cchap145

I am looking for a tripod for a Pentax K200 with a DA60-250 lens used primarily for wildlife shots. I also use a Pentax D 300 lens with a converter.

Do I need a strong tripod with a ball top or a gimble top? I currently use a monopod which does not seem to be stable enough to stop blurring of longer shots within my focal range.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Use a good ball head. In the field I use a Bogen 3021 tripod with the Bogen 3055 ball head, solid, very easy to setup and use, quick and accurate adjustments and you can get the whole setup for less than $150 on Ebay, used. I shoot up to 500mm lenses on mine, I have 3 tripods all with this head on them.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

I would go all out on buying the tripod if you can. Get a good sturdy one that is fairly light. You never know when you might want a big lens. It will also work on small gear. :-D It pays in the long run to get a good tripod. You will save money by only buying once. I have a Markins Q20 head and a gimbal for birds in flight.
Erv

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I am NOT attempting to highjack this thread. I am asking for a list desirable characteristics for tripods.

I have received a request to post an FAQ about tripods. I purchased my Bogen 3040 about 35-years ago, so I am a bit out of touch with current models and features.

Please describe characteristic pros & cons. And even mention manufacturers and models, if you like. Include tripod heads.

RocketScientist Loc: Littleton, Colorado

I use a Manfrotto 732YB. It came with a 482K head and a backpack for about a hundred bucks at Wolf Camera in Denver.

The Tripod is light yet very sturdy. It holds my T1i (Canon calls it a "Compact DSLR) without shaking at all.

Easy to walk around with and set up.

The reversible center post lets you get close to the ground shots.

melphoto60

I have a promaster w/iduro head dont have the model number or head number as tripod is in car and wife has it at work.

pros: tall can use it without the center column being raised with camera (canon 40D) attached it is abt 3-6" taller than me. Center column is also a monopod. Has 4 leg sections so I dont use the bottom leg section much.
With all legs extended and center column raised its abt 8' tall.

cons: heavy, did I mention it is heavy. no rubber leg locks or flip lever locks just a twist of leg. Heavy duty aluminum. legs hard to twist in cold better in warm weather or use in studio.

Would I buy it again no, now looking for something lighter probally will go with carbon fibre, but love my ball head. Will post again when wife gets home and I can check on model number.

My list of my next tripod:
three legged thing Jack Tripod greg cazillo has video on this one on his website. its a bit pricey.
Adorama has some carbon fibre tripods I'm looking at.
no more than 3/4 leg sections
carbon fibre, or composit
extend to 54-58 inches with out center column raised
fold down to less than 30"

slickrock Loc: jacksonville

I second Erv. Buy once. Look into Really Right Stuff.I bought my cf Gitzo just prior to the introduction of the RRS line but have the 40 and 55 ballheads. Use the 55 at all times and gave the lighter 40 to my S.O.

EricLPT Loc: Jonesborough TN

I have a Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 with a Vanguard GH-100 pistol grip ball head.

The tripod is carbon fiber with 3 sections and flip lock legs; very light and stable. The GH-100 is a bit overkill for me as I don't own an SLR and long/heavy lenses, but I really like all of the adjustments. The only thing I would change in my combo is make the GH-100 a little lighter, but it is super sturdy.

Eric