lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

"...or cheap SD /CF card!"

RRS Loc: Not sure

I'm not a "wannabes" I am. If you haven't shoot with one of the best tripods it's all here say! I do use a series 3 tripod from RRS and it's great up to 400mm with a prime lens. When I shoot the 600mm /4.0 prime I do notice a difference while looking through the viewfinder when the wind blows. I am now going to buy the new series 4 from RRS. I read what Gene 51, member expert here on tripods, has said over and over again that you will need a stiffer tripod when shooting with lenses in the 600mm to 800mm range and he is right. All is not lost on the series 3, my wife, an avid shooter, will be using this as she very seldom shoots the 600 lens. There are good tripods out there, not just Gitzo and RRS but do some research and buy a GOOD one, not a cheap one.

There's no way that I would mount any of my lens/camera combos on a $100.00 tripod. When I first started in photography I too bought a cheap tripod, no, along the way I bought several, but I did finally learn. Funny but when shooting in Yellowstone I have yet had anyone come up and ask about my tripod, but so many will ask if they can see the picture I just took on the back of my camera.

davesit Loc: Lansing, New York

One thing to remember is that a tripod is not just to shoot with a big lens. Most shots will be improved if shot using a tripod, especially macros. Granted, some situations would make the use of a tripod unfeasible. But when buying a tripod, you will always be better off buying one that over-meets your requirements. Don't think that since the total weight of your camera body and the 150-600mm lens is 15 lbs, you can get away with a tripod that is rated at 20 lbs. Some folks recommend a tripod with at least 45-50 lbs. or rating weight load for a long lens/gimbal combination.

jpgto Loc: North East Tennessee

Head to the local camera shop if one is close by, see what they suggest and then contact our forum member MTShooter

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

Cost effective is relative. However, torsional rigidity and stability is not. High magnification situations - macro and long lenses at or near close focus distances are among the most demanding situations for tripods. I know of no tripod that costs $100 that will be stable in these situations, regardless of what the owners say. Online reviews are seldom performed by knowledgeable professionals with the skills and tools to correctly assess the merits of a piece of hardware, and the often lack the overarching viewpoint that allows them to compare one product against known industry-accepted standards.

That being said - MT Shooter may have something, though I have no experience with his goods. you can't go wrong with Gitzo, Induro, Really Right Stuff, LeoFoto, Feisol and possibly a few others. Do not make the mistake of selecting a tripod based on load capacity. It is generally meaningless, other than expecting a $100 tripod with a load capacity of only 15 lbs. to be stable or safe enough to hold a $1400 lens and a camera that costs even more. You should be looking at the most robust and stable versions - don't spend a lot of money, say, on a Gitzo Series 2 thinking it will serve your purposes. It won't. Induro, Gitzo, RRS all publish buying guides on what tripods work with specific lens/camera applications. I would suggest a carbon fiber tripod with a top leg tube diameter of at least 36mm, preferably more. LeoFoto makes very substantial tripods that fit the definition of "cost effective" - their Leofoto LN-404C is compared to the top Gitzo Series 5 Mountaineer, at less than half the price. The only downside is that it weighs 7.5 lbs. In any case, it is worth consideration.

The most cost-effective gimbal I have come across is the Manfrotto 393. Simple very stable, not fancy. I have used one since 2006 in spite of trying other solutions like Wimberley, Jobu, Kirk, and a few others that were certainly more expensive, but not any more stable than the $189 Manfrotto. Its only shortcoming is the lack of a standard quick release plate. I modified mine by purchasing an Arca-Swiss compatible clamp, and using the three holes in the clamp which line up perfectly with the threaded holes in the Manfrotto quick release plate. When bolted together, the clamp and plate stay in place. It works fine.

Best of luck with your search - do not make the mistake if under-buying, and needing to buy again. No one ever complained about buying a tripod that is too stable.

nunyaman Loc: huntsville Alabama

I recently bought the Leofoto LS-324C with the LH-40 head for about $340. I am happy with it. I have used the Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 sport (heavy lens) on a Canon 6D with battery pack with no issues. I had been using the Manfrotto 190XPRO and the Leofoto is much more stable and the ball head that came with it is not bad either. The Center Column ranked it #5 as best all purpose tripods. The 4 above it were all RRS at three times the price. Only draw back is it is shorter than some. I am 5'10" and it is OK with me. It comes with a center column but I have never used and most likely wont. The center column is a screw on type and I believe is is 10 inches tall or so. Like I said, I have never used it. This is made with carbon fiber material and folds up small enough that I can put it in my checked luggage which was important to me. One other issue to be aware of, it is made in China. This means that if you need it repaired (warranty), you must send it to China to have it repaired. I have never sent a tripod in for repair in all my years so this was not an issue for me.

https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/all-purpose-tripod-rankings/

https://thecentercolumn.com/tripod-reviews/leofoto/leofoto-ls-324c-review/

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

If you serious about stability, you should add one of these to compensate for the compromised tripod collar on the Tamron. ...- https://www.ebay.com/itm/L200-Long-Focus-Telephoto-Lens-Support-Bracket-Holder-w-Quick-Release-Plate-US/333148557869?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

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dosperros

I've been using Zomei carbon fiber. I have many lens and I've trusted my Zomeis with every one. They have a hook built in for sand bags for counter weight. Pick up a Zomei and save some money.

dosperros

Try the Zomei, don't be another Brand Name Snob