Tripod recommendations: I am in the market for a new tripod. I am up for suggestions as to what most folks are using and what they like about their tripods. 90% of my photography is...

snogost67 Loc: dayton, montana

I am in the market for a new tripod. I am up for suggestions as to what most folks are using and what they like about their tripods.
90% of my photography is wildlife & wildlife in action using a Tamron 200-500mm lens so I need heavy duty (no sag) and fluidity of movement.
Thanks in advance for all suggestions.

Sheeba Loc: Maryland

I have a Manfrotto and use a monopod when I am in a hurry.

snogost67 Loc: dayton, montana

Sheeba wrote:

I have a Manfrotto and use a monopod when I am in a hurry.

Monopod sounds like an good option, thanks.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Manfrotto PRO190CX3 with Acratech GP-S ball head...holds my E-5 and 50-200 or 135-400 without any issues. With the tripod, the middle pops out and locks horizontally for macro shots. With the ballhead, there's a "Gimbal" type slot for the larger lenses.

snowbear

Manfrotto 055XBPRO w/ Manfrotto 486RC2 (medium duty) ball head. My only regret is the ball head uses a proprietary quick release plate instead of a standard Arco-Swiss type. Someday, I'll replace the head.

CanonJC

I bought new tripod with 4 in 1 from B&H. It is Oben AT-3410. I love it. I don't have to buy 2 or 3 pieces.
;)

olcoach Loc: Oregon

There are a ton of choices but buy the best you can afford. If you choose wisely it is a purchase you'll never have to make again. So often folks try to go cheap on tripods and heads and end up buying a better one. Buy a good one once and your done. Have fun and keep shootin'. Mike

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Weigh your camera and lens. Buy a tripod that is rated for at least twice as much. Also try to find one that will let you see through the viewfinder without bend or stooping at zero center extension. Remember you can always shorten a tripod from maximum height, but you can't extend one beyong maximum. Also remember that long center extension defeats the stability of a tripod.

4ellen4 Loc: GTA--Ontario

I have always found Manfrotto tripods to be very good and sturdy used them with medium format camera
Ellen

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Bill41 wrote:

Weigh your camera and lens. Buy a tripod that is rated for at least twice as much. Also try to find one that will let you see through the viewfinder without bend or stooping at zero center extension. Remember you can always shorten a tripod from maximum height, but you can't extend one beyong maximum. Also remember that long center extension defeats the stability of a tripod.

I agrre with bill, also think about a Gimbal head for the tripod - Mongoose, Wimberly, JObu, etc I feel it is best for long lenses and nature photography. I use a ball head for Landscapes and scenics

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

snogost67 wrote:

I am in the market for a new tripod. I am up for suggestions as to what most folks are using and what they like about their tripods.
90% of my photography is wildlife & wildlife in action using a Tamron 200-500mm lens so I need heavy duty (no sag) and fluidity of movement.
Thanks in advance for all suggestions.

Here's some reading material.

Tripods
http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/ps%20how%20tripod.html
http://steveslandscapes.50webs.com/index_7.html

Hando Rei Loc: Long Island New York

Always buy the best you can buy ...remember cheap is expensive in the long run..Speak with a good camera store and they will recommend a tripods for your needs .

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Have a wimberly, while its a great piece of equipment, it work's flawlessly, however I think they are over priced. I use it with my 150 - 500 sigma and my Nikkor 200mm macro on a Gitzo can't remember the Number but its big sob.
not light but very steady

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

Having once been an active mountain biker until Arthritis took over, I still have a collection of bicycle tools. One of them is a collapsible work stand able to support up to a 60 lb tandem bike. I converted this to a tripod

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I was just looking up some info on a tripod I never heard of before that I saw at a wedding I was working at last night (as a banquet server). I found a site that listed all the different brands. There were 83!!!!! This one brand, Libec, ranged in price from around $160 to over $4500! How can anyone choose with so many options out there??