Best tripod for amateur: Greetings Please help me decide which tripod to buy. I am 5' 3" and cannot carry too much weight. I see travel tripods from Oben, Vanguard, Manfrotto. I am...

bela1950 Loc: Massachusetts

Greetings
Please help me decide which tripod to buy. I am 5' 3" and cannot carry too much weight. I see travel tripods from Oben, Vanguard, Manfrotto.
I am overwhelmed with the selection of tripods and heads. I enjoy shooting outdoors. Which head do I need? Ball head, pan and tilt? The more I read the more questions arise.
Vanguard seems to be priced reasonably. Are they any good?
I appreciate your recommendations on which tripod and head would be suitable for me.

Mountain Rider Loc: Rigby, Idaho

Take a look at Mefoto. The gentleman that owns the local Photography Shop uses these, and he does symposiums all over the world. They seem to be very light but very sturdy, and come in several sizes including one sized for backpacking.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

bela1950 wrote:

Greetings br Please help me decide which tripod to... (show quote)

Before I answer your question. I need to know the camera and longest focal length
lens you will be using????? Also what kind of pictures you want to take will determine the head.

bela1950 Loc: Massachusetts

PixelStan77 wrote:

Before I answer your question. I need to know the camera and longest focal length
lens you will be using????? Also what kind of pictures you want to take will determine the head.

I have a Canon Rebel SL1. The longest lens I have is a zoom 55mm-250mm. I enjoy shooting landscape and animal
photos.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

bela1950 wrote:

I have a Canon Rebel SL1. The longest lens I have is a zoom 55mm-250mm. I enjoy shooting landscape and animal
photos.

For animals you need a Gimbal Head to follow the action. I did not ask you Bela your budget? I like carbon fiber for strength, rigidity and light weight, If you live near a photo store, go in and try them out. For a tripod I would suggest:

Start out with the ball head and graduate to a Gimball head if you need it.Sirui makes a quality product.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1420914-REG/sirui_sut025sk_t_025sk_carbon_fiber_tripod.html

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

I wanted something adequate without spending a lot of money. I've had this one for about 7 years and use it frequently for stills, video, indoors and out. It still sells for the same price at B&H although Amazon raised the price on it.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/328966-REG/Smith_Victor_700190_P920_Pinnacle_Tripod_with.html

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

bela1950 wrote:

Greetings br Please help me decide which tripod to... (show quote)

Whether you are an amateur or a pro, the determining factor is torsional rigidity and what focal length lenses you will use on it. Being 5'3" is also important. Not knowing your lenses, I would start with a Feisol CT3442 - which weighs 2.31 lbs without a head, and has more torsional rigidity than anything in it's weight class. I have one and I use it with great success with lenses up to 300mm. For longer lenses and macro, i use the CT-3472 which is decidedly more stable, but weighs over 4 lbs.

There is no point in trying to save money on a tripod - it will only bring disappointment and eventually add to the price of good support. No one ever complained about buying too much tripod.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

bela1950 wrote:

Greetings br Please help me decide which tripod to... (show quote)

Your major guidance should be your budget, the size of your lenses, your subjects, and how much weight you are willing to carry and for how far ??

Lowest price I can recommend - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Slik-Pro-700DX-Super-Titanium-Alloy-Tripod-Legs-615900/371546840953?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

In carbon fiber I would really prefer 32mm or larger top legs although 28mm may be just OK for you. I would also prefer/recommend a height of 60 inches minimum without raising the center post.......

..

..

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

bela1950 wrote:

Greetings br Please help me decide which tripod to... (show quote)

I think you may not need a tripod. Your lenses have stabilization, and unless you are taking long exposures, you probably can hand hold and do better than a low cost tripod that is inadequate for your use. Adding an extra 3 lbs for a very light, low cost tripod may not be the best way to spend your $$$. I'd stay away from the lower cost items until you have a real need for a tripod, then get something good.

bela1950 Loc: Massachusetts

PixelStan77 wrote:

For animals you need a Gimbal Head to follow the action. I did not ask you Bela your budget? I like carbon fiber for strength, rigidity and light weight, If you live near a photo store, go in and try them out. For a tripod I would suggest:

Start out with the ball head and graduate to a Gimball head if you need it.Sirui makes a quality product.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1420914-REG/sirui_sut025sk_t_025sk_carbon_fiber_tripod.html

Thank you I checked out the Sirui but it is too short. I will browse the other Sirui tripods. My budget is $300.

SS319

Do not buy a tripod for the legs. tryout tripod heads with the heaviest most awkward gear you will ever use on it. See how much pressure or torque it takes to set the camera and keep it. many low cost tripod heads are only good for the area, and not the spot you want to set at. either that, or you will need a vice-grip to tighten/loosen the head when re-orienting.

A smooth, fluid head that only requires a very light touch to control will bring you ever so much more enjoyment.

bela1950 Loc: Massachusetts

Bobspez wrote:

I wanted something adequate without spending a lot of money. I've had this one for about 7 years and use it frequently for stills, video, indoors and out. It still sells for the same price at B&H although Amazon raised the price on it.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/328966-REG/Smith_Victor_700190_P920_Pinnacle_Tripod_with.html

Thank you I will check it out.

bela1950 Loc: Massachusetts

Mountain Rider wrote:

Take a look at Mefoto. The gentleman that owns the local Photography Shop uses these, and he does symposiums all over the world. They seem to be very light but very sturdy, and come in several sizes including one sized for backpacking.

Thank you I will look at that brand.

bela1950 Loc: Massachusetts

SS319 wrote:

Do not buy a tripod for the legs. tryout tripod heads with the heaviest most awkward gear you will ever use on it. See how much pressure or torque it takes to set the camera and keep it. many low cost tripod heads are only good for the area, and not the spot you want to set at. either that, or you will need a vice-grip to tighten/loosen the head when re-orienting.

A smooth, fluid head that only requires a very light touch to control will bring you ever so much more enjoyment.

I appreciate the information. It will help me choose.

CO

When you photograph animals are you panning to follow them? I would not purchase a ballhead for that. Your 55-250mm lens is light and a gimbal head is not needed. I would get a 3-way pan/tilt head. You can get one of these and a tripod for your budget of $300.

Benro's newly redesigned 3-way pan/tilt heads have Arca-Swiss clamps which are very secure.
Benro HD1A - 11lbs capacity, 35mm base diameter $79
Benro HD2A - 17.6lbs capacity, 53mm base diameter $99
Benro HD3A - 26.5lbs capacity, 57mm base diameter $119
Benro TMA28A Mach3 Aluminum Tripod $160

Benro HD1A, HD2A, HD3A
Benro HD1A, HD2A, HD3A...

The Vanguard ALTA PH-32 3-Way Pan Head is aluminum and has an Arca-Swiss style clamp. $81.34