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Which tripod and ballhead do you recommend ?
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Feb 9, 2020 20:32:52   #
Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.
 
I received some valuable information from one of our esteemed members. I'm throwing this out there for any to answer. I rarely use a tripod, but after reading a book recently the author highly recommends using one whenever possible. Well, I'm 71 and I guess it may be time to give it a try. It has been suggested that I purchase a new RRS BH-40 with a lever release clamp (B&H has one for $415).That's what I'm leaning toward. I'd like to know what some other members might recommend. The tripod must be carbon fiber. New or used. The ball head will be new and the tripod new or used. I'm using a D750, a D5500 and a collared 70-200 f2.8. I'm looking for quality and sturdiness. It was also mentioned that I purchase used Kirk and RRS L-plates for the two Nikon cameras and the aforementioned lens.This is all new to me so don't be afraid to spell things out. Thanks in advance.

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Feb 9, 2020 20:42:20   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
Ava'sPapa wrote:
I received some valuable information from one of our esteemed members. I'm throwing this out there for any to answer. I rarely use a tripod, but after reading a book recently the author highly recommends using one whenever possible. Well, I'm 71 and I guess it may be time to give it a try. It has been suggested that I purchase a new RRS BH-40 with a lever release clamp (B&H has one for $415).That's what I'm leaning toward. I'd like to know what some other members might recommend. The tripod must be carbon fiber. New or used. The ball head will be new and the tripod new or used. I'm using a D750, a D5500 and a collared 70-200 f2.8. I'm looking for quality and sturdiness. It was also mentioned that I purchase used Kirk and RRS L-plates for the two Nikon cameras and the aforementioned lens.This is all new to me so don't be afraid to spell things out. Thanks in advance.
I received some valuable information from one of o... (show quote)


If you are not traveling commercially with size restrictions, then I like this set-up for you - https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Dealer-Leofoto-LS-323C-Pro-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod-w-LH-40-Ball-Head-RRS-Gitzo/312733265697?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372
.

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Feb 9, 2020 20:43:00   #
tcthome Loc: NJ
 
If you have the funds , go with RRS or Gitzo tripods. There are other other brands out there are decent if you want to spend less. I would go with the ball head you mention. RRS 's quality is one of the best. What type of photography do you shoot? I just looked at the one suggested above. Doesn't look bad at all. The fact that it doesn't have a center column is a plus. People from this site reccomend the Nest tripod sold by a UHH member (SharpShooter I think) but I have no expirience with them.
I might head into the NYC this weeek to check out the RRS & Gitzo for comparison. I'm do & hoping this will be the last tripod I have to buy.
Good luck with your shopping, Tom

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Feb 9, 2020 20:55:56   #
jwreed50 Loc: Manassas, VA
 
For a D850 and a D500, I use both the RRS BH-40 and the BH-55. The BH-40 will be sufficient for the 70-200mm 2.8, but if you plan on using any lens larger than that, you probably should consider the BH-55.

I use a Gitzo Series 3 carbon fiber tripod for my D850 with up to a 500mm lens, although a Gitzo Series 2 should be fine for a D750 with a BH-40 and a 70-200mm 2.8.

If it's within your budget, the RRS ball head and a Gitzo carbon tripod are the way to go -- you won't regret it. They're top of the line.

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Feb 9, 2020 20:59:16   #
BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten
 
I have, use and love the RRS BH-40.
I mount it on a Feisol CT-3472 tripod with a sunway photo l-bracket.
They’re not cheap but they they work great for me.
I use a tripod on 95%+ of my shots.
Good luck and have fun.
Just for fun sometime take a shot of something in marginal light, first hand held and then take the same shot on a tripod with a ten second delay. Pixel peep them both and see what you think.

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Feb 9, 2020 21:07:47   #
gtheodore Loc: Fort Collins CO
 
Stick with RRS for tripod. With the BH40, you’ll be fine up to a 300 f/4 or the newer 500 PF. I’d recommend the RRS series 2 Tripod (not the “long” model). I’m 83 and have no problem with it. When traveling overseas, I carry a Series 1.

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Feb 9, 2020 21:08:12   #
PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago
 
Ava'sPapa wrote:
I received some valuable information from one of our esteemed members. I'm throwing this out there for any to answer. I rarely use a tripod, but after reading a book recently the author highly recommends using one whenever possible. Well, I'm 71 and I guess it may be time to give it a try. It has been suggested that I purchase a new RRS BH-40 with a lever release clamp (B&H has one for $415).That's what I'm leaning toward. I'd like to know what some other members might recommend. The tripod must be carbon fiber. New or used. The ball head will be new and the tripod new or used. I'm using a D750, a D5500 and a collared 70-200 f2.8. I'm looking for quality and sturdiness. It was also mentioned that I purchase used Kirk and RRS L-plates for the two Nikon cameras and the aforementioned lens.This is all new to me so don't be afraid to spell things out. Thanks in advance.
I received some valuable information from one of o... (show quote)


Quality and reliability is outstanding in RRS products. I use their products and more than pleased.Your idea of a new RRS BH-40 with a lever release clamp will be a winner.

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Feb 9, 2020 21:08:59   #
ahudina Loc: Browns Point, WA
 
Ava'sPapa wrote:
I received some valuable information from one of our esteemed members. I'm throwing this out there for any to answer. I rarely use a tripod, but after reading a book recently the author highly recommends using one whenever possible. Well, I'm 71 and I guess it may be time to give it a try. It has been suggested that I purchase a new RRS BH-40 with a lever release clamp (B&H has one for $415).That's what I'm leaning toward. I'd like to know what some other members might recommend. The tripod must be carbon fiber. New or used. The ball head will be new and the tripod new or used. I'm using a D750, a D5500 and a collared 70-200 f2.8. I'm looking for quality and sturdiness. It was also mentioned that I purchase used Kirk and RRS L-plates for the two Nikon cameras and the aforementioned lens.This is all new to me so don't be afraid to spell things out. Thanks in advance.
I received some valuable information from one of o... (show quote)


I would also look at and consider the tripods and ball head from Pro Media Gear. Lesser known than Kirk and RRS (both of which are excellent) I use a pro media gear tripod with a manfrotto geared head/ or nest gimbal with Nikon d850 and Nikon lenses including a 200 - 500 zoom. I am very happy with the build quality and efficiency of this set up. I think it warrants your consideration. Best of luck.

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Feb 9, 2020 22:55:40   #
Magaliaman Loc: Magalia, CA
 
Ava'sPapa wrote:
I received some valuable information from one of our esteemed members. I'm throwing this out there for any to answer. I rarely use a tripod, but after reading a book recently the author highly recommends using one whenever possible. Well, I'm 71 and I guess it may be time to give it a try. It has been suggested that I purchase a new RRS BH-40 with a lever release clamp (B&H has one for $415).That's what I'm leaning toward. I'd like to know what some other members might recommend. The tripod must be carbon fiber. New or used. The ball head will be new and the tripod new or used. I'm using a D750, a D5500 and a collared 70-200 f2.8. I'm looking for quality and sturdiness. It was also mentioned that I purchase used Kirk and RRS L-plates for the two Nikon cameras and the aforementioned lens.This is all new to me so don't be afraid to spell things out. Thanks in advance.
I received some valuable information from one of o... (show quote)


Here's a suggestion that wont break the bank and is incredibly sturdy. I Recently purchased the RT-90C tripod from Innorel and I am EXTREMELY Happy. Check it out, I think it would fit you needs perfectly !

https://www.amazon.com/Monopod-Profile-Ballhead-INNOREL-Professional/dp/B07XHQZT1H/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=innorel+rt-90c&qid=1581306666&sr=8-7

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Feb 10, 2020 04:11:20   #
tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio
 
I use the RRS BH-50 ball head with a carbon fiber 3500 series Gitzo with no center column. If I had bought this set up first before I spent all the time and money fooling around with cheaper, inferior models.

