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Tripod, Tripod, which Tripod?
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Mar 5, 2013 09:00:54   #
MT Shooter Loc: Montana
 
home brewer wrote:
does Manfrotto have "cheap" tripods. Just found an ad at Sams Club for a MK394-H Tripod kit for $99.98
It only goes to 56", folds to 20" and weighs 3.7 pounds. Might be ok for shorter people


Yes they do, as does Gitzo. So long as there is a market, there will be poor quality products to fill it.

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Mar 5, 2013 09:08:00   #
steveo52 Loc: Rhode Island and Ocala Florida
 
Photogdog wrote:
traveler90712
Everybody has advised you on several different things about a tripod, but nobody has advised about the support capabilities of the tripod. The tripod [b wrote:
and ball head[/b] should hold, one and a half to twice, the combined weight of your camera and largest lens.
Cheap is not good! A 2K camera and a 1K lens falling from a cheap tripod results in a 3K loss.


Did I leave something out?

Last year, I purchased a Manfrotto 055XPROB aluminum tripod that supports up to 15.4 lbs. I use it for moon shots and macro with my Canon EOS 7D and 5D MK II and an EF 100-400mm f4.5-f5.6L (sometimes with or without a 2X teleconverter) ring mount. I also bought the 322RC2 ball head to go along with it. They're built like a tanks & they'll last forever.
quote=traveler90712 br Everybody has advised you ... (show quote)



I just purchased this 055xprob with the 496rc2 head as a package from B&H, absolutely love it. I can't believe I wasted the last year using $59 tripod special!

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Mar 5, 2013 09:30:21   #
Lorendn Loc: Jackson, WY
 
MT is right, as usual, a cheap tripod will drive you nuts and end up in the trash. I have been using a Manfroto 055PRO carbon fiber with a Manfroto ball-head for the last two years and found it wonderful. Light enough to backpack (sort of) but stable with my 100-400mm and 7D. I just jumped into a 600mm f/4 and had to upgrade to a "big" tripod and a Wimberly gimbal head. After two months of research I bough a Sirui (pronounced see-ray) R-4203. This is a relatively new (in the US) Chinese company that made high grade carbon fiber tubular products and now is into photographic gear. The tripod has no "bells and whistles" like the Manfroto. No center column elevation or gimmicky leg extensions. It is just solid - hold up to 55 pounds and extends to well over my eye level (I'm, 6' 1"). It was about 2/3 the price of a comparable Gitzo - well worth a look.

http://www.sirui.com.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=73:r-series&catid=83&Itemid=470

The reviews are very positive. They are available at B&H, Adorama, and Amazon.

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Mar 5, 2013 10:09:56   #
Niner6
 
I have a couple of Manfroto tripods never had any problems pay a little extra you get solid equipment.....

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Mar 5, 2013 10:16:33   #
DK Loc: SD
 
I have a Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod which I think at the time cost around $300. It is light weight and sturdy. I've had it for over 15 years. Unfortunately, it is in the car in a detached garage and I don't want to go out there in blustery weather in my PJs to get the model number. I have been very happy with it. I agree that the initial cost may choke a person, but the long term usage is worth it. I do need to get a new head though as mine is beginning to slip because it is probably older than the tripod. It is the Manfrotto with a lever action head.

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Mar 5, 2013 10:21:16   #
texaseve Loc: TX, NC and NH
 
I bought a Gitzo Carbon tripod and head while my Giottos aluminum tripod sold. The Giottos ran circles around my new Gitzo as far as quality and smoothness. I also have a Benro carbon that does a nice job. If I were going to do it over, I would have had another Giottos!

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Mar 5, 2013 10:35:12   #
JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK
 
A little more info for you



















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Mar 5, 2013 10:40:45   #
Georgia Peddler Loc: Brunswick, GA
 
damvit wrote:
Hey UHH folks,
I'm trying to decide on my first buy, highest quality @ lowest price. I've seen posts here about the Ravelli APG L4 for $95, which caught my eye, found Ravelli Professional 65-inch Carbon Fiber 3 Axis Ball Head Camera Video Photo Tripod for $85...then found Costco has Dolica ZX600B103 70" for $99, which is also Carbon Fiber. Interested in hearing opinions, experiences, etc...trip to Europe this summer, and indoor/outdoor use...How important is T's height? I'm 6'1", ultimately interested in portrait/head shots, 65" or 70"?
Other options are buying used Manfrotto, which seems widely appreciated, but older, heavier, at around $100-150...some come w' heads. I would spend a little more if quality, portability & longevity are there...Help!?!
Thank you!
Hey UHH folks, br I'm trying to decide on my first... (show quote)


Get out and look. I have 2 Gitzo pods worth about $1000 that I have less than $75 in the both. One purchased at a yard sale for $50 (wife selling ex's stuff, obviously) and another that I purchased at a camera shop with a stripped 3rd leg section. Returned it to Gitzo and their lifetime warranty replaced the entire leg and it is like new. I paid $100 for it and that is just a mere pittance of what the pod sells for. Whatever you do, do not expect ElPrimo pods for Little Bitty $$$$. Get a good one and preserve the good health of your camera, lens, etc.
Good hunting.

