Recommendation for tripod: Hi, New user here. I have a very nice tripod at home which I use for portraits, macro, shooting off the deck, etc., but is way too big and heavy to carry...

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Recommendation for tripod

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Jan 25, 2017 17:27:12 #

bobwalder

Hi,

New user here. I have a very nice tripod at home which I use for portraits, macro, shooting off the deck, etc., but is way too big and heavy to carry around with me. I am looking for a good tripod that I can use for my Tamron 150-600mm lens and can carry on the back of a LowePro AW500 backpack. So if anyone has that pack or similar and a tripod that is sturdy enough for wildlife photography with the 150-600mm zoom yet light and compact enough to fit on the pack I would love to hear.

Thank you in advance

Bob

Jan 25, 2017 18:03:14 #

latebloomer Loc: Topeka, KS

I have a Fiesol CT3472. It is outstanding Look up Gene51 for his tripod recommendations. Weight accommodation is not the biggest issue. The important issue is vibration. Those who had physics in college should understand Gene51's recommendations.

Jan 25, 2017 18:04:52 #

bobwalder

Thanks - I should add right now that I am not looking to spend more than around $150-200

Jan 25, 2017 18:30:58 #

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

bobwalder wrote:

Thanks - I should add right now that I am not looking to spend more than around $150-200

Your budget pretty much automatically precludes the specifications. Any tripod light enough, and small enough to mount on that backpack, AND be stable enough to hold your lens reliably, is going to cost you much more. I could recommend great setups in the $450-$500 range (gimbal head included), but not in the sub $200 arena.
Good luck, maybe you could even find something used that would get you by in the short term.

Jan 25, 2017 18:46:39 #

bobwalder

OK... well I would rather pay $500 now than $200 now and $500 later.... so what would your recommendations be? Let's try to limit to $500 approx if possible :o)

Thanks

Jan 25, 2017 19:14:19 #

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Bob, Consider a Sirui Carbon Fiber. I use it for travel and has a capacity of 26lbsand weighs les than 3 lbs..
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=822143&gclid=Cj0KEQiAtqHEBRCNrdC6rYq9_oYBEiQAejvRlxpOwOvfTYmuwH5ycN4TS7mdZw0jneuGZCNUOlrvt08aAlBq8P8HAQ&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876%2C92051678882%2C&A=details&Q=

bobwalder wrote:

Hi, br br New user here. I have a very nice tripo... (show quote)

Jan 25, 2017 19:59:28 #

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Consider a monopod. I have the Tamron 150-600 on my Sony Alpha 850. Most of the time I use it handheld as it's heavy enough to be fairly stable. Check out the MePhoto Walkabout monopods at B&H. Several of them are on sale for $30.00. You'll need a ball head to go with it.

Jan 25, 2017 21:01:48 #

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

bobwalder wrote:

Thanks - I should add right now that I am not looking to spend more than around $150-200

I would save your $$$ until you can justify the cost of a CT 3472. Besides, with stabilization, you will probably have less blur than using a $150 tripod. It may not look like that makes any sense at the moment, but in all honesty, spending $150 or $200 for a tripod today will only add that much to the cost of a decent tripod to fit your needs. You will likely spend more than your current budget on a stable head - the choice is yours - you can pay $500 or $700 for the $500 tripod.

I recently purchased a Sigma Sport 150-600 and have yet to mount it on a tripod - the OS is THAT good! Think about how much you really need a cheap tripod right now. Hopefully I just saved you a few dollars.

(Download)

(Download)

1/25, F8, ISO 400, @ 600mm, Sigma Sport 150-600

(Download)

Jan 25, 2017 21:54:07 #

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Penny wise; pound foolish. Applies to tripods.....

Jan 26, 2017 06:18:53 #

Grnway Loc: Manchester, NH

check out 3 legged thing:

http://us.3leggedthing.com/

I just bought one for travel and it is a burly piece of work. Can be bought at B&H, Adorama.

Jan 26, 2017 06:50:35 #

Mundj Loc: Richmond TX

You might check out the Mefotto line. They have good reviews and offer a compact tripod/monopod design. I have a Vanguard Altra Pro that is an excellent value but will not fit in a back pack.

Jan 26, 2017 06:59:12 #

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

bobwalder wrote:

Thanks - I should add right now that I am not looking to spend more than around $150-200

Remember the tripod is only half the equation, you have to also include the head. For a max of $200? Not unless you find an estate sale that has no idea of it's value or used. That's like saying you want to buy a buy a new full frame camera for $500.

Jan 26, 2017 07:04:07 #