Ultra-Man Loc: Budapest, Hungary

I'm in need of a tripod. Going to treat myself to a good one. My birthday is tomorrow. Only question is what do I buy? Please help with suggestions. My gear is Nikon D800, 14-24 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, 50 f1.4, and 105 f2.8. Thanks.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I really like my Manfrotto carbon fiber one with a ball head. It's heavy enough to stand up to heavy equipment, but I can still carry it nearly all day. I also have a Slik carbon fiber. It works with my heavy gear, but not as well and it's a bit lighter yet to carry. And with a bit of finagling, the Slik will fit into my backpack.

anotherview Loc: California

First, buy a tripod that you will use. Image stabilization has reduced the need for a tripod in doing photography.

Second, determine the quality of tripod you will use. The high-end tripods cost hundreds of dollars. You may wish to consider a moderately priced tripod made of carbon fiber.

Third, note that how you use a tripod can contribute to its effect on a photograph. For example, suspending a weight attached to a tripod can make the tripod near rock solid.

As another example, putting a bubble level in the camera hotshoe will indicate by lack of bubble movement when the gear has become motionless. This indication becomes significant when trying for image sharpness while using mirror lockup because the slap of the mirror coming to rest induces a brief vibration in the camera. You can see this vibration by its effect on the fluid in the bubble level. So you then wait (about 2 seconds) for the fluid to stabilize before pressing the shutter release to take the photograph.

Note: To get the most out of your tripod, you will want to use a shutter release cable device that allows you to do two actions: One button press to cause the mirror to lock up, and another button press to release the shutter.

Good luck.

Ultra-Man Loc: Budapest, Hungary

Thanks, great advice.

masonmike Loc: Vancouver, Washington

Look at Vanguard's tripods & ball heads. I own a Vanguard 263at tripod. Aluminum construction with the ability to angle the center column. Very sturdy. For under 200$ this is a great tripod.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Regardless which tripod you finally purchase, ensure that the tripod and head, can support one and a half to twice the total weight of your camera and largest lens.

Good luck!

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Look at Really Right Stuff. Happy Birthday!

Ultra-Man Loc: Budapest, Hungary

Thanks David. I wonder if I can get RRS in Switzerland. It's looking like the top contender then Gitzo.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

In my mind there is only one answer to this question. Git a Gitzo!
They are not cheap but you get what you pay for. Whatever you do don't buy a tripod that is rated to just barely hold you current kit. Plan for longer lenses and heavier cameras. The Gitzo website will provide all the details you need to select the right model for your use. Then, of course, you will need a tripod head that is rated to hold your kit. There are several manufacturers of top notch ball heads. In case no one has mentioned it, getting a tripod with an extendable centre post is probably not a good idea - you end up with a monopod atop a tripod and you can imagine how stable that is. I have a fairly light weight Gitzo model 2531 with a Markins Q10 ball head. I have removed the centre column and replaced it with a Markins tripod base. Total cost about $1000. I recently acquired a much heavier lens than I am used to that I want to use for wildlife and birds in flight. For that use I bought a Gitzo model 3542LS ($1050) and a Markins BVQ-12 head ($650). Like I said, good tripods are not cheap but if you don't want to compromise in this important purchase, prepare to bite the bullet.

amehta Loc: Boston

I like my Induro monopods, ball head, and tripod, they are very sturdy, good quality, and a little cheaper than RRS or Gitzo.

You will want to get something that uses the Arca-Swiss style quick release system, which both RRS and Induro do, with one plate on the D800 and a second on the 70-200mm tripod foot. An even better option for the 70-200mm is to get the RRS replacement foot for the sturdiest and most compact set-up.

MarkintheHV Loc: Hudson Valley

I have the Mefoto roadtrip and backpacker. I love both of them. The Roadtrip will convert into a monopod, and the Backpacker or course is very light but the downside is that it is short.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Really Right Stuff is really good.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/

Save money and buy the right one first.

http://bythom.com/support.htm

Ultra-Man Loc: Budapest, Hungary

Another question I have is what height do I look for? Tripods come in standard, eye level and over head heights.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'm sending you a PM with a six-page article.

Chuckwal Loc: Boynton Beach Florida

Try MeFoto excellent have the globetrotter also you can travel
Chuck