DocDav Loc: IN

I have several lightweight and sort of lightweight tripods but they drift when i mount my Tamron 150-600 lens . The local camera shop wants to sell me a "behemoth" that is heavy enough to be near worthless to carry around without a 4 wheel dolly. any suggestions for a tripod that could still be shoulder carried yet be sturdy enough to handle this lens?

Thanks
David

alx Loc: NJ

Have you considered a gimbal head? Drift is eliminated by balancing the camera/lens and not brute force clamping.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

I have 2 recommendations. 1st: Sirui Carbon Fiber tripod EN-2204 with either a Sirui K-10X ball head or Nest NT-5308 gimbal. 2nd: Vanguard aluminum Alta Pro 263 AT with an Alta BH-250 ball head. I strap the Sirui to my backpack for wildlife / birding hikes. The nice thing about the Vanguard is that you can move the center column at all different angles. I understand there is a newer Alta Pro 2 model.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Consider Carbon Fiber. Tell me your budget and I will give you some suggestions.

DocDav Loc: IN

DocDav Loc: IN

i will look at both- thanks

DocDav Loc: IN

trying to stay under 2 or 250$. not sure if that is doable. I want to strap it on my back for hiking and not feel too weighted down.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Look at used - got very good minty Manfrotto tripod which (with a gimbal head, also used) will even hold my old Nikon ED 600 5.6 with no problem for a fraction of the price of new. Since I use a tripod rarely, a no brainer. Got a Manfrotto / Bogan monopod and ball head the same way. I suspect both were almost never used!

SonyA580 Loc: FL in the winter & MN in the summer

Having just purchased an Alta Pro 263AB with SBH 100 ball head I can tell you this is not a light weight trekking tripod. It is rock solid, has a great ballhead, a bunch of different configurations, but the whole thing weighs well over 6 lbs.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Not really "doable" for $200-$250. Plan to spend more.

You've bought a couple cheap tripods already, and found them unsatisfactory. You can either keep repeating that process or step up and spend some more, get a tripod that will do the job well and might last a lifetime. Compared to a continuous cycle buying cheaper tripods, you will probably end up saving money over time spending more now to get a good one. Besides, you're trusting it to support a couple thousand $ worth of camera and lens! So I'd recommend planning to spend more. Keep in mind that a quality tripod can last a lifetime (one of mine is about 40 years old... others are around 20 years old).

If I recall correctly, the 150-600mm weighs about 4.5 lb. Your camera probably weighs no more than 2 lb. So the combined weight the tripod head needs to support is under 7 lb. Rule of thumb is to buy a head and leg set that are rated for at least double or even triple the weight of what you plan to put on them. (Note: for the leg set rating, add the weight of the head too, along with the weight of camera and lens.)

Carbon fiber tripods can be a little lighter than metal. They also absorb fine vibrations better. However, CF also costs more.

For best stability get a tripod with as few leg sections as possible. Obviously, this effects how compact the tripod will fold up... so you have to find a compromise. While I think 2-section would be ideal, 3-section or 4-section legs are more practical. I wouldn't consider a tripod with any more than 4-section legs, though. The bottom segment ends up being awfully spindly and all those joints don't help with stability. They also are slower to set up.

Also for best stability, look for a tripod with sufficient height that you don't need to extend a center column (Two of my tripods don't even have center columns. A third tripod has one, but is an extra tall model that I never need to raise it... I use that

Check out a dozen different "Travel" Tripods in this article at B&H Photo: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/travel-tripods

Travel tripods tend to be more compact and lighter weight. Likely the most stable on that list, the Gitzo is probably way more than you want to spend. The Benro Travel Angel Series 2 with V1E Ball Head that sells for a little under $400 is the model that impresses me the most, with: carbon fiber, 22 lb. capacity, 4-section legs (reverse folding), 66" working height (not sure it that includes raising the center column).

Also check out ten "Full Size" Tripods in this article: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/10-recommended-tripods-photography

Several of those aren't much larger or heavier than the Benro mentioned above. These tripods also are typically sold as leg set only, allowing you to choose your own head. For example, the Induro CLT303 leg set costs $399 (carbon fiber, 44 lb. rating, 3-section legs, 64" height), to which you might add the Induro BHD2 Ball Head for $179 (rated to support almost 40 lb., Arca-Swiss compatible quick release platform). Buying leg set and head separately this way allows you to select each item that meets your needs best. There are many other possible combinations from Feisol, Induro, Benro, Gitzo, Manfrotto, and dozens of other manufacturers. There are also kits of both head and legs that might save some money, so long as both items meet your needs well.