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Mar 5, 2013 10:42:04   #
Georgia Peddler Loc: Brunswick, GA
 
Georgia Peddler wrote:
damvit wrote:
Hey UHH folks,
I'm trying to decide on my first buy, highest quality @ lowest price. I've seen posts here about the Ravelli APG L4 for $95, which caught my eye, found Ravelli Professional 65-inch Carbon Fiber 3 Axis Ball Head Camera Video Photo Tripod for $85...then found Costco has Dolica ZX600B103 70" for $99, which is also Carbon Fiber. Interested in hearing opinions, experiences, etc...trip to Europe this summer, and indoor/outdoor use...How important is T's height? I'm 6'1", ultimately interested in portrait/head shots, 65" or 70"?
Other options are buying used Manfrotto, which seems widely appreciated, but older, heavier, at around $100-150...some come w' heads. I would spend a little more if quality, portability & longevity are there...Help!?!
Thank you!
Hey UHH folks, br I'm trying to decide on my first... (show quote)


Get out and look. I have 2 Gitzo pods worth about $1000 that I have less than $75 in the both. One purchased at a yard sale for $50 (wife selling ex's stuff, obviously) and another that I purchased at a camera shop with a stripped 3rd leg section. Returned it to Gitzo and their lifetime warranty replaced the entire leg and it is like new. I paid $100 for it and that is just a mere pittance of what the pod sells for. Whatever you do, do not expect ElPrimo pods for Little Bitty $$$$. Get a good one and preserve the good health of your camera, lens, etc.
Good hunting.
quote=damvit Hey UHH folks, br I'm trying to deci... (show quote)


Sorry, misprint - I meant less than $175.-see above

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Mar 5, 2013 10:47:52   #
sharkman53
 
Purchase a good quality carbonfiber tripod and shop once. Buy and inexpensive tripod and you will keep upgrading untill you finally purchase the good quality item. Carbonfiber reduces vibrations, also, remember that center posts also cause vibrations. Quality costs more, but in the long end it is worth it. Look at Gitzo and Really Right Stuff. Also, consider a qualtiy ballhead like RRS or Kirk.

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Mar 5, 2013 10:48:41   #
Georgia Peddler Loc: Brunswick, GA
 
MT Shooter wrote:
A crappy tripod is worse than no tripod at all.
Try to find a camera store to actually handle a few before you buy off-brand stuff online. Buy once, cry once, then enjoy the usefulness of a good tripod for decades rather than throw away a crappy one every 6 months or so.


Shooter - a question - I have a Bogen/Manfrotto 3221 that is missing the little knob thingee that you push in to engage the slot and tighten or loosen the center post positon. I have exhausted all of the sites I find on-line for Bogen/Manfortto and even order the supposed correct piece from their authorized site in South Carolina, but it was incorrect. Any direction you can point me in??

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Mar 5, 2013 11:05:15   #
OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR
 
JR1 wrote:
A little more info for you


Thanks for the article, JR. I'm shopping for a compact tripod that I would be more likely to travel about town with (but love my full-size Manfrottos). This article covers all the bases.

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Mar 5, 2013 11:09:41   #
Baz Loc: Peterborough UK
 
Georgia Peddler.
See my previous post. www.manfrottospares.com.

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Mar 5, 2013 11:11:55   #
Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga
 
He needs to attach the pages so that they can be downloaded & viewed larger....That said, My tripod (a UK brand) isn't listed. Now it is a newcomer to the field & has been getting rave reviews. I wonder when the comparison article he posted came out ?

OddJobber wrote:
JR1 wrote:
A little more info for you


Thanks for the article, JR. I'm shopping for a compact tripod that I would be more likely to travel about town with (but love my full-size Manfrottos). This article covers all the bases.

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Mar 5, 2013 11:11:56   #
Georgia Peddler Loc: Brunswick, GA
 
Baz wrote:
Georgia Peddler.
See my previous post. www.manfrottospares.com.


Thanks for the reply, Baz - I will give that a shot. I have had the thing for ever and it is a really good pod, just lost the little lever thingee somewhere. Pliers work just fine, but don't look the best, you know?

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