tgreenhaw

Thanks for the link, this is very enlightening. At least now I know why I'm not very happy with my new tripod.

JKaye Loc: Chicago

Take a look at Benro (an offshoot of Manfrotto) less expensive and available in carbon fiber with clamps. They also have great head Model #PU70. Easy to place on your tripod and both are available from BandH.

OldSchool-WI Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919

This is a followup on my earlier post on my experience of 66 years of tripods for different purposes.

I have just checked the many tripod configurations and prices at B&H---and find the "classic duraluminum" TILTALL at 6lb to be the best for the money at $190. As I said earlier---I bought mine already used in 1967 and it is like new still. It has a wonderful two way head with screw handles and metal threaded clamps on the tubular legs. The new one shown in B&H looks identical to mine. If you have the money--there are "traveling" carbon fiber lighter built for less than 44lb and weigh in at half the weight of the Tiltall. (But here are also carbon fiber--heavy duty tripods weighing in at over 6lb--without a head and costing twice the price of the classic Tiltall and then you must buy a head costing as much as the entire Tilall! But then you might not need the rock solid while on the go with a backpack. Unless you are needing minutes long exposures for a dark night city scape? Bring what you need---buy only what you need. The lightest of all are the folding wooden Graflex tripods made for large heavy format cameras like a Speed Graphic, Crown or Graphic View. They breakdown into three small parts plus the platform. But are the lightest of all mentioned thus far and certainly the oldest. I carry one folded up in my Graphic View case.-------

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

For hiking, if it’s wildlife I shoot handheld. For long exposure shots I use a Platypod with a ball head. I have an L bracket on my Z7 and can mount it in either orientation in seconds. If I’m shooting a waterfall it sits nicely on a rock. With adjustable legs that have a rubber tip on one side and a spike on the other it’s easy to adjust to sit solidly in many spots. If there’s no good spot for it to sit I can strap it to a tree or a post. It’s very light for hiking and very versatile.

picsman Loc: Scotland

I shoot lots of amateur sports and with my D750 and 100-400 lens and have used my carbon tripod with a gimbal from https://www.lensmaster.co.uk/index.htm. I bought the travel version but I dont think that is available now. They also offer a monopod head which I will buy in future once the new season starts. The gimbal doesnt always work in a sporting environment because of the extreme angles I sometimes need thats why I agree with others that a monopod might be more flexible.

Barbonbrown

Try a bean bag. With a solid support (wall, tree, stationary car etc.) they can provide stable support to the longest lens, supporting along the length of the barrel. and they do not cost $100's, nor weigh too much. Much easier to carry any distance.

Of course there are many situations where a tripod does work better, or even is the only solution, but similarly there are times when a tripod cannot be used, or slows you down too much, or is just too inconvenient.

If you must have a tripod the advice above is sound, I'd suggest you go to a retailer and give a few models a try. Within reason the head is more important than the legs imo, Manfrotto, Gitzo, and a number of others make excellent models.

MJPerini

Re Photo Gene51
The picture is quite amazing, there is a subtlety to it that you rarely see. Just wonderful.
It is dead sharp, but the sharpness is not in your face, you see a great picture with perfect gesture well before you notice it is also sharp.
great work

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

If possible go to the store. I took the trip to B AND H salesman Mike was excellent. Need to see them in person. I bought Manfrotto 190 carbon fiber with seperate gimble head. I like this combo so much I wound up leaving it together and buying a second tripod, Benro TMA37AL with a ball head, this one is aluminium

TimHGuitar Loc: San Francisco, CA

Agree. I have a Gitzo that I've used for years. Was light but is now heavy cause I'm 70 years old. I had a light (expensive) tripod with a Gitzo ball head but when I used 1/60 second exposures on my Mimiya 645 the shutter shook the camera on that tripod. No problem with the heavier Gitzo.

OldSchool-WI Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919

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You should use the support best suited for the job as I have said a number of times. But for 56 years I have used a Tiltall (classic--duraluminum) tripod as pictured and still available--and mine was used at my purchase in 1966. Good for even large format--an I use it for my 5x7 as well as Sigma FoveonX3s. Six pounds--but has a great 3way smooth running head--large handles and all metal. This tripod is not likely to blow in the wind or get tripped over at a wedding. I notice someone is offering a modified one on UHH sales.----------(attachment and description--B&H) P.S. Tiltall also makes carbon fiber tripods)The silver TE Original Series Tripod with 3-Way Head from Tiltall has a load capacity of 44 lb, which can support cameras from DSLR and 35mm up to large format. The tripod can extend to a maximum height of 74" and go as low as 28.5".

The 3-section tripod has twist locks for leg extension and adjustable stainless-steel spiked feet for a more secure grip on uneven terrain. One of the legs is detachable and can be converted into a monopod. Both head and legs are constructed from aluminum and have been anodized. The 3-way pan and tilt head has three separate independent locks and has a 1/4"-20 camera fitting.
Twist locks
Rubber feet with adjustable stainless-steel spikes
Removable leg converts into a monopod
Anodized silver finish
Carry case included

OldSchool-WI Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919

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P.S.----I use "quick release" plates and sockets on all my support devices and digital cameras.----ew

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

How many times are you gonna post about the subpar Tiltall tripod? It’s pretty much the same as any under $200 tripod.

OldSchool-WI Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919

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i EXPECT AS MUCH FROM YOU. You are always true to form---spouting out without the slightest knowledge about what you say. You merely want to post something snarly during your waking hours. How can a rock sold tripod and head be "subpar?" It holds 44lb. Do you want a lounge chair or maybe your old age recliner to sit on a tripod? And the head is three way and much easier to use than a floppy ball top. Get real---SUPERFLY-TNT. And keep quiet when you know nothing.-----ew

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

But, But...It's not carbon fiber!. But, But, it doesn't cost an impressive $750 plus dollars!. But, But, it doesn't impress my friends! How can I bring that out into the field where someone might see it?

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida