A. T.

I currently own what I would consider to be a medium-sized CF tripod; however, I am 6'6" tall and when using my tripod, I have to extend the single middle section of the tripod to get enough height for me to comfortably view my subject. I really don't want to break the bank for a tripod but I do need something taller that won't require extending that center section which causes stabilization issues. Any advice would be extremely appreciated.

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

What lens and subject matter?

Without knowing these two key pieces of information - my first recommendation might be the LeoFoto LN-404C - it extends to 71" without a center column, and specs out similar to a Gitzo Series 5 - the height is in between the Gitzo GT5543XLS and the GT5543LS but the price is about half of the Gitzo at $585

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1340216-REG/leofoto_ln_404c_40mm_carbon_fiber.html/?ap=y&gclid=Cj0KCQiAk-7jBRD9ARIsAEy8mh4TUCl0IaEsszo_0FfYFBS-44xP-9TLDkc2fsdA-d8vN6ikFZy71akaAiNKEALw_wcB&lsft=BI%3A514&smp=Y

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

I'm 6'4", so I understand your predicament. Unfortunately I found that there are not a lot of tripods out there that meet our height requirement without having to rely on extending a center column ( thus sacrificing significant stability ). In my case, I bit the financial bullet and went with a RRS 34L tripod. No center column, eye level height, superb build and stability, and quite adequate for cameras using longer lenses. I admit I don't usually recommend it because I am uncomfortable suggesting to people that they commit to what is admittedly a rather expensive purchase. However, as your needs are similar to mine as to height requirements in a sturdy tripod, I would definitely recommend that you at least look into and consider RRS. I will also attest to the fact that their tripods are of the quality that you can be fairly confident that you will not be needing to replace it any time soon; indeed, it may very well be the last tripod you ever need to buy.

I believe that there may be a few Gitzo tripods that might also meet your height requirement, but I don't have personal experience with Gitzo. Maybe others here can provide that information.

Also, check both eBay and Craigslist for used RRS tripods that people may have put up for sale. They appear every so often at at least some discount, but they get snatched up pretty quickly.

A. T.

Thanks so much for the response. I shoot the D500 with the Tamron 150-600mm G2 and I use a gimbal. What I have now is just too short and I have to use the center segment in order to get the height I need due to my height (6'6") and in doing so, I get camera shake. Now lately my shutter speed is high enough to overcome that but I don't want to rely on shutter speed to correct equipment issues.

A. T.

Thanks so much my friend I understand expensive. It seems that EVERYTHING, especially clothing for my height comes at a premium. I'm fairly thin to middle or the road in terms of weight so it's next to impossible to find anything off the shelf. I will certainly look up RRS.

howlynn Loc: pueblo west, co

Checkout UHH member 'MT Shooter' camera cottage. He carries the Nest brand.
I purchased the largest size he has, 4 section CF top tube - 40. Checkout his
web site in his profile. You can even call Carter and talk to him about your needs.

TBerwick Loc: Houston, Texas

I picked up the Benro extra long Series 4 Mach3 from B&H. Rated for 44# load 82" off the ground. It's a big, heavy duty carbon fiber unit that supports my gimbal, D500, & 150-600 Tamron. I love the unit. As you might expect, it's not particularly lightweight but it feels solid, even when extended. I can change my head's by using RRS clamps & mounts in about 20 seconds.

A. T.

Okay, thanks I will take a look. I purchased my gimbal from him.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

I think he is 6’7”

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

I have 2 Ries tripods, and can highly recommend them. https://www.riestripod.com/

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I like the Benro series of tripods, they come with many extra's and are a very good product. My favorite for you would be the TMA48CxL ser4mach3 for $437.00. And it would be good for your height. Remember, keep your center post down and have fun.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157819-REG/benro_tma48cxl_mach3_9x_carbon_fiber.html?sts=pi

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

Do you have a good camera store near you or one you can make a day trip?

In Orlando Colonial Photo and Hobby has lots of tripods and gimbal heads. You can test your camera. Gitzo, Miller, Manfrotto offer Tripods that would work for men your size (6’2” here).

live4summer Loc: Long Island, NY

I recently purchased the Sirui 2204 Waterproof tripod because I was experiencing a similar problem with my previous tripod. It will hold 39 lbs, maximum height is 70”, and holds my camera and 150-600 rock steady. The only drawbacks I’ve found so far are that at 3.7 pounds it’s not a tripod I’d use for traveling and although I’m getting used to the twist locks, I think I still prefer the clip locks. It might be worth a look for you.

sadgit

Hi
While I am only 5’ 11” I need a tall sturdy tripod as I shoot on uneven ground or on steep hills so need to be able to extend one or more legs a fare way.
Having been extremely frustrated by my old Gitzo while trying to shoot cliffs in Ireland I bit the bullet and got the Gitzo GT3543XLS Systematic Series 3 Carbon eXact Extra Long Tripod, fantastic piece of kit, very strong and not ridiculously heavy.

TomV Loc: Annapolis, Maryland

I use this brand. They have just come out with a taller model.

FEISOL Elite Tripod CT-3372L M2 Rapid