camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

"Hay dtsobel, you can't use a tripod even if you got it. So, my strong, strong advice is this. Wait till we are over this and go to the camera store and try them out."

In my humble opinion this has been the best advise the OP has received so far.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Gitzo is probably the best but expensive!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Leofoto-LS-364C-Professional-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod-camera-photography-tripod/174108121354?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

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cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Buy it right the first time or you'll be buying it again! Best of luck.

photoman43

I use a Induro series 4 tripod for my 500mm f4 on Wimberey gimbal head. The specific model I have is now called the Induro GIT404L Grand Series 4 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod. If you are not that tall, see if the GIT 403 is sized for your needs.

Induro also makes a great series 3 tripod. Check out these models. GIT 303, 304, 304L, 305L. These will work too, but the 4 series gives you a more solid base.

I tend to buy one that is taller just so I have the flexibility of using it on uneven ground, like a hillside where one leg needs to be extended longer that the other two.

Your choice of three or four section legs is usually impacted by your height, how you will use it most of the time, and collapsed height for travel purposes.

Another brand to check out is Feisol. I am not that familiar with their model numbers, but they make good tripods that are priced reasonably.

Archboo3 Loc: Central Florida

I just picked up a FotoPro EL6 from B&H, Adorama also carries them. I’ve just started working with it. But from what I can tell so for this is 1 tripod is going to replace my other 3 Tripp’s. It’s lite, very portable, and heavy duty. I believe the model below the EL6 is right in your price range and it includes a head.

Coolcameragirl Loc: Bradenton, FL

Check this one - great video showing all details:

https://www.huntsphotoandvideo.com/detail_page.cfm?productid=TTCB5150CF1&mfg=Peak%20Design&show=yes

rjandreoff Loc: Hawaii

The Induro CLT 303 has been doing a great job for me for about 3 years. Not a problem. HOWEVER, the middle of late last year I began spending more time shooting wildlife (nikon 400 2.8 vr, d4). I live in Hawaii and we can have a LOT of high wind and rain. The Induro did ok but not quite stable enough. Budget constrained so Gitzo or RRS were not in the cards. A friend had an Innorel RT90c and loved it. I got one for $282 with the bowl mount, shipped for free. Outstanding piece of gear. Light, super stable, terrific fit and finish. I think they are sold on Amazon and Aliexpress.

dtsobel Loc: West Hills California

Too bad that combo is going to cost a lot more today. how long have you had it?

Basil Loc: New Mexico

I love my Sirui CF Tripd - agree, it's a great value. I bought the Nest Gimbal from MTShooter when he was still in business. It's an awesome gimbal but not sure who sells them now.

gouldopfl

I never had a real camera store. I ended up with a Benro carbon fiber because I needed one that went over 6 ft. I looked at several brands. I buy most new equipment from B&H and Adorama. Both of these companies have excellent experienced staff. If you can tell them what you are looking to do with the tripod they will make good suggestions. Remember that a good tripod still needs a great ball head so make sure not to skimp there.

eardoc

To help you to better understand the difference among Gitzo tripod models, here is their nomenclature and numbering system:

GX#YZ$% (these are my symbols for clarification, not Gitzo's)

1. G = Gitzo

2. X = Family of item
a. A = apparel
b. B = Boom
c. C = Carrying solution
d. H = Head
e. K = Kit
f. M = Monopod
g. T = Tripod

3. # = Series of the item
a. . = 00
b. 0 = 0
c. 1 = 1
d. 2 = 2
e. 3 = 3
f. 4 = 4
g. 5 = 5

4. Y = Materials composing the item
a. 3 = Aluminum
b. 5 = Carbon
c. 7 = Magnesium
d. 8 = Basalt

5. Z = Leg sections for tripods (fewer legs increase sturdiness and decrease vibration)
a. 3 = 3
b. 4 = 4
c. 5 = 5

6. $ = Release version of item
a. 0 = initial release of the item, eg first model
b. 1 = first upgrade of the model
c. 2 = second upgrade of the model
d. 3 = third upgrade of the model
7. % = Extension
a. Different series with different features
Ex = Explorer (off center column, leg locking allowing any angle)
LVL = Leveling series
O = Ocean
S = Systematic series (no center column)
T = Traveler (lighter weight)
G = Geared (geared crank to raise/lower center column)
L = Long (used with Systematic series)
XL = Extra long
QR = Quick release
V = Vintage
B = Baby
C = Compact


*Note: 6X in the nomenclature means “6X carbon fiber tripod”

For example, here is the code broken down for a GT3530LS:

GT3530LS
G = Gitzo
T = Tripod
3 = Series 3
5 = Carbon material
3 = 3 leg sections
0 = initial release of the model
LS = Long systematic (long and no center column)

djlouden Loc: Ocala, Florida

Don't forget to check KEH. Some time ago I bought a Gitzo Mountaineer from them for about $450 which was well below the over $1,200 or so that it was selling for new at the time. It's a bit hefty even with carbon fiber construction but it handles my 1DX II or 5D IV with my 500 F4 with ease and is tall enough to allow me to stand behind my camera without crouching. Don't forget to check the extended height without center column, especially if you're tall. Nothing like crouching behind a short tripod all day to give you a great neck ache.

Happy shooting

gwilliams6

Imagemine Loc: St. Louis USA

I have a Induro Stealth GIT304L with a Oben ball head BC-139, very happy with this setup it's very sturdy carbon fiber , but don't have any recommendations on Gimble Heads. Had it about 2yrs. now got it from B&H Photo online