jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Benro

mikee

I have a w2204, which is waterproof, and one leg will detach as a monopod. Will hold 18kg.

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

I initially went with Manfrotto....however I now have z2 of them sitting on a spare trash Cavan in the garage...too much plastic in crucial area. I bought a Carbon Fiber Gitzo & have a Best gimbal head and a spare Jobu gimbal head On e I de die which vendor to go with for my 2nd tripod, I’ll sell off the Manfrottos

edellington

I have 3 different sized Gitzo. All were purchased used on Ebay. I have not had any problems with them and they may last a lifetime.

dmdpeterdmd

check out peakdesign.com - I just bought their carbon fiber trip-pod - exceptional

rcurrie Loc: Kingsport, TN

Check Feisol. I have used one for years with no problems. Reasonably priced.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I just did a search at B&H Photo, who carry virtually every tripod made... and found exactly one tripod and head set that match your requirements.

Induro CLT303 Classic Series 3 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod with PHQ3 5-Way Panhead for $660. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1158038-REG/induro_clt303phq3_2_stealth_carbon.html/specs

That tripod is pretty similar to Gitzo Series 3 Traveler, Reporter or Mountaineer, with a permanent center column. For best stability, you want to avoid using the center column as much a possible. Is it tall enough? The tripod leg set alone is 53" tall without raising the center column (about 63" with it fully raised). The head this kit is about 4.7" tall. So total combined height is just shy of 58". By the time you sit your camera on top (Arca-Swiss quick release), the viewfinder eyeport will be a few inches higher still. Measure your eyeline to see if this is tall enough.

If that's too short for you, there's an Induro CLT303"L" version that's basically the same tripod, but about 7" taller... but it's only sold separately, without a head, and costs $40 more... $500. If you like the PHQ3 5-Way Panhead, it's available separately too, but at $280 would put you over your budget with this taller tripod.

If you prefer a ballhead, there's the Induro BHD2 with the same 39 lb. weight rating as the CLT303 tripods for $200 or the slightly heavier duty BHD3 for $230. Both of these also have Arca-Swiss quick release platform.

For all three tripod heads you'll need an Arca-Swiss camera plate... I recommend the fitted ones, if at all possible. You didn't mention what camera you have, but there are several manufacturers of those plates. Kirk Photo is a good source. Figure about $55 for most of those plates. They are custom fitted to the shape of the specific camera, to prevent twisting and loosening. (If you use a battery grip, it will use a different plate than the camera w/o grip.) Some people prefer an L-plate, especially when using a ballhead... but those are bulkier and more expensive. If you have lenses with tripod mounting rings, each of those will require a lens plate... those are more generic, but also need to have anti-twist features for safe use. Kirk sells those too, as do many others. Check out www.kirkphoto.com for both camera and lens plates. I think many also sell through B&H, Adorama, Amazon etc. There are cheaper Chines clones on eBay, too... which might be okay. You also might find used plates on the auction site, for some savings.

Bfree2 Loc: Grants Pass, Or

Once the stimulus shows, I am ordering the new C/fiber from ‘Peak Design’.

sscnxy

Absolutely correct! Sirui T-2205 SK Carbon Fiber Professional grade tripod. Costs only $220 on Ebay.
You just can't beat the quality of this item at this price. Performs as well as tripods costing several times more.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

I also endorse FotoPro... After long and hard research and a thumbs up from Dr. Nikon on this site I purchased a fotoPro with 37mm Top tubes.... LUV it to death...

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I have several good tripods but I long to own the new carbon fiber from Peak Design.

Sentinel4

I believe Benro and Induro are made by the same company.

I have a great experience with an Induro 313- an older model now. I believe it is rated up to lbs.

I am sure you will get plenty of comments.

Sentinel4

Basil Loc: New Mexico

How many?

Sentinel4

If you are also looking at heads, you may want to consider a gear head especially if you are planning to do macro work.

The Benro CDH3 is reasonably priced and allows precise focus. I had an Acra Tech ball head but focus for macro work was difficult without movement.

Good Luck!

Sentinel4

Beachhawk

Amazon has a large number of carbon fiber tripods at various price points. I think a lot depends on how much weight it's going to hold, the environment into which you are going to take it, how much weight you are willing to tolerate, and how often you plan on using it.