Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

If a 600mm ISII is in the cards for you, plus extenders, I agree with others. Don't waste your money on a $150 tripod. Just be prepared to invest. The Gitzo 5 ($1,000) series is probably overkill. I have one and now use Induro GIT304L (> $600). Much lighter, and lighter is better especially when you are hauling around a 600mm and body. And a Gimbal head is in your future. I like the 4th generation mongoose but there are lots out there. Also, loose the center column, just use a plate style. Center column adds vibration and is more difficult to carry and adds weight. You can add one later if you feel it is necessary. Sounds like you are on a journey to add some significant gear to your arsenal. Good luck and have fun with it.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

ps: Samy's does not carry either Indoor or Gitzo. They can order for you, but you won't be able to put your hands on it before hand. Also, I learned, with certain gear, Samy's will meet the large house prices, (i.e., no sales tax). But your will have to ask. Some suppliers offer Samy's that option, others do not.

Festus Loc: North Dakota

Check out Really Right Stuff. They are expensive, but you will buy only once.

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

Quinn 4

If you live in the Northern New York's I have a Quick Set tripod, It came from a local TV station. The wheels are gone on it. It too big and heavy to ship.

lrn2bgd Loc: Ct.

Think long range and buy quality; in the long run it is the least costly purchase. I recommend (and own) the Sirui N 3204X Carbon Tripod with the Sirui K-30X Ball Head. Cost is about $450 for both. Look up the specs for the weight handling for both the tripod and particularly the ball head; it is higher than many units. Sirui is in New Jersey if that matters and you can call and speak with them. I did a lot of research and was as high as $700-$800; I stayed away from the $1,000 + categories. The Sirui ballhead is sturdy and does not appear it will loosen over time when shooting vertically; that was a concern of mine. The tripod is very sturdy and I was pleased with my decision from the minute I opened the package. B&H is a good store and their representatives will also help you with information. Good luck.

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

One common recommendation is that the load rating of the tripod be 1 1/2 to 2 times the largest projected load to be put on it, minimum. Some cheap tripods are said to have inflated load ratings.

kerry12 Loc: Harrisburg, Pa.

I just bought the Slik 700DX. It has a maximum height of 75" and will support up to 19lbs. Slik has it on sale for $139.99. Very nice tripod I really like it. It comes with a pan head. Made of aluminum alloy.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I have been very happy with my Really Right Stuff tripod, 34 series. A Ball Head is OK with smaller lenses but you have to guard against them allowing the camera to flop around quickly or unexpectedly when making adjustments. I do have a Sirui K40 ball head listed in the Hog classified section. It is a decent ball head for the money.

Personally if you are going with larger and heavier lenses then a pano gimbal instead of ball head. I generally prefer to use my pano gimbal with smaller lenses such as my 24-70 and 70-200 including in studio work. I think RRS and Wimberly make very good pano gimbals. There may be others that are less expensive but I don't have personal experience with those. If you are going to put $5-$10K or more of gear on a tripod you don't want a less than sturdy and robust support system. To do otherwise would just be foolish in my view.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

leftj Loc: Texas

I don't think you can buy a quality tripod for $140 unless you find a really good used tripod and the seller is not aware of its value.

agonzalescoach

[quote=ggttc][quote=Gene51]Please post results from both your cameras and both lenses, particularly with pictures taken between 1/60 and 1/250. Just curious. It's just that 1/2000 sec exposure can make any tripod look like a star.

I don'think reading reviews from amateurs or less experienced photographers who have no basis for comparison. The first 10 reviews basically said - I bought this, it didn't break, what a deal. I am so happy I did this. Very little about what cameras and lenses, and what kind of results they got. A review from a trusted source is far more indicative of what you can expect.

Then there is the Moose Peterson video where he says, "if you have a very expensive lens [and camera] and you have a very cheap tripod, you're nuts" I am not saying this applies to you, but maybe Peterson would. $4700 in one case, I think would qualify as expensive camera and lens.

I hope you have good camera insurance. Just sayin'[/quote


***Thank you to all who responded to my question. I will take each and eveyone's advise under much consideration. I am consideriing the quote from the Moose Peterson video. The camera, and lenses I plan to buy will probably be in the $5,000.00 - $7,000.00 range. I will have to my home work for sure.

I shoot mainly BIF and wildlife...so the lowest I shoot is 500-640. I will try it out tonight at 160 or so on a moonshot.

LOL...I do have camera insurance...and an Optec sling that is around my neck when I take the camera from the cabinet to the camera bag.

And I rarely use tripods...I did try it out on wildlife last week and it suits my purposes.

But an interesting thought...I'll try it at a lower SS.[/quote]

agonzalescoach

***Thank you to all who responded to my question. I will take each and eveyone's advise under much consideration. I am consideriing the quote from the Moose Peterson video. The camera, and lenses I plan to buy will probably be in the $5,000.00 - $7,000.00 range. I will have to do my home work for sure.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

ZoMei is a Chinese knockoff of 3-Legged Thing.

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

I would suggest that you first determine under what circumstances you will use the tripod. For instance, if you are a hiker then a good quality CF tripod would be in order. If you use this tripod out of your car or on short walks a little heavier tripod would be the ticket. As mentioned, do not skimp on quality whether you buy new, use Ebay or KEH or if you buy used from a friend or private party. Typically, you will want the tripod to support about 1 1/2 times your heaviest camera and lens combination. Finally, if you buy a new tripod look into a company that is known for their customer service such as Induro, Benro and RRS.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Cheap tripods become expensive light stands.