dandev Loc: Enumclaw, WA

I know that the tripod discussion keeps coming up - but I'm heading into a crazy mode trying to pick "the right one."
I currently have an old Aluminum Manfrotto 190XPROL aluminum with a Manfrotto MHXPRO-BH02 ball head.
I use it with a Canon 5D3 - and my heaviest lens is a Tamron 150-600. And soon a Canon 100 to 400 with 1.4X.
So any wind or vibration - and this thing shakes. I do some commercial work - so a new tripod needs to work well. I am not looking for a travel tripod.

I also use a Rapid Strap attached with a FR-T1 attachment which fits nicely under the current Manfrotto RC-2 Plate. I don't want to give this up. It's not clear if this will work with the RRS Canon 5D3 plates.

I've looked at RRS - TVC-34L. Is there anything else that I should be considering?
Does it make sense to keep my Manfrotto ball head and RC-2 plate - and just get a set of Tripod legs?

RogStrix Loc: UK

Tried hanging a weight (camera bag?) under it?

dandev Loc: Enumclaw, WA

I do hang my camera bag under it. Helps a little.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Really Right Stuff (yes, I know their stuff is pricey) has high quality tripods and terrific QD (quick detach) straps that should work quite well for your professional purposes.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

The RSS Versa Series 2 is just as stable, and mine has legs that extend the top plate over 6'. And yes, you can keep your existing ball head by using an inexpensive thread adapter.
And to agree with other posters, I hang my overly heavy camera bag from the hook at the top for stability.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I am a long time professional/commercial user of Gitzo, Manfrotto and Majestic support equipment. About 20 years ago,I purchased a Manfrotto model 161- This is an extremely heavy duty tripod and head combination that can easily support an 8x10 view camera and will work well with any DSLR even with the heaviest of lenses. I am not sure what the latest equivalent model number is, that is, if the still manufacture this class and weight of tripod. You might find one on on the used market. I still have mine in frequent service especially in conditions where wind and vibration are factors.

This model came with a conventional tilt and pan head. I also have their heavy duty ball head, model 268. Again, I am not sure which current model of this type is their updated version. Check out the 475B.

This equipment is undoubtedly industrial strength and not lightweight. When I purchased it, the salesmen jokingly remarked that I could mount a house on this tripod- pretty much!

Another time-honored name in tripods t is the Majestic line, now manufactured by Bencher. I have some of this gear dating back to 1960- it looks like and is made like military hardware. They have a current model that ideal for medium format and DSLR use. There is also a good selection of theses the older advertised on eBay. You may be interested in a used unit with a more current head which has a unique horizontal/vertical fast action flip feature. Majestic tripod are very modular- you can buy extension legs to enable usage at higher positions such as when you need to work ffrom a stepladder etc.

Check them out at bencher@bencher.com

All of the above gear is the most solidly built, sturdy and stable, I have every used or seen- that is still somewhat portable for location use. They have retractable spiked feet with built in rubber pads which can help with stability and vibration issues- alternatively. The spread of the legs provide a solid base- good trigonometry! They will not shake in the wind due to structural shortcomings in that all the joints ,hinges, leg locks and other parts are well crafted and very positive when locked. All bulkley camera equipmet does have wind resistance so it can still be affected in strong winds regardless of the stability of the tripod.

I'll attach a couple of quick screenshots of theses items so you can get an idea of what I am writing about.

The prices of the gear on the used and new markets is quite reasonable when you consider the higher costs of a much smaller and lighter carbon fiber tripods.

As you will see in the following images, my gear is far from cosmetically perfect and shows signs of hard use over a long period of time. The construction and stability, however, has never broken down or failed. Normal maintenance, lubrication and tightening of various Allan type machine screws keep everything in shape.

I hope this helps. Stand by for the pictures.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Old and ugly but reliable.

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

With a long lens you will need some stability and good vibration dampening. As you have learned even though your tripod has an 11 lb load capacity, and the Tamron+5D3 only weighs 6.2 lbs, there is no stability.

