Any recommendations for a reliable tripod and ballhead? I'm in the market for a good tripod and ball head. I've been to Amazon countless times, reading the reviews and checking the...

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Any recommendations for a reliable tripod and ballhead?

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Jun 19, 2016 20:51:02 #

CWW Loc: North Jersey

I'm in the market for a good tripod and ball head. I've been to Amazon countless times, reading the reviews and checking the better brands. To cut to the chase, here are my concerns:

Carbon fiber vs alloy metal, I understand the weight ratios between the two and the portability. The carbon fiber seem flimsy. The reviews(even for the higher end c/f) are not encouraging.

Ball heads, the reviews are a mixed bag across all brands.

So...I'm trying to sort this out so as not to be disappointed in my purchase. I have no problem ordering the tripod and ball head separately.
Any recommendations are truly appreciated. Budget approx. $300. Thanks for your replies.

Jun 19, 2016 20:56:56 #

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

At that price point, you would be better off with Aluminum. If you buy a good, well built CF-T, you're going to be North of $600 easily.

Jun 19, 2016 20:59:52 #

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Didn't you like any of the numerous suggestions you got on this same topic a couple of months ago?

Jun 19, 2016 21:01:12 #

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

1. What are you going to mount on it?
2. Do you intend to pack it cross-country or does it sit in the trunk until you need it?
3. Carbon fibre is not flimsy, it is light.
4. What are you using now and what is wrong with it?
5. How tall are you?

Jun 19, 2016 21:10:09 #

jrb1213 Loc: McDonough GEorgia

Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 055 Aluminium 3-Section Tripod with Horizontal Column (Black) $249.00. Add on a ball head (I use a vanguard pro 100 and you are just over your limit, maybe at $350.

Jun 19, 2016 21:23:31 #

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Any review of CF tripods that says they're flimsy isn't worth its salt unless it identifies specific brands & models. The 1st thing to look at is how much weight the tripod/head will have to support. Look for a setup that will support at least twice that. CF is lighter than aluminum. Well made models can cost $250.00-$500.00. I found a Vanguard ABEO 363CB tripod with a ball head at B&H for $280.00 on a close-out deal. It's rated to hold 30 pounds. I'll put it up against a lot of the other brands, aluminum or CF in terms of stability & portability for the price.

I have to agree with you on ball heads. Until I can afford a Nest CF gimbal head from MT_Shooter, I'll make do.

Jun 19, 2016 21:38:54 #

CWW Loc: North Jersey

Mounting a Sony A77ll w/ 79-300
Carrying tripod attached to camera bag
Height: 6ft.
The kit tripod (cheap) has consider able drift

Jun 19, 2016 21:57:48 #

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

CWW wrote:

Mounting a Sony A77ll w/ 79-300
Carrying tripod attached to camera bag
Height: 6ft.
The kit tripod (cheap) has consider able drift

That is what you are looking for now. What happens when you get a bigger lens, like 150-600. Will the tripod you buy now, handle the weight the tripod and (head, gimbel, what ever) should be able to support 1.5 to 2 times the total weight of both camera and your largest lens.

I suggest they you save your pennies and buy what you may require in the future.

Jun 19, 2016 22:05:02 #

CWW Loc: North Jersey

Thanks, any brands and models come to mind for future tripod loads?

Jun 19, 2016 22:10:50 #

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Consider:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1024702-REG/sirui_bsret1204_carbon_fiber_tripod.html

Carbon fiber and in your budget of $300. I have one. It is great. Supports 18lbs. Great specs

CWW wrote:

I'm in the market for a good tripod and ball head.... (show quote)

Jun 19, 2016 22:31:14 #

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

CWW wrote:

I'm in the market for a good tripod and ball head.... (show quote)

Are you considering used models? Try contacting MTshooter for advice and possible deals. If you have or expect to have long lenses then CF with a large upper leg diameter appears to be preferred advice, but also not cheap, even used.

Search for Gene51's advice on tripods. Some of the best of the forum.

Good luck.

Jun 19, 2016 22:54:40 #

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

CWW wrote:

Thanks, any brands and models come to mind for future tripod loads?

NEST Gimbel;
http://www.cameracottage.com/apps/webstore/products/show/6026071

Marsace MT-3541 Carbon Fibre Tripod;
http://www.amazon.com/Marsace-MT-2541TL-Reversable-Carbon-Tripod/dp/B016ACCY82

Jun 20, 2016 07:56:34 #

Rob Almeda Loc: Gaithersburg, Maryland

Fry's Electronics has a Manfrotto Tripod with Ball Head on Sale for $60.00 with Promo Code 4150455. Here is the details. I think it is the basic model but might be useful as a second tripod to carry around.

Frys.com #8647590
Manufacturer: MANFROTTO
UPC #719821383208
Model #MKCOMPACTADVBH

CWW wrote:

I'm in the market for a good tripod and ball head.... (show quote)

Jun 20, 2016 08:31:01 #