bobgreen Loc: Maryland

I would appreciate some advice for a new tripod. I am 6'3" and I've had both hips replaced so weight is a concern . I use a Nikon dx camera; my longest lens is 300mm. Due to weight and cost issues, I doubt I'll ever graduate to the super telephoto lenses. Most of my hiking trips are generally limited to 5 miles or less. Budget is less than $300.00 or else I sleep on the couch ( what some of us call camping . Lol)

Suggestions?

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

I have 2 Benro's both over 65 inches with good load weights. They're great tripods and very stable but that will cost you in weight. I have an aluminum and a carbon fiber unit and they're both great. Here's one under 200.00 but they have plenty of others.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157829-REG/benro_tma37al_mach3_aluminum_series_3.html

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

I'm 6'2' and recently bought this tripod: https://www.adorama.com/sibsren2204.html
64.6 inch max. height (without ballhead or whatever, I use a gimbal) weight is 3.3 lbs.
This would be somewhat over your $300 by the time you add a head but under if you already have one.

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

For a tripod that has the least weight and the most stability, I suggest the Feisol CT-3442. It weighs 2.31 lbs and has a load capacity of 55 lbs. Nothing on the market comes close. It has the same top tube diameter as the Sirui EN-2204, and is available without the rapid leg locks for around $320. You may have to go to their website http://www.feisol.com/0823product.html and drop an email to Becky, who will provide pricing on the non-rapid legs.

The problem you are going to encounter is your weight limitation. While the CT-3442 is pretty stable, 300mm may be pushing it. Gitzo's GT3543LS Systematic Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod, ($870) recommended by Gitzo for up to 300mm lenses, has a thicker top tube of 32.2 mm and it weighs 4.1 lbs. Their Series 2, ($750) for up to 200mm lenses, has a 28mm top tube and it weighs 3.9 lbs. Induros and Really Right Stuff are graded in similar fashion, but are somewhat heavier.

Also, using a center column will diminish stability and add even more weight.

My suggestion if you want to get a tripod that you won't regret buying would be to get a Feisol CT 3472, no center column, and their CB 50D ballhead, or a Sirui K40X ball head. The Feisol has a 37mm top tube diameter, and it's stability is comparable to a Gitzo Series 4. It goes to 59 inches without a center column and when you add the height of a ball head it will put the camera eyepiece at around 67" in landscape orientation so you may have to stoop just a little. It sells for about $525 without the ball head or anti-rotation "Rapid" leg locks. I have both, and have used the CT3442 with care up to 300mm, and the CT3472 with my 600mm F4 and a 1.4 TC with no stability issues.

I have rented the Gitzo Series 5, an though they are amazingly stable, they are heavier and cost a fortune.

I suggest coming up with a creative approach to explain the purchase of the right tripod. Like, "if I buy the cheap tripod, it won't meet my needs, and I'll end up with the right one in the long run, and getting the cheap one will only add $300 to the cost of a suitable tripod. Don't you agree that it makes sense to buy only the one tripod and save the $300? Your better half will likely go along with this line of logic, unless she is an accountant. (Please tell me we are not talking about a person who is intimately acquainted with numbers and spreadsheets . . .)

bobgreen Loc: Maryland

Thanks for the boatload of information! A LOT of food for thought. Luckily, my wife is no numbers person AT ALL. Lol

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Bob, have you considered a chest / belt support for the camera. If you want to take flowing water photos then of course a tripod is needed.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

Hi Bob

Then what you need is a tripod 72" or taller the one that some of the folks are recommending are to short. Look for one imported from China you might find one for $200.00.

bobgreen Loc: Maryland

Good idea- for many types of shots. I'll look into these. Thanks

bobgreen Loc: Maryland

Will do. Thanks!

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Bob, since you are new here, I'll just give you my recommendation: Seriously consider the advice from Gene. He's very thoughtful on the issue of tripods-- and his suggestions were helpful on my last tripod purchase.

Best wishes.....

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

While carbon fibre tripods have the best strength-to-weight ratio, they can be expensive. I have an Induro, which cost less than $300 when I bought it. Suggest you look at their web site. There are many vendors offering carbon fibre tripods over a wide range of prices. Even though your camera is relatively light, you'll want your tripod to be able to hold at least 15-20lbs in order to have sufficient stability. Good luck!

In-lightened Loc: Kansas City

You could also look at Nest tripods. Contact MTShooter and see what he has available.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

My first suggestion would be a monopod instead of a tripod with facial and chest/shoulder stabilizers.

With your height and most lighter weight tripods, you will be bending over to shoot - a sad reality.

I do like the OBEN CC-2381, 66.2" tall (with centerpost- a necessity for your height - IMO), 3.4 lbs., 3-section legs - but a bit over your budget.

- http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oben-CC-2381-3-Section-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod-Legs-/400541054787?epid=1309917055&hash=item5d421b7743:g:BFwAAOSwyQtVjGGU

Fotoserj Loc: St calixte Qc Ca

Physically weight your equipment, everything that will be sitting on top of your tripod and base your research on that weight, then buy the very best u can afford, you'll get a good chunck back when you shot dowwn shop, and keep some,(money) to get out shooting

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

this is probably the most often repeated urban myth regarding tripods. Load capacity has NOTHING to do with stability. Nothing at all. Just because a tripod shows a 15 lb load capacity doesn't mean it will hold an 8.4 lb, 600mm lens and camera steady so you don't get blur. Call it Urban Legend, or Fake Info, at least the following is accurate and there is real-world scientific measurement and analysis behind it.

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/