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Feb 10, 2020 05:49:13   #
CO
 
Don't do what you said in your post: "It was also mentioned that I purchase used Kirk and RRS L-plates for the two Nikon cameras and the aforementioned lens.." I wouldn't use an L-bracket with a lens as heavy as a 70-200mm f/2.8. The L-bracket attaches to the tripod socket on the bottom of the camera. The heavy lens will exert a lot of leverage on the camera and produce a lot of stress on the tripod socket on the bottom of the camera. You said that the lens is collared. I would mount it on a gimbal head. I use a Jobu Jr.3 gimbal head for my 800-400mm lens. It weighs only 1.5lbs but can support up to 12lbs. My Nikon D500 + 80-400mm lens weighs about 7lbs so it's well within the capacity of the gimbal.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682023-REG/Jobu_Design_BWG_J3K_BWG_J3K_Jobu_Jr_3_Gimbal.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/905990-REG/Jobu_Design_bwg_j3kdlx_Jobu_Jr_3_Deluxe.html

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Feb 10, 2020 05:53:25   #
Cuw
 
I'm 70, have had a Innorel tripod and ballhead for several weeks. Super sturdy, built like a tank. I have had no issues at all with this setup. Load capacity for ballhead is 66lbs, for the tripod 88lbs. Around 400.00 for ballhead and carbon fiber tripod.

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Feb 10, 2020 06:29:24   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
Ava'sPapa wrote:
I received some valuable information from one of our esteemed members. I'm throwing this out there for any to answer. I rarely use a tripod, but after reading a book recently the author highly recommends using one whenever possible. Well, I'm 71 and I guess it may be time to give it a try. It has been suggested that I purchase a new RRS BH-40 with a lever release clamp (B&H has one for $415).That's what I'm leaning toward. I'd like to know what some other members might recommend. The tripod must be carbon fiber. New or used. The ball head will be new and the tripod new or used. I'm using a D750, a D5500 and a collared 70-200 f2.8. I'm looking for quality and sturdiness. It was also mentioned that I purchase used Kirk and RRS L-plates for the two Nikon cameras and the aforementioned lens.This is all new to me so don't be afraid to spell things out. Thanks in advance.
I received some valuable information from one of o... (show quote)


Buying a tripod and ball head is a LOT like buying dress shoes. There are many, many, fine dress shoes out there, but if you don't try them on first, you may be disappointed.
When I started looking for my tripod/ballhead combo, I went to two large camera stores (no, they weren't close, but this was a major purchase) and tried every tripod and ball head they had. And now I am very pleased with my tripod and ball head. NO, I won't tell you because this is a personal decision, you must do your homework and try them on before buying. Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
PS. the only advice I will give you, make sure that you NEVER extend the center post, when your trying them out, do so without extending the center post, make sure it is high enough for you with the ball head attached WITHOUT extending the center post.

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Feb 10, 2020 07:03:41   #
obsidian
 
At 71, your main concern is the weight and size of your gadget especially when you travel. This was my consideration since I an thin and short.5'4", 135 lbs. For over 10 years now, I have been using the Gitzo carbon fiber tripod that I bought from Ebay, Acratech GXP Ball Head with RRS Lever Clamp, and another Acratech Panoramic head for my heavier lens. I recently bought the newly released Peak design Tripod which is actually not that heavy. I am a Canon user with several L lenses like the 24-70 mm, 70-200 mm, 70-300 mm and an old sigma 150-500 mm. I never have problem with my Gitzo tripod and it will be an heirloom since I have a feeling it will outlast me.
The Peak design Tripod (B&H $599) has a built in head, ergonomically designed and is light. It is a walkabout gadget if you travel to the City.

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Feb 10, 2020 07:11:38   #
mborn Loc: Massachusetts
 
billnikon wrote:
Buying a tripod and ball head is a LOT like buying dress shoes. There are many, many, fine dress shoes out there, but if you don't try them on first, you may be disappointed.
When I started looking for my tripod/ballhead combo, I went to two large camera stores (no, they weren't close, but this was a major purchase) and tried every tripod and ball head they had. And now I am very pleased with my tripod and ball head. NO, I won't tell you because this is a personal decision, you must do your homework and try them on before buying. Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
PS. the only advice I will give you, make sure that you NEVER extend the center post, when your trying them out, do so without extending the center post, make sure it is high enough for you with the ball head attached WITHOUT extending the center post.
Buying a tripod and ball head is a LOT like buying... (show quote)


Right On!

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