Stability has nothing to do with tripod weight, tripod load capacity, or price. So I suggest you consider what Induro, Gitzo, RRS, Feisol, and other mfgrs of quality tripods. The diameter of the top leg section is a much more reliable predictor of stability, but if you don't want to spend a lot of time coming to your own conclusions, you can visit this site:

https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/

You'll note that the Feisol CT 3472 M2 is just a hair less stable than a RRS TVC-34L - and it weighs less and cost half as much. Granted, the RRS is 10" taller, but there is no question that the Feisol should be on your short list.


Without a doubt, the RRS Series 3 will do the job, as will a Gitzo Series 4, Induro, ProMedia, LeoFoto and others. What won't do the job is meFoto, Desmond, Dolica, lower end Benro, Manfrotto, etc etc etc.

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

Check with MT Shooter on the board Carter's Camera Cottage I got a tripod that will extend over 7 feet and hold a tank for 1/2 the price of a RRS

https://mediaprocessor.websimages.com/width/610/crop/0,0,610x839/www.cameracottage.com/nestchart3.jpg

Carter may be out of the shop this week

Good Luck

GED Loc: North central Pa

I have used Gitzo 3 and 4 series tripods for years and they have been workhorse tripods. This year I purchased a RRS TVC-33 with the leveling head and use it for everything from 12 lb lenses with gimbal head down to macro work. Great tripod and if it holds up over the long term like the Gitzo's I would say because of fit and finish and machined parts not castings it is probably the nicest available. It is expensive but what is well made always is.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

When I travel I take an older Slik 300 DX. The thing is rock solid. I think it's rated for around 10-11 pounds. By travel. I mean it's in the car.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

I was looking for a HD tripod and researched numerous ones. Based on numerous reviews and cost I went with the Benro TMA38CL from B&H Photo....and am loving it. I'm 6'3" and it's perfect for me. With a HD Photo Clam head, it could support most anything I want to put on it. Super strong and stable and concur with gene51, the diameter of the legs, especially the upper leg segments are a priority. Would I buy it again, most definitely. Good Luck

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You're in a tough position - lots of weight and a desire for zero vibration. Gene51 gave you a link to a good ratings list, but no tripod can defy the laws of physics. Higher shutter speeds, lower tripod height, blocking the wind, and other techniques will help any tripod keep the camera steady. Hanging a weight from the tripod can help, but that must be figured into the total weight being carried by the tripod. Spend some time with Google looking for ways to steady a camera on a tripod. Carpenters measure twice before cutting once. The rest of us should read many things before spending once.

These are the links I have for tripods.
https://digital-photography-school.com/image-stabilization-on-tripods/
http://www.bythom.com/support.htm
https://digital-photography-school.com/image-stabilization-on-tripods/ https://digital-photography-school.com/everything-about-tripods-phil-steele/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIWvjfI_-PA
http://digital-photography-school.com/build-ideal-tripod/
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/5-pros-and-5-cons-of-using-a-tripod/
http://www.lightstalking.com/tripod-heads/

Fotoserj Loc: St calixte Qc Ca

My kid brother question my sanity when I bought an extra tall gitzo, and was happy to borrow it when we were face with an impossible location, his tripod, Manfrotto, couldn’t be set up when mine with one leg extended to the max, one collapse to minimum and horizontal and the third also at max reach and also horizontal gave me the platform to frame my shot, naturally mine taking with my canon was better than is Nikon 😂
I think the extra money invested in a old 3540xls gitzo was well spent

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

As far as I know the Manfrotto 190 is a pretty good tripod. Mine was bought in 1976 (it is a Manfroto 3021) and it has served me well. Honestly, I never had an issue with moderate winds and obviously I never tried it during hurricane season.
A good weight hanging from the center post should be of great help with stability. I usually place the palm of my left hand on the camera to help to stabilize the tripod even more or I hang a weight from the center column. I have a cheap aluminum Dolica tripod that I use often because of its portability and my images when I have used the tripod have been razor sharp.
If a new tripod is what you finally will buy Gitzo makes excellent carbon fiber tripods if money is not an objection. I use a Desmond carbon fiber tripod that cost $200 and for my type of work and photographic style it is more than adequate.
I do have a Gitzo aluminum tripod but it is so heavy that I seldom use it.