kerry12 Loc: Harrisburg, Pa.

Thank you.

kerry12 Loc: Harrisburg, Pa.

Thank you. I'm learning that in some cases it is definitely a necessity.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

I purchased and love the Vanguard Alta Pro with ball head - price at B&H is $169:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/745960-REG/Vanguard_ALTA_PRO_263AB_100_Alta_Pro_263AB_100.html

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Throw in the Gitzo brand as well.

I use a Bogen, which was always made by Manfrotto. You can find used ones and many spare parts online. I bought a video pan/tilt head a few months ago.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Yes, the Slik Pro 700 is what I would recommend for you - but it is somewhat heavy by today's standards - decent carbon fiber will triple the cost ! -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Slik-700DX-Pro-Tripod-Legs-Black-Finish-Supports-15-lbs-MPN-615-317/232396710690?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

For speed and ease of use, I like grip action ball heads with smaller/lighter rigs - I have this one and can recommend it -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Grip-Control-Handle-Tripod-Monopod-Ball-Head-Quick-Release-Plate-Fuild-Head-R3J4/291910524517?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

mksutton Loc: McLean, VA, USA

You might take a look on Ebay for some previously owned Gitzo, Manfrotto, or other quality tripods. You may also look for used ball heads -- e.g. Kirk -- and L-brackets as well.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Your best bet is to listen to what Gene51 said. His advice is very thorough and accurate. Many of us have made the mistake of buying an inadequate tripod when starting out, and later replacing it when we get smart. That essentially adds the amount spent onto the cost of the new, better tripod, making it that much more expensive!

So many tripods' stated weight capacity turns out not to be enough when out in the real world. It does not take into account, for instance, strong gusts of wind. This is why others have mentioned the leg diameter for greater stability. Carbon fiber tripods are not just lighter in weight, they also do not permit as much transmission of vibration to the camera. The longer the lens, the more important this becomes, but it is still important with shorter lenses. We all want sharp images, and the best way to get them is with a tripod, but the tripod has to be up to the challenge!

Even though you are not going to buy a tripod from ReallyRightStuff [$ above your budget], their educational videos can be very helpful. They will also increase your understanding of why the choice of tripod is more than just its weight capacity.

Susan

kerry12 Loc: Harrisburg, Pa.

Thank you.

kerry12 Loc: Harrisburg, Pa.

Thank you all for taking the time to help.

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

Take a look at the Manfrotto site - this is the page for the very popular 055 carbon -

https://www.manfrotto.us/055-carbon-fibre-4-section-photo-tripod

Summary - 29mm top tube, 4.625 lbs, payload of 19 lbs. $530.00

And here is the 057:

https://www.manfrotto.us/057-carbon-fiber-4-section-tripod

Summary - 39mm top tube, 7.72 lbs, payload of 39.68 lbs. - $905.00

These are not available without center columns (adds to the weight, reduces stability, even if not extended).

Feisol CT-3442 - 28mm tube, 2.31 lbs, payload of 55 lbs - $309.00 with standard leg locks, $400 with anti-rotation locks.

Feisol CT-3472 - 37mm tube, 4 lbs, payload of 66 lbs. $525.00 with standard locks, $600 with anti-rotation locks.

Verdict:

Manfrotto provides equal stability, but the 055 is more than twice the weight of the CT-3442, has a payload of 20 lbs compared to 55 lbs, and costs from $130 to $200 more (depending on the leg locks).

The 057 is comparable to the CT3472 - but weighs 3.72 lbs MORE, has a payload of 40 lbs compared to 66 lbs, and costs $905 compared to $525 or $600 depending on leg locks.

Manfrottos are considerably heavier, more expensive and can't match the load capacity, though they may match the stability due to their slightly larger top tubes, which is offset by their design which cannot eliminate the center column.

This is why I am of the opinion that there are better alternatives to Manfrotto/Bogen tripods.

PhotosBySteve

since you already head fee a tripod, which is probably as good or better than a tripod you can buy for under $200 on today's market. I suggest you purchase a good quality tripod head only, with the same budget. A high quality tripod and head will cost far more than $200.

Kozan Loc: Trenton Tennessee

I recommend the PANTAN Q-6 Plus. It is light enough to carry, but has heavy duty legs. And the head is smooth as silk. I love it. Here is a link to it on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Pantan-Professional-Aluminum-Magnesium-Recorder/dp/B01A3HLJZO

You would not want to go on a 3 mile hike with it but for everyday use it is great!

Quinn 4

Don't get a tripod under less you are using lenses over 200mm lens. If you use a film camera get film 400 speed and you have no need to have tripod. If you want long ranger shoots ( shoots over the length of a foot ball) use 200mm + lens and you may want to use 800 speed film. Then you need a tripod. Get a tripod that can at lest hold 20 lbs. on it.

hdfilmnoir Loc: New Mexico

I like the sunpac pro 623px it doesn't have all the bells and whistles you are looking at but very light weight and carbon fiber. I got mine on ebay for about 200 bucks. I also have a monopod I bought at a garage sale for 10 bucks. My camera is a 7d.

duane klipping Loc: Bristow iowa

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://m.thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-tripod/&ved=0ahUKEwjSqr2D-r3VAhUiyoMKHfhNCJAQFghqMAw&usg=AFQjCNGx62bax-uVfuyw4XSFO5GGaPQNUw

I just purchased today on ebay factory direct refurbished for 135 free shipping.