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

"That Gene fellow" here - Don't put words in my mouth. I have enough of my own.

I didn't say i disliked them. I did say that they were inappropriate for most smaller format cameras. I loved using mine, in studio (after all that 475 is a studio tripod), with medium and large format cameras, generally with shorter lenses. When I tried to use mine with a Sonnar T 210mm F4, a Tokina 100-400 F4, a Sigma 600mm F8 mirror lenses, my results were far worse than when I switched over to a much lighter and more stable Gitzo carbon fiber. That 475, and the model it replaced, the 3051, were not suitable for the smaller cameras with long lenses, or for macro use, even though the legs could spread out completely, and it had the stabilizing struts attached to the center column guide. It was also far too heavy to use in the field - with a head it was 16 lbs. and could not collapse shorter than 3 ft.

Considering what is out there, you can do much better than that beast - unless you are a medium and large format shooter - then it's pretty darn good. It's always best to get the right tool for the job at hand, don't you agree?

If you've got some images that you've taken with that tripod and are either really up close macro (not just 1:3 closeup, but actual 1:1 macro), and/or some stuff taken with a 500 or 600 mm lens, it would be great if you can share them here.

NikonCharlie Loc: Kansas USA

You made one point, his shooting has much to do with his tripod choice. At this tie he does not need such a tripod. At the current price of $300 or less the 475 is the deal of a lifetime, and it will last a lifetime.
I carry the 475 with gimbal, D500 and 810's wherever I go. Solid as a 1000 pound rock, for me nothing compares. I don't do macro. I usually use long lenses, but don'f feel it's overkill for a wimpy 50 or 85 f1.4 either. I lock the cranking center column down and ignore it, adjusting the height with the legs.
Let's leave it, and be friends

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

That is EXACTLY what I am talking about - you buy decent gear once - and you never have to worry about it. You have a wildlife and nature photographer's dream support system - light, strong, stable. It doesn't get any better than that.

The Sword of Damocles is a bit extreme - no apocalyptic, existence-as-we-know-it ending catastrophe is expected as a result of getting an inadequate tripod - unless that is your reaction to less than optimum images as a result of movement at the camera end. If the OP was looking at stuff for under $100, well maybe the SoD reference would be a good fit. I could just see it now - $1000 or more worth of camera gear perched precariously on top of a Dolica tripod crashing to the ground in a pile of broken glass, twisted metal, and many pieces of plastic - oh the horror of it all!

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

Dave, that is the best thing if you have a shop that has a decent selection. Being in NY I am spoiled by FotoCare, Adorama and B&H. In the photo district we used to have many more shops, but NY commercial rents have forced a consolidation, so only a handful of vendors survived. B and H has everything - on display even. Your needs are modest, so you don't need to spend for a Gitzo or RRS if you don't mind carrying around an extra pound or so. The Benro is pretty decent and would more than work for your current setup. The Feisol CT3442 would also work ok. I've used mine with a 100-300mm lens with decent results. (It does have a tripod collar, so I am not sure how the 18-300 would fare without one). If you stay in the range of $300-$400 and choose carefully, you'll be pretty happy.

TucsonDave Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Thanks Gene. Good, solid advice and I am looking forward to putting it to use this week.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

A tripod is a tool. Whenever I buy tools, I buy good tools. My first tripod was the predecessor to the Manfrotto MT190XPRO3 Aluminum Tripod. Since the stores were making way for this new model, they gave me a very deep discount on it. If I were to buy one again, I'd get the Manfrotto MT190XPRO3 Aluminum Tripod. They are $163 at B&H. Stay away from tripods they sell at Best Buy or Fry's. You still need to decide on a head for you tripod. I decided on a ball head that uses Swiss Arca plates. That's because I knew that eventually I'd buy a LARGE tripod for my 500mm prime lens and Swiss Arca plate will be used on that. I can't really help you decide on the head because there are so many. Suffice it to say, you don't need a brand name ball head. Get one that has 2 adjustments. One that will allow you to swivel the camera and of course, the ball tightening adjustment. Look for balls that are medium sized, not a tiny little ball or a huge ball. Keep it clean and never apply oil to the ball.

Looking at the B&H site, I see this one that looks pretty good. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/887592-REG/oben_be_117_ball_head.html

I wouldn't hesitate to buy this one but I'd search the B&H or Adorama websites for all that are close to this in criteria.

