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What type of tripod to get
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Sep 20, 2012 10:46:24   #
Dtil2012 Loc: Festus, Mo
 
I have $350 to spend on tripod. what are your suggestions. also pan head, or ball head. I take manly pictures not much video. Thank you for your input.Dennis

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Sep 20, 2012 12:38:23   #
Goldwinger Loc: Boynton Beach Florida
 
I just bought and like the Vanguard

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Sep 20, 2012 12:50:01   #
Stephe Loc: Near Rockwall Texas
 
I'm using a Manfrotto 055XPROB with a Sunpak 620-CPG Pistol Grip. does well for me. But don't expect it handle a Large lens(300 mm +)camrea combo. you be better with a gimbal mount for heavy glass. then there is always carbon-fiber if your going to be carring things for miles.

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Sep 20, 2012 13:16:34   #
Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA
 
Take your camera & go to a camera store - balance your camera with what feels best to you.
IMHO
Harvey

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Sep 21, 2012 01:20:02   #
BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA
 
Weigh your heaviest camera/lense/flash combo. Then look for a tripod and head capable of supporting 3-5X that weight.

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Sep 21, 2012 05:49:44   #
jingle
 
I prefer the "Benbo" or "Uni-Loc" type. You can get your camera down to ground level if required. The legs are fixed and don't collapse, they are sealed from water, mud or ice.

The head depends on what you want. A ball head like the "Manfrotto 322RC2" is perfect for people as the trigger type lock is very fast to use.

If telephoto lenses with tripod mount may suit pan and tilt. For tracking animals, the center column set vertical with both pan and tilt left slack. With left hand on lens hood, right on camera, it can quickly be swung L or R and tilted to follow your subject. Hold with light pressure on lens and camera to take shot. Ball head no use.

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Sep 21, 2012 05:57:53   #
BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD
 
I don't think $350.00 will get you much more than something that is so-so. You can but a decent ball-head for that but a sturdy well built tri[pod will cost at least that much, likely $100 or so more

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Sep 21, 2012 06:07:54   #
Scoutman Loc: Orlando, FL
 
Dtil2012 wrote:
I have $350 to spend on tripod. what are your suggestions. also pan head, or ball head. I take manly pictures not much video. Thank you for your input.Dennis


You want a carbon fiber tripod with a quick release plate. Here's a fantastic buy:

Ravelli Professional 65-inch Carbon Fiber 3 Axis Ball Head Camera Video Photo Tripod with Quick Release Plate and Carry Bag
by Ravelli
4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (45 customer reviews) | Like 1348221906 false 1 13 13 12 (13)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price: $89.69

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Sep 21, 2012 06:15:02   #
Scoutman Loc: Orlando, FL
 
Dtil2012 wrote:
I have $350 to spend on tripod. what are your suggestions. also pan head, or ball head. I take manly pictures not much video. Thank you for your input.Dennis


More on Ravelli 65" carbon fiber tripod.

You can see a review of this model on YouTube - along with lots of other information on similar tripods.

Having looked at the video, I think it's time for me to replace my heavier, Ravelli 72" aluminum model.

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Sep 21, 2012 06:56:49   #
mafadecay Loc: Wales UK
 
Perhaps not what you were looking for but I started off with one of these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Pro-Heavy-Professional-Camera-Tripod/dp/B002LYH8D0/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1348224114&sr=8-10

I was actually shocked how sturdy and well built they are. People say they are heavy but I have caried it all day without any nags.

I have never had any problems using it daily and it holds steady a 5dmkii with battery grip, 70-200 F2.8 (none IS), and a 580EX. For the money I got it why I saved for a Manfrotto 055 and considered using it as a spare or a light stand afterwards. The ball head locks solid with no creep.

Only complaints: As a matter of precaution every 3-6 months I give all the hex keys a tighten but they even include 2 allen key tools just for this. Also can not open battery compartment on a grip with the quick lock plate attached. The bag looks a bit weak but no rips or tears of yet and I have given it a real hammering.

Value for money one of my best buys in camera equipment.

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Sep 21, 2012 06:59:53   #
Fran Loc: Northeast, United States
 
Look on Ebay. I was able to get a used Manfrotto 055XPROB with a Manfrotto pan head for $189. I ended up buying a pistol grip ball head for it for $120. Sold the pan head for $60 on EBay. Total spent $349.

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Sep 21, 2012 07:10:41   #
Mr. B Loc: eastern Connecticut
 
Ditto for me. The Vanguard with a ball head.
Goldwinger wrote:
I just bought and like the Vanguard

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Sep 21, 2012 07:29:54   #
joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ
 
I have the Manfrotto 055XPROB & 498RC2 ball head which I am very happy with but they make a heavy package to carry all day in the field. I recommend seeing and holding your choice in person before commiting.

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Sep 21, 2012 07:32:48   #
mborn Loc: Massachusetts
 
The Redged carbon series has tripods in that $ range they are great. Check out Amazon

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Sep 21, 2012 07:38:32   #
GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City
 
Scoutman wrote:
Dtil2012 wrote:
I have $350 to spend on tripod. what are your suggestions. also pan head, or ball head. I take manly pictures not much video. Thank you for your input.Dennis


You want a carbon fiber tripod with a quick release plate. Here's a fantastic buy:

Ravelli Professional 65-inch Carbon Fiber 3 Axis Ball Head Camera Video Photo Tripod with Quick Release Plate and Carry Bag
by Ravelli
4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (45 customer reviews) | Like 1348221906 false 1 13 13 12 (13)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price: $89.69
quote=Dtil2012 I have $350 to spend on tripod. wh... (show quote)



It's not hard to add a link:
http://www.amazon.com/Ravelli-Professional-65-inch-Carbon-Release/dp/B004RCHX0W
How's the quick release?
There were some negative comments about that.

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