dusmif

Thanks mate, will do that

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

What lenses will you be using with it, and what subject material? Load capacity is usually easily met, even by the cheapest tripods.

This $50 tripod will "support up to 13.2 lbs" but you are not likely to be satisfied with it's performance with anything other than a 24mm lens used for landscapes. Macro and medium to long tele work would be out of the question.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001D60LG8/ref=s9_acsd_zgift_hd_bw_b25tO_c_x_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-8&pf_rd_r=GH9YHMXY5CWW6R2KK70K&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=738d674a-f2fe-58fd-ad11-57582fc76288&pf_rd_i=499310

If you can provide intended equipment, subjects, budget, and your height - you'll get some better guidance.

In the meantime, look at this:

http://blog.reallyrightstuff.com/choosing-a-tripod-part-1/
http://blog.reallyrightstuff.com/choosing-a-tripod-part-2/
http://blog.reallyrightstuff.com/choosing-a-tripod-part-3/

http://bythom.com/support.htm

You don't need to spend 4 figures in most cases. But you aren't going to get away for much less than $300 for legs, and $!50 for a ball head, unless you are shooting landscapes with a 24mm lens.

Personally, I use a 2.31 lb carbon fiber tripod that has (since people insist on using load capacity as a meaningful criteria) a 55lb load, and costs $300. Would I use it with my 14lb 600mmF4 and D800 with battery grip? Well, no. It is nowhere near stable enough. By the same token neither is a Gitzo Series 3 that costs $950 and has a similar load capacity. Gitzo suggests that you stick to lenses shorter than 300mm for that tripod. Comparing load capacity is no way to select a tripod. It's an easy way to spend preciously earned $$$ on something that is less than adequate.

dusmif

Thank you Gene51 for your reply and links, which I will look into later. I had a NikonD3300, which is small and the largest lens is a Nikon 55 to 3000, It is not my intention to spend a lot of money I have a very good solid tripod, but it is heavy to carry around, so I thought I get a lightweight one, after all I am 70years old. :-)
Cheers

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

Check out Feisol CT3442. Without the anti-rotation legs, you can get it for $310. It weighs 2.31 lbs, making it one of the more stable lightweight tripods out there. I got my CT3472 in 2007 replacing an inadequate Gitzo Series 3, when I got my first 500mm lens. I've been using it ever since. But it does weigh 4 lbs, which makes it a little on the heavy side. I am pretty sure your needs will be mostly met with CT3442.

dusmif

Thank you for your advice, much appreciated.

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

I bought a Selens T170 on eBay for $42, and I'm very happy with it.

With the ball head only tightened slightly one can adjust the horizontal level of the camera with ease. The head has a fairly quick mount to the camera and tripod.

To extract the legs one turn the foot of the leg 1, 2, 3, or 4 clicks depending on how many sections one want to extract. When you've extracted the sections you want, lock them into positions by turning the foot the same number of clicks again.

At the top of each leg is a button that allows you to alter/expand the angle of the legs.

The center pillar expands in 2 sections which makes the entire tripod tall enough for me, I'm 180 cm/5'9". And it is reversible as well, i.e. one can hang the camera low between the legs.
The center pillar has a hook at the bottom for extra weights.

On top of all this, one leg can be used as a mono-pod if preferred.
Folded length is 320 mm/12.6"

I used my tripod on a mountain side some weekend ago and I was surprised how easy it was to handle. Considering the price paid I'd recommend it to anyone asking.

jim in TC Loc: Traverse City, Michigan

Does that include a head?

dusmif

Thank you Boris, I will look into it,, it seems promising

breck Loc: Derbyshire UK

Benro good range and very high quality carbon

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

You have to understand that light could mean an unsteady tripod. I use a Dolica that cost me $40 and it has proven to be very useful, especially when traveling. These tripods have a hook in the center post that can be used to make them more steady. Good tripod techniques go a long way with one of these tripods.
Carbon fibers tripods tend to be lighter.

dusmif

Thank you ALL for your advice.

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

Yes, ball head included.

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

I think it is good to keep in mind is that this is not a professional tripod, just as I am not a professional photographer.

That said, this tripod will probably brake on impact if dropped from a tall bridge or an airplane, or if it is ran over by a truck. Just as it probably will brake if its legs or other parts are bent further than the joints are designed for. *irony*

For the $42 paid on eBay, I still think I got a very decent tripod.

PhotosBySteve

Sirui travel pod.

RRS Loc: Not sure

Gene, I should know but seem to have forgotten, what tripod are you using with the 600mm/4.0 and the D800?