My tripod has lasted my many years. The leg adjusters are very easy and fast to use.

Again. Don't go Cheap.

PS - When buying photo gears this is the saying:

Cheap
Good
Light

Pick one of the three. In most cases you will only get one of the three. Although, you can get one that is Good and Light, but it really ain't going to be cheap.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

My first tripod, bought in or around 1974, was a Manfrotto 3021 to which I fit a Linhof ball head. I still own it and use it although it is already too heavy for my travels.
What you have in mind looks pretty good to me for the price. I like Arca Swiss ball heads because of the freedom I have with them.
I do not know how tall are you but consider the tripod extends to 5 feet 6 inches. Extending the center pole does not make the tripod very steady defeating its purpose.
Once you buy your tripod learn good tripod techniques. It makes the tripod steadier.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

That Vanguard is a very nice tripod at that price point, and the kit includes the ball head. I have a Vanguard carbon fibre tripod with a somewhat better ball head, but the combination cost me close to $400 a few years back. I don't think you're going to do much better for $160. It's also available at that price at B&H.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

Every professional photographer always has a backup for his equipment on a important shoot. This means backup camera, memory cards, batteries, and all sort of flashes, and reflectors etc, just in case there is a failure. Pros also have one very good tripod and head with them, never a spindly leg thin legged tripod. To much rides on this 3 legged contraption. One collapse will put the camera, and lens on the hard ground, and the shoot is ruined, and possibly the photographers business. Nonprofessionals have a entirely different prospective about their gear, most are looking inexpensive (cheap) adequate equipment, such as tripods, lenses, memory cards, and other gear. What I've found in photography it is always cheaper to fly first class, when buying a tripod. Never mind how cheap the tripod is, but how well it will serve you over the years you will photographing. You don't have to buy a new tripod, a nice used Bogen will serve you very well. Look at KEH.com, in their used gear, find a good used heavy duty tripod, like a Bogen 3011, which originally designed as a video tripod, when the cameras weighed 40 lbs. Replace the video pan head, and mount a ball head, and you're off and done, shooting from a anvil type tripod that will will last you 100 years. For what type of photography you outlined in your original post, you'll not be carrying it a mile or two into jungles or swamps, so the weight will be no problem.

B

dfrodin Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

If you know the cost of everything, then you know the value of nothing. I say stick with quality first in your decision and you will forever be satisfied with the value you have had over the years.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

http://www.ebay.com/itm/371546840953?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT


http://www.ebay.com/itm/192020961090?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Especially good for following action .....- what I use and recommend.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

P.S. If you feel guilty for not spending enough $$, - then I recommend the Manfro 475 - as has been already mentioned ......but way over your budget unless you get lucky with used.

Orca Loc: Little Egg Harbor, NJ USA

I have the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT and am very happy with it. I use it with a Nikon D5500 and a 16-300mm lens. it it very sturdy and will support much more then what I am using.

jayw Loc: Contoocook, NH

Looks like you received a wealth of information. I'll add my 2 cents since we both use the same camera body - D5300. I also use the Tamron 16-300 zoom lens and was looking for a tripod to "replace" my very old and heavy, but still very reliable, Star D aluminum tripod that I used in days as a wedding photographer.

After doing research, I was introduced to the MeFoto Globetrotter model (www.mefoto.com). Quite compact and lightweight compared to the Star D. Holds the D5300 & Tamron really steady. Comes with an Arca Swiss head, which for me, took a bit getting used to, carry case, etc. One other nice feature, it comes with a 5 year warranty. Maybe something to explore.

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

I don't know that Gene actually dislikes Manfrotto but he has some qualifiers for the use of a few particular models.

I use to prefer Manfrotto myself but nowadays lean towards the Feisol, Sirui, Benro and probably Vanguard for quality yet affordable tripods and ball heads. I got onto the Sirui ball heads from Gene's advice and I agree with him that they are a "best buy" in their price/quality category. I love mine. For the most part Chinese tripods and ball heads are low quality copycat products but that is not true with Sirui. They are obviously trying to go their own way and create their own standards. I have only fooled with one of their tripods at the camera store and I was impressed with that as well. I would choose it over the more expensive Manfrotto I looked at at the same time.