for a new tripod.... (show quote)