What's a good tripod? (Page 2): Most certainly will thanks Gil...

Alps1962 Loc: Fraser michigan

Most certainly will thanks
Gil

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

Alps1962 wrote:

Hello everyone I'm new to this forum and would like some opinions on what's a good tripod to buy. Just bought a Nikon z6ii kit with lens but also have a 150 to 600 telephoto lens. I'm gonna mostly shoot wildlife. Any input will be appreciated and thsnks for your time. Gil

Hi Alps and welcome to UHH. When you are responding to a particular person (as I did here), click on "quote reply" so that it'll be known who you're responding to. That's some great equipment that you've got there. Looking forward to your photos.

tcthome Loc: NJ

D810, ISO 12800=Gutsy! Great response write up & link.

Canisdirus

Folks can spend many thousands on camera bodies and multiple lenses...and then cheap out on their tripod relative to the cost of the other gear.
A tripod is JUST as important as your other gear. Don't skimp out.

Many choices...too many.

So...
Carbon fiber...as many layers of carbon as you can afford.
No center column...period.
As tall a tripod (with stability) as you can afford...unless you will always know you will be shooting on flat ground all the time. Extra leg length can be a godsend at times on uneven ground...or if you need to get above a crowd.

This is a good place to look at... https://thecentercolumn.com/testing-tripod-stiffness-and-damping-at-the-center-column/

Alps1962 Loc: Fraser michigan

Ava'sPapa wrote:

Hi Alps and welcome to UHH. When you are responding to a particular person (as I did here), click on "quote reply" so that it'll be known who you're responding to. That's some great equipment that you've got there. Looking forward to your photos.

Got it and thanks for the help😁

tdozier3 Loc: Northern Illinois

Alps1962 wrote:

Hello everyone I'm new to this forum and would like some opinions on what's a good tripod to buy. Just bought a Nikon z6ii kit with lens but also have a 150 to 600 telephoto lens. I'm gonna mostly shoot wildlife. Any input will be appreciated and thsnks for your time. Gil

Leofoto carbon fiber.

delmario

I really enjoy my MEFOTO RoadTrip Classic

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Alps1962 wrote:

Hello everyone I'm new to this forum and would like some opinions on what's a good tripod to buy. Just bought a Nikon z6ii kit with lens but also have a 150 to 600 telephoto lens. I'm gonna mostly shoot wildlife. Any input will be appreciated and thsnks for your time. Gil

IF you can find one and its owner is willing to sell the Nest NT-363-CT is the most stabile tripods I have found that is steady and supports the weight of the big lenses. My EF 800mm sits on one and has never been compromised. Rock solid, light weight, and has pins in all feet this tripod cannot be surpassed. When new, they were considerably less expensive than Gitzo, RRS, etc. The Camera Cottage in Billings MT was the north American distributor for them and many folks here purchased them. MT Shooter decided to join the ranks and shut down his store and went on to new ventures. As I stated, IF you can find one for sale it would be a "Best Buy."

fetzler Loc: North West PA

Alps1962 wrote:

Hello everyone I'm new to this forum and would like some opinions on what's a good tripod to buy. Just bought a Nikon z6ii kit with lens but also have a 150 to 600 telephoto lens. I'm gonna mostly shoot wildlife. Any input will be appreciated and thsnks for your time. Gil

A good tripod is different things to many people. I have an Manfrotto tripod that nice and sturdy. It is designed for portable use but I find that I use it mostly near home. I have a MeFoto Roadtrip that is nice and light. It can be brought close to the ground macro work. I can easily bring this one in baggage for air travel. I also have an Utra platy. which is a flat plate with an head attached to steady a camera right at the ground.

You need sturdy but fairly lightweight (carbon fiber) tripod. A Gimbal head will be useful for your purpose. The tripod needs to support the weight of your equipment.

