Tripod Recommendation: Please help!!! I have been using a few tripods that are way undersized for my camera and lenses. I need a tripod that will hold steady a Nikon D3X and long lens.

John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

Please help!!!
I have been using a few tripods that are way undersized for my camera and lenses. I need a tripod that will hold steady a Nikon D3X and long lens. The options seem endless and I do not need to experiment with another light-weight tripod.
Any reviews and recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John Howard

Iwantitall Loc: Chicago (south side)

John Howard wrote:

Please help!!!
I have been using a few tripods that are way undersized for my camera and lenses. I need a tripod that will hold steady a Nikon D3X and long lens. The options seem endless and I do not need to experiment with another light-weight tripod.
Any reviews and recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John Howard

Hi John .
How much $ are you looking to spend? As this limits your choices.
Mike

John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

I think I've wasted enough on lightweight equipment, and now not so concerned about price. I may choke on what you recommend, but for now I just want to know what I must spend to hold the camera still for long exposures.

Iwantitall Loc: Chicago (south side)

GT2542L
I own a GT2542L mountaineer by Gitzo.
It reaches to my chin ( Im 6'3" ) if you're tall this is important.
It is built among the sturdiest of tripods.
It along with a Gitzo ballhead holds my Canon 70-200 L in any
position I put it. I will NEVER have to buy another one.
It's made of carbon fiber which is lighter than aluminum.
Go to the search site at the top of this home page and type in
tripods. There is always much discussing about the subject.
If I can give you just one piece of advice you can keep.......
Never put 3000.00 worth of gear on a 100.00 tripod.
Good luck in your search
Mike

Iwantitall Loc: Chicago (south side)

G1275
I meant to add that my ballhead is a G1275 off enter ballhead
by Gitzo. Cost with tripod off eBay .....$ 1020.00
Mike

John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

Thanks for the info and good advice.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

John Howard wrote:

I think I've wasted enough on lightweight equipment, and now not so concerned about price. I may choke on what you recommend, but for now I just want to know what I must spend to hold the camera still for long exposures.

If cost is a secondary consideration, the Really Right Stuff Versa Series 2, and Versa Series 3 tripods are (IMHO) tops in the market. Light carbon fiber but like a rock steady. Built to handle heavy loads. Exceptionally well engineered, and entirely USA made (right down to the tiniest screw).

I finally got fed up with cheaper tripods and bought the RRS. I truly doubt I will ever need another tripod in my photographic future. They are that good.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

John Howard wrote:

Please help!!!
I have been using a few tripods that are way undersized for my camera and lenses. I need a tripod that will hold steady a Nikon D3X and long lens. The options seem endless and I do not need to experiment with another light-weight tripod.
Any reviews and recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John Howard

John, many companies make good as well as cheap pods. One has to seperate the wheat from the chaff among many models
I own two small alloy gitzos. Any series 2 Gitzo will do the job and will have to be put into your will. Gitzo ONLY makes one level, but you have to pick the correct model, no chaff.
RRS is also a one level pod, but I don't know anything about them. Good luck. SS

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

For your camera with a "long lens" i'd look at the INDURO CT314 with the BHL3 bullhead. It'll take any "L" plates and is way over the capacity you'll need but lower in price than Manfrotto or Gitzo- or go to the CT214 with the BHL2 head if you don't need the largest capacity-it'll still handle a 400mm lens and your camera.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

I guess it is my turn to put in my two cents.
I don't care what brand of tripod or brand of ball head/gimbal, etc. you purchase. The only thing you should care about is supporting of the camera and lens.

The tripod and ballhead, each, should support 1 1/2 to 2 times the total weight of the camera and lens.

Good luck in your search.

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

I am sure that I have much less experience than others on here, but was searching for a tripod on UHH a few months ago. Purchased a Bogen 3021 on ebay for a $100 with arca type ball head. I am 6' and I can look right into the view finder of my nikon without stooping and without the center column extended. This thing is rock solid, but if weight is a factor, don't consider it. However, spent a day in a State park and lugged it around. Can handle 20 plus pounds. Got a great deal and very happy with it. If you search, you can come up with a good deal without breaking the bank.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Most, if not all of the Manfrotto 055 series tripods are rated to support 17.6#. I would prefer to have one with three section legs versus four section legs. I have replaced the center column on mine with a 555B center column, which has a built in leveling device. On top, I would mount an 054Q2 ball head. This combination will hold a DSLR body with a 400mm lens solidly.

RRS and other high end specialists are great, but I think this is the rig for the person who cannot afford $1200+ BEFORE buying the head.

breck Loc: Derbyshire UK

RRS, the only choice, best possible tripod

Joecosentino Loc: Whitesboro, New York

My vote also goes for induro the 200' or 300 should fro what you need, I just picked up their pano head that thing is rock solid it's a little tricky getting used to using handles to make the adjustments but it gets easier every time I shoot

The Saint KK4GO Loc: Florida

John Howard wrote:

Please help!!!
I have been using a few tripods that are way undersized for my camera and lenses. I need a tripod that will hold steady a Nikon D3X and long lens. The options seem endless and I do not need to experiment with another light-weight tripod.
Any reviews and recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John Howard

Look into the Slik Pro 700 DX with Pan/Tilt head. $170 on Amazon. Built like a tank, will hold about 15lbs and is extremely rugged. Over six ft.,or to ground level with 3 locking leg positions. I love mine despite the fact it weighs 9lbs.