jkoar Loc: The Gunks, NY

Thank you for the info.

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

Mike, I have used the CT3442 with their CB50D and found it more than adequate, plus it allows the legs to be folded 180 degrees so you don't have remove it and install it each time you use it.

I would have no hesitation to take it or the Sirui hiking or backpacking.

I have the big brother - the CT3472 which have used with a D300 (cropped sensor), a 600mm F4 and a 1.4X extender - total focal effective focal length of to 1260mm get this image at 1/10 sec - the only blur you see is the bird's leg moving.

(Download)

dbeals Loc: Washington State

Thank you for the above recommendations. For a while I was shocked at some of the prices for tripods for $800. I was thinking that a tripod was out of my pocket. However, your links and opinion's are very helpful and a great guide line

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

DBeals - it is not unusual for a wildlife photographer to buy a Gitzo Series 5 or an RRS TVC 44 Series 4 and spend another $700 for a gimbal head - bringing the total to over $2300 to support the long lenses. And there is a good reason for that.

UHH forum is filled with posts from people trying to figure out why their pictures are blurry - and asking if mirror lock up, shutter delay, cable or wireless release will help - well it won't in most cases, because shutter shock, particularly first curtain shutter movement, together with the wrong tripod (not cheap - because you can spend a lot of money on a good but inadequate tripod), is the primary cause of small amplitude high frequency camera movement. This results in sharpness-robbing micro-blur. VR helps for handheld shooting at shutter speeds less than 1/500, but at faster shutter speeds, the VR mechanism itself most be stabilized otherwise it causes blur. You might think that a mirrorless camera would solve these issues, but in fact only those that have an electronic shutter, or at least an electronic first curtain are relatively free from vibration. Or you can get an old rangefinder camera with a fixed lens and a leaf shutter. These do not vibrate.

So when someone is looking for a solution to their vibration issues, I always ask what camera, lens focal length and tripod are they using. 99% of the time, the tripod is a sub-$200 thing they bought from Walmart, Costco, Bestbuy or Amazon. The mythology surrounding tripods is so pervasive, the manufacturers make a lot of money selling cheaply made, inadequately designed tripods and heads, because they know that the buyer will inevitably upgrade.I try to help people avoid making those mistakes.

If the OP said he was using a maximum 50 mm lens because it will be used exclusively for landscapes, then any $200 or less tripod will do. Hell, I've made a tripod out of thick branches and string to support my camera in a pinch - for landscapes. But a 300mm lens (effectively 450 on a D7100), is another story.

I try to provide factual, experience-based information. And I avoid pointless incorrect guidelines like double the rated load capacity or sturdy enough to support a bowling ball. However well-intentioned that may be, it is not the best advice.

mikedent Loc: Florida

Thank you Gene for all your suggestions and experience. I will check out these combinations soon, maybe today at work if I can get away!

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

Good luck, Mike - post the results of your search when you decide.

mikedent Loc: Florida

Gene, I meant also to compliment you on the beautiful bird photo!

BigWahoo Loc: Kentucky

Do you really need a tripod?

What type of pictures will you be taking that require a tripod?

dbeals Loc: Washington State

Great question. I like hiking in the back country and have read several post about individuals needing tripods to get clear clean pictures. Having no experience with my new D7100 with the 18-300mm lens- I want high quality pictures. Therefore, I'm looking at the possibility of buying a pack packing tripod to use in the wilderness and when I travel.

BigWahoo Loc: Kentucky

Some people use a walking stick as a mono-pod.

I personally don't find the need for a tripod for most photos.

If I was to go back-packing I would really need to have a firm reason to carry the extra weight of a tripod.

If you want selfies of yourself sitting around the campfire you may need a tripod.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

the question does not limit itself to a simple answer. a cheaper shorter light weight tripod with good leg locks would do if you shoot from a stool or indian style. the legs would only be extender a little, so could support more weight.

mikedent Loc: Florida

So, thanks to all your inputs and positive reviews from DPR and SLR Lounge and others, I purchased Mefoto Globetrotter model in carbon fiber. 3.7 pounds, small size, 26.4 pound capacity, good price, 5 year warranty. I feel this will meet my needs well and should be quite stable and long-lasting. Now I need a trip to test it with! One question, how is the mounting plate attached to the camera base, lengthwise or vertical/perpendicular to the base? It seems the lengthwise would be more stable, but I want to make sure. Thanks again.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

D, for hiking and travel I bought a used alloy tripod. I give up a lot of stability, weight and height but it would work quite well with your rig.
I bought a used alloy Gitzo 026, four section set of legs. Mine weighs 2 3/4 pounds. I see them from time to time and KEH often has them for around $125. They are old but very high quality. They still would need a head though. Good luck with a tripod! ;-)
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SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Wahoo, if I'm doing serious photography I don't go without a tripod. When on vacation I carry my tripod for up to and more than 16hrs per day. I don't use it much during the daylight but it eventually gets dark or sometimes indoors and a camera is useless without one. And I don't recall that in all the years I've been shooting that I ever took a selfie, that's what cell phones are for.
It's a matter of whether a backpacking trip would for photography or some other reason. It's just priorities. ;-)
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dbeals Loc: Washington State

Thanks for helping me in the right direction