New member...looking for a tripod recommendation: Hello all! I have been reading Ugly Hedgehog for a few weeks and just made the deep dive to register and start actively participating.

Haleysnaps

Hello all!
I have been reading Ugly Hedgehog for a few weeks and just made the deep dive to register and start actively participating. I am an avid amateur photographer and love to shoot action (sports - I have 3 kids playing tennis, hockey and soccer) and street scenes. I just made a huge move, leaving behind my NIKON system for a Sony Alpha a7111. Yep, a little scared about it, but looking forward not back. As I'm investing in new lenses, I also would like to purchase a new tripod...and would love your recommendations.. I like to be mobile when I shoot and realize a monopod could be really useful, but definitely want a tripod in my arsenal. Willing to invest the $$$ for something that will be with me for years. Any input much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Haleysnaps wrote:

Hello all! br I have been reading Ugly Hedgehog fo... (show quote)

Haley, welcome to the forum. To me one tripod does not do it for me. My approach is to use two tripods.My heavy duty one that travels in my car, is a carbon fiber gitzo. My travel tripod in my roll on is a sirui
.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1420914-REG/sirui_sut025sk_t_025sk_carbon_fiber_tripod.html

If you tell me your $$$ goal possibly for a super Gitzo tripod, and would be glad to make a suggestion.
Carbon Fiber technology is the way to go.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

As you continue to peruse the forum you will see that this is a popular query. Further, you will see that many have acquired second and third units to accommodate unanticipated long lenses or ventures where more stable tripods are needed or desired. Having said this, I would recommend attempting to obtain one that can be used with many applications for many years. Be cautious when deciding what height you may need and pick one that can be adjusted to your desired height without extending a center column. Take your time and do it right the first time!

Haleysnaps

For my amateur shooting, I would like something under 1K...ideally with any needed accessories. There are just so many options; thanks for the link.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

I believe you must look ahead also.
Assume you decide to get a super zoom (150-600), your tripod must support twice the total weight of your camera, lens, gimbel, etc.
Like DaveO said, "take your time and do it right the first time".

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

traveler90712 wrote:

I believe you must look ahead also.
Assume you decide to get a super zoom (150-600), your tripod must support twice the total weight of your camera, lens, gimbel, etc.
Like DaveO said, "take your time and do it right the first time".

Yes, I'm a real genius as I search for my third and final one!

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Haleysnaps wrote:

Hello all! br I have been reading Ugly Hedgehog fo... (show quote)

Look at Really Right Stuff Versa Series 2 or Induro carbon fiber.

DWHart24 Loc: Central Florida

I was looking for a decent tripod that wouldn't break the bank and found the "3 Legged Thing" series of tripods. I bought the Albert version. I've had it a couple of years now and really like it. $400. One of the legs detaches and can be used as a monopod. I bought mine through Amazon.

https://www.3leggedthing.com/

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Look at Really Right Stuff Versa Series 2 or Induro carbon fiber.

I looked and squinted at the TVC-34L and the TVC-44.

Good way to go for the serious shooter with big lenses.

CO

You mentioned that a monopod could be really useful. I haven't had good success with monopods. I've done a lot of test shots at different shutter speeds with a monopod and examined the photos closely. They definitely stabilize the camera in the vertical direction but there's motion blur horizontally. Maybe it's just me and other UHH members get better results. If you get a monopod, start taking test shots right away and zoom in on the subject. Check for motion blur.

Instead of a monopod, I would recommend a tripod with a lightweight gimbal head like the Jobu Jr.3. I bought one and am very pleased with it. It weighs only 1.5lbs. but can support up to 12lbs. That's more than enough for my Nikon D500 and 80-400mm lens which combined weigh 6lbs. Both the tilt and panning motion are nicely dampened and it has adjustable friction on the tilt axes.

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

Haleysnaps wrote:

Hello all! br I have been reading Ugly Hedgehog fo... (show quote)

Look here and pick one that fits your needs.

https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/

I use a Feisol CT3742 for long lenses and macro, and a Feisol CT 3442 for everything else, including backpacking and travel. Lens + camera load has little to do with stability, or what tripod you end up with. The more stable tripods are typically more costly, but better with high magnification applications. You don't need a Gitzo Series 5 if you mainly stay within 20-300mm and you don't do much macro (1:1 or higher magnification).

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

DaveO wrote:

I looked and squinted at the TVC-34L and the TVC-44.

Good way to go for the serious shooter with big lenses.

I use the RRS TVC-34L. I shoot off of it probably 95% of the time. I consider it to be as important a piece of my gear as is my camera body and best lens. I’ve used it in some pretty harsh conditions and it has never failed to perform flawlessly. Yes, it costs a pretty penny, but every penny was well spent.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Photographer Jim wrote:

I use the RRS TVC-34L. I shoot off of it probably 95% of the time. I consider it to be as important a piece of my gear as is my camera body and best lens. I’ve used it in some pretty harsh conditions and it has never failed to perform flawlessly. Yes, it costs a pretty penny, but every penny was well spent.

They released a MK2 upgraded version that will most likely be quite popular. My Feisol CT-3372 is decent, but I shake just enough that my contact when using a gimbal may be adding to my woes. Maybe the additional bucks for the 4 series will be worthwhile...the jury is still out, as I may be if my wife sees an invoice.

Gene51 mentioned this heavy duty gem which would probably work. Decent price. Weight is not a super issue as I use a mono for hiking and a little cart for some of my main haunts. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1340216-REG/leofoto_ln_404c_40mm_carbon_fiber.html

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

Check with Carter MT Shooter on the board https://www.google.com/search?q=carter%27s+camera+cottage&oq=carter%27s&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j69i59j0l4.13502j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

TJBNovember Loc: Long Island, New York

Haleysnaps wrote:

Hello all! br I have been reading Ugly Hedgehog fo... (show quote)

You don't say where you are located, however if you have a trusted brick and mortar camera store I'd suggest you start there. Take your camera and lens combo in and see what works for you. In lieu of that, try calling up where you got your Sony from and see if an associate can give you some options. Good luck.