Other things to consider....

The leg locking method. There are basically three different kinds: levers, thumbscrews and twist type. On a tripod to be used in the field, I prefer the last because they are low profile... won't get caught on branches or cuffs as easily. They also are largely self-adjusting, resistant to dirt and aren't prone to wear. The lever type are faster to set up, but also are more prone to wear or breakage. The thumbscrew type are simple, but may be able to loosen and get lost.

Quick release... By far the most universal type is the "Arca-Swiss". Many manufacturers make parts and accessories compatible with it. You can even find lenses and cameras with built in A-S type dovetails (several recent Tamron lenses with tripod rings.... and the grips on some Fuji cameras). Even Manfrotto and Gitzo, both of whom have had their own, proprietary quick release systems in the past, are now making products with A-S system compatibility.

Gimbal heads... make using large telephotos like the 150-600mm a lot easier, especially when tracking moving subjects like wildlife or sports. Many gimbal heads simply replace any other head on your tripod. The problem is, to use it with the camera and shorter lenses, you'll need to swap back to using the standard head. A possible solution is to get a reasonably heavy duty ballhead and a gimbal "adapter" to use with it. That way you can quickly switch back and forth. Of course, there's additional cost to buy a gimbal adapter. But you could get a ballhead now and work with it... adding the gimbal adapter later. Here is a fairly complete guide to the different types and various brands of gimbals: http://www.carolinawildphoto.com/gimbal_list.htm The Jobu "Micro" adapter would probably be fine with your 4.5 lb. lens. It's rated to handle up to Canon's 400mm f/4 DO lens, which weighs about 4.5 lb. The Micro is also one of the least expensive options. I've been using the Wimberley Sidekick for many years, with much larger and heavier lenses. Works great!

IF you decide to get a gimbal adapter now or plan to get one later, you MUST use a medium duty (approx. 30 lb. rated) to heavy duty (50 lb. rated) ballhead WITH Arca-Swiss quick release platform. The QR platform is how the adapter attaches to the head.... and allows it to be removed quickly and easily when you wish to use the tripod "normally". Together the gimbal provides the tilt axis, while the ballhead provides the panning axis.

I agree with Quixdraw's post... above... that, if possible, buying used can really help your budget go a lot farther. I bought two of my tripods that way and basically got them for close to 1/3 what they each sold for new! BUT, you really need to know what you're buying, have to be knowledgeable about the specific model tripod legs and heads to be sure what you're getting, especially if buying from an auction website (where there's a lot more selection, than shopping for used items locally).

Hope this helps. Have fun shopping!

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

SLIK 700 Pro. A lot less than these guys are trying to sell you. Solid as a rock! I've carried it for many miles over my shoulder with a medium format film camera. I think it might be your tripod head that's at fault. Get a big solid head and your drift problems will be over. Notice I don't have a long list of gear attached to my posts. I have and use what I need for the photography that I do. I don't jump on the band wagon every time something new and super duper comes along. Save some money, buy the SLIK, go take great photographs.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

If you are so concerned about weight then you should be looking at carbon fiber - problem is, to get one big/stabil enough will cost more than your budget and you will need a very decent head to go with it !

The Slik Pro 700 DX is the best pod for the money - and it will work for you with a GOOD head - but it is metal and 6 1/2 lbs without head. - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Slik-Pro-700DX-Super-Titanium-Alloy-Tripod-Legs-615900/371546840953?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372 - READ the user reviews ......

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DocDav Loc: IN

Obviously i need to spend more than I knew...that was my ignorance since I actually only rarely use a tripod. A lot to learn and thanks all, for the tips. All i knew about the heads was what came on my tripods now..a screw mechanism similar. Again, thanks alot!

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

I have twp Nest tripods, one over 7 feet the other a travel tripod. Both are rated for 44 pounds. The Nest Gimbal head and the Nest NT-648H Ball Head work very well for me.

Mt Shooter is on our site, Carter's Camera Corner https://www.cameracottage.com/apps/webstore/

Good Luck

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

Enduro and Benro both offer great gear at reasonable prices and come with a bag and tools. You will also need a head. I would recommend a gimbal head.