BTW heads are another consideration and the "best" choice depends on what you are doing.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You have two issues in a 'tripod question':

1. What model, size, weight for tripod?
2. What mounting approach (head / clamps)?

I've had both Gitzo and RRS tripods. The Really Right Stuff is lighter, but more than twice the price of the Gitzo, for otherwise the same equipment. On both I have RRS heads and clamps that are better than any of the arca-swiss standard equipment I've tried from others.

You need quick-release clamps and mount points (lens plates and L-plates) for all your equipment. This makes your tripod a pleasure, easy and a joy to use. If your focus is wildlife, seriously consider a gimbal head rather than a ball head. Here, I have both. The gimbal is larger and heavier, and I mount it when I need it, rather than making the tripod larger and heavier all the time, when the ball head is easier to use.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Alps1962 wrote:

Hello everyone I'm new to this forum and would like some opinions on what's a good tripod to buy. Just bought a Nikon z6ii kit with lens but also have a 150 to 600 telephoto lens. I'm gonna mostly shoot wildlife. Any input will be appreciated and thsnks for your time. Gil

Gitzo. Can be had for reasonable prices used. You might want a gimble head for wildlife.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I like Vanguard tripods.

Tripod info -
https://www.bythom.com/reviews--books/tripods-today.html
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-tripod
https://digital-photography-school.com/everything-about-tripods-phil-steele/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIWvjfI_-PA
http://digital-photography-school.com/build-ideal-tripod/
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/5-pros-and-5-cons-of-using-a-tripod/
http://www.lightstalking.com/tripod-heads/

Choosing -
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/10-recommended-tripods-photography
https://photographylife.com/how-to-choose-and-buy-a-tripod-for-a-dslr-camera

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Alps1962 wrote:

Hello everyone I'm new to this forum and would like some opinions on what's a good tripod to buy. Just bought a Nikon z6ii kit with lens but also have a 150 to 600 telephoto lens. I'm gonna mostly shoot wildlife. Any input will be appreciated and thsnks for your time. Gil

The lens you have is not terribly big or heavy - unless - it is the Sigma sport. For wildlife, I prefer hand held or on a monopod to the relative immobility and weight of a tripod - unless I am around a feeding station, nest site or in a blind/hide.

If you must have a tripod, I would recommend a tripod with 3-section legs and a at least 32mm diameter top section. Metal will be heavier but cost less. I prefer tripods that go at least 66 inches tall (1.65 meters) and the speed of a small center post is OK with me. Many very adequate tripods are not "expensive" ! Pay attention to user reviews. The cost is up to you......

Tripod heads are a whole another subject, but I prefer and use a video fluid head with leveling base with larger lenses.
.

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

Alps1962 wrote:

Hello everyone I'm new to this forum and would like some opinions on what's a good tripod to buy. Just bought a Nikon z6ii kit with lens but also have a 150 to 600 telephoto lens. I'm gonna mostly shoot wildlife. Any input will be appreciated and thsnks for your time. Gil

I like Benro and Induro tripods. They include a tool kit and case. They are a very good value and are vary durable.
But, a tripod severally limits you for birds in flight. For wildlife photographs, I have found hand holding to be the best option. I would try shooting without a tripod first. Again, many buy a tripod just to have it end up in a closet.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Gil welcome to UHH Alps1962!
Lots and lots of Wildlife Shooters here...

Wish I could suggest something for your query albeit I only shoot sports (League Soccer) with my long heavy glass. What works for me is a Sirui P-424 Carbon Fiber Monopod with a Sirui L-10 head. Albeit my subjects move primarily in a horizontal plane.

While I do have the Wimberley Gimbal head (wh-200) like Gene said it's just way too much hassle to drag around on location and setup. Instead I use it in my studio for client portraiture with my AF-S 200-400mm f/4G IF ED VR (works extremely well in this scenario.)

I totally agree with billnikon here "I have found hand holding to be the best option. I would try shooting without a tripod first. Again, many buy a tripod just to have it end up in a closet."

Experience is a brutal teacher...

All the best on your journey Alps1962