Siena Loc: Rocky Hill, CT

There was a great discussion with tripod recommendations about a month ago and of course now that I need a new tripod, I can't find it. Would you folks be so kind as to either send me a link to that thread, or offer advice on a tripod? Apologies for asking you to repeat yourselves.

I have a Sony mirrorless and with my heaviest lens the weight is just over 3 lbs. so load factor isn't a problem. I want something well built that will last. My budget is up to $300 (or convince me why I need to spend more). I'm 5'7" so want something that's at least 50+ " without center column extended. I also really favor flip lock leg adjustments.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Try "Tripods" in the "Search" feature above.

Don

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

or search Google with tripod site:uglyhedgehog.com

The search feature here only searches thread titles, the above Google search will return instances where tripod is in the body of any thread on UUH.

Siena Loc: Rocky Hill, CT

Thanks Don... researching now.

Siena Loc: Rocky Hill, CT

That's very helpful.

Thanks.

bgate Loc: Texas

PM sent

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

My suggestion would be for a carbon fiber. Sirui is a good brand.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1156937-REG/sirui_bsrw2204_w_series_waterproof_tripod.html

ricardo00

Lots of tripods out there. I would also second the suggestion for a carbon fiber tripod since they are lighter and damp vibrations more. One suggestion though over your $300 budget:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=%20FEISOL%20CT-3342&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma

CO

I would also recommend a carbon fiber tripod. I had an aluminum tripod but now have the Manfrotto 055CX3 carbon fiber tripod. It's lighter and dampens vibration better than aluminum. In tap tests, carbon fiber tripods stop vibrating in a fraction of the time it takes aluminum to stop vibrating. It's going to be a little more than your $300 budget though. Here are two great carbon fiber tripods with lever lock legs:
Manfrotto MT190CXPRO3 carbon fiber tripod ($474)
Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 carbon fiber tripod ($554)

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

The focal length/image magnification and not the camera/lens/head weight will determine how stable a tripod you'll want. More stability = higher cost. Macro and long lenses used at or near their minimum focus distance are the most demanding of tripod stability. Landscapes with wide to short tele the least demanding. A 2 lb bridge camera that has an effective focal length of 600mm will need the same tripod that a full frame camera with a 600mm lens would need. Nearly every tripod in production will "support" your camera and lens, only the best ones (and not necessarily the most expensive) will keep it still while you are taking pictures.

Carbon fiber is more stable and lighter than aluminum or aluminum-titanium alloy - but they are more expensive. Tripods with center columns are inherenty less stable than those without, but a little more convenient to use. Beware of off-brand tripods - it may be impossible to get repair parts for them.

Gitzo's catalog has a clever classification system - Series 0 through Series 5. Series 0 will support wide and ultrawide lenses. Series 1 will reliably support up to a 100mm lens, Series 2 up to 200mm, and so on. The key to decoding their system is to look at the top leg section diameter - the lighter duty tripods have thinner legs and are correspondingly lighter. The ones with the thick legs are way heavier and a lot more stable. Induro's Series closely corresponds to Gitzo's. But you can save some $$$ by selecting a decent tripod that has similar specs, at least as far as leg diameter is concerned. Sirui, LeoFoto, Feisol and others make decent legs and do stand behind their products.

Finally https://thecentercolumn.com/ is a great independent testing site that has all sorts of excellent guidance to help you select a tripod.

With the information you've provided, it is not possible for me to make a recommendation for you. More details about the focal lengths you use and the subject matter you like to shoot would help.

Hope this helps!

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I think your best bet is used to stay within your budget, next increase your budget Approx.$100.00

lehighjack Loc: somewhere in FL

The iFootage tripod, carbon fiber line will suit your needs. You will still need a ball or pan head. That is another discussion and the results will depend on your preferences and subject matter. I prefer Acratech, made in the US. Good luck!

steve33 Loc: Yarmouth MA

Great tip !

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

Sorry, everything I would suggest costs more. But if I did make a recommendation, it is always the same. Although, like I said, it is about $250.00 over your budget. But, if you read the reviews, you will see that it is money well spent.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1383159-REG/robus_rc_5570_c_5570_tripod.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

Photocraig

This item can cost from $100 and UP!

Please postpone your purchase until you can muster a slightly larger budget--like $400 for legs AND head. Most photographers use a remote shutter release when their camera is tripod mounted to avoid touching the rig and causing vibrations. SO, there's another purchase I'd say is required. Using the self timer is a substitute if the subject is static and there is no motion or gesture you're trying to capture.

BTW: With the flip screens, you don't need to get the camera to eye level. For tripod mounted shots, in most cases for me, I find that they are contemplated and are carefully composed, in addition to the required support. By using the screen and live view, you will be using the camera at about your rib cage This allows you to NOT use the skinny bottom legs of the smaller less expensive models of good brands.

I have an old Gitzo Carbon fiber tripod, and the 4th sections of legs are about as thick as a fat pen and more flexible than I'd like. With these extended, the tripod is 1/2 as stable as it is if I don't use that length. At 6'4" Live View lets me look down at the screen, compose, focus, change settings etc. Also, my Canon i-phone app allows me to control the entire camera in live view mode on my phone--standing up and away from the camera. I don't know if Sony has that option for you. I don't know how your SONY works, but if you can imitate an old fashioned "waist level Finder" like on a TLR or Hasselblad type camera, this will help you save weight and $$$'s.
Good luck,
C

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