Quality lightweight tripod info desired
Oct 11, 2023 21:41:08 #
NPSlover
Loc: Woodbury Minnesota
I’m new to the forum… thanks for including me.
I’m looking for recommendations regarding quality lightweight tripods. I’m mainly a landscape guy, but I’m interested in upping my wildlife skills. I shoot a Canon 7D Mark ll, with a current heaviest lens being a Tamron 100-400.
Specifically, I’m interested in opinions about tripod construction (carbon fiber, aluminum, or ???), name brand opinions, and cost expectations. I’m willing to spend money, but not needlessly throw it away. Please tell me the “why” behind your opinions.
I’m about 6 feet tall, so I would be looking for a tripod that can reasonably accommodate that height.
Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Admin, if I’m in the wrong segment of the group, feel free to move the post.
I’m looking for recommendations regarding quality lightweight tripods. I’m mainly a landscape guy, but I’m interested in upping my wildlife skills. I shoot a Canon 7D Mark ll, with a current heaviest lens being a Tamron 100-400.
Specifically, I’m interested in opinions about tripod construction (carbon fiber, aluminum, or ???), name brand opinions, and cost expectations. I’m willing to spend money, but not needlessly throw it away. Please tell me the “why” behind your opinions.
I’m about 6 feet tall, so I would be looking for a tripod that can reasonably accommodate that height.
Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Admin, if I’m in the wrong segment of the group, feel free to move the post.
Oct 11, 2023 22:16:12 #
Oct 11, 2023 22:40:33 #
Perhaps look for a lightweight monopod that also has feet that come out to make it a tripod.
And agree, very nice photo. I would have liked to see the composure just a tad move up. To about the tip of the mountain reflection at the bottom.
And agree, very nice photo. I would have liked to see the composure just a tad move up. To about the tip of the mountain reflection at the bottom.
Oct 11, 2023 22:57:34 #
You will get many differing opinions on this. I will give you mine. Get the best/sturdiest tripod you can afford. Carbon fiber is good for reducing weight and damping vibrations. Avoid having to use a center column. That means xl legs are big plus. I went with an Induro 4 series that I got from West Photo. It is rock solid and fairly lightweight. I have no problems mounting a 600/4 on it.
The good part about where you live is that are a couple good brick and mortar stores (West and National Camera) . You can lay your hands and eyes on several styles to find what works for you.
The good part about where you live is that are a couple good brick and mortar stores (West and National Camera) . You can lay your hands and eyes on several styles to find what works for you.
Oct 11, 2023 23:13:28 #
NPSlover, you're brand new! Joined today and your first post. Welcome.
Tripods are one of those endless discussions here.
My suggestion is that you go the the B&H website and start clicking the prices, features, materials and specifications boxes. The section where the tripods have heads included has 630 to pick from. Whittle is down to a half dozen, list what they are and then ask for comment.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Complete-Tripods-with-Heads/ci/2635/N/4075788742
I have a "heavy" tripod that was given to me by a guy that gave up photography. I have a lightweight, compact and almost sturdy travel tripod that fits carry on luggage. It was really cheap because it was discounted for being red!
If I had to buy a tripod today, it would be this:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175941-REG/manfrotto_mk290xta3_3wus_290_xtra_3_way_head.html
Or this:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1408032-REG/manfrotto_mkbfrta4gt_bhus_befree_gt_travel_aluminum.html
Tripods are one of those endless discussions here.
My suggestion is that you go the the B&H website and start clicking the prices, features, materials and specifications boxes. The section where the tripods have heads included has 630 to pick from. Whittle is down to a half dozen, list what they are and then ask for comment.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Complete-Tripods-with-Heads/ci/2635/N/4075788742
I have a "heavy" tripod that was given to me by a guy that gave up photography. I have a lightweight, compact and almost sturdy travel tripod that fits carry on luggage. It was really cheap because it was discounted for being red!
If I had to buy a tripod today, it would be this:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175941-REG/manfrotto_mk290xta3_3wus_290_xtra_3_way_head.html
Or this:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1408032-REG/manfrotto_mkbfrta4gt_bhus_befree_gt_travel_aluminum.html
Oct 12, 2023 00:08:33 #
NPSlover
Loc: Woodbury Minnesota
Thank you! That was just after sunrise at Schwabacher’s Landing in Grand Teton National Park. It’s tough to take a bad picture there!
Oct 12, 2023 00:14:21 #
Oct 12, 2023 00:16:18 #
NPSlover
Loc: Woodbury Minnesota
Great! Thanks for the specific options. I'll dig deeper into them tomorrow.
Oct 12, 2023 00:17:57 #
NPSlover
Loc: Woodbury Minnesota
I hope to stop by both stores before too long. Thanks for the response.
Oct 12, 2023 01:17:39 #
Orphoto
Loc: Oregon
Landscape and wildlife suggest the need for sturdy, which of course conflicts with light or inexpensive. Do your research as to brand and models that appeal. When you get serious, start looking at used models. Your money goes much further.
Also spend as much time and energy researching various tripod heads, as the legs.
Also spend as much time and energy researching various tripod heads, as the legs.
Oct 12, 2023 04:26:50 #
Great shot.
Buy a quality tripod and you won't have to replace it later. I use a Gitzo carbon fiber but there are others just as good. I also find a quality ball head to be the best for me and I think the Arca quick mount plate is the way to go but Manfrotto makes a nice quick release as well.
Buy a quality tripod and you won't have to replace it later. I use a Gitzo carbon fiber but there are others just as good. I also find a quality ball head to be the best for me and I think the Arca quick mount plate is the way to go but Manfrotto makes a nice quick release as well.
Oct 12, 2023 05:54:09 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
NPSlover wrote:
I’m new to the forum… thanks for including me. br... (show quote)
If your going to shoot wildlife, in addition to the tripod, you will require a Gimbal head.
Oct 12, 2023 05:57:45 #
In my opinion there is no substitute to handling a tripod you like before buying. A reputable dealer should have salesmen with enough expertise to recommend a tripod that will serve your needs and you can try it at the store.
Aluminum tripods are cheaper and they do not weight as much as they used to in the past. Carbon fiber is lighter, not as steady when the wind is blowing and it dampens vibrations, as has been said already, better than aluminum.
Aluminum tripods are cheaper and they do not weight as much as they used to in the past. Carbon fiber is lighter, not as steady when the wind is blowing and it dampens vibrations, as has been said already, better than aluminum.
Oct 12, 2023 10:43:42 #
In addition to your height, which has an impact on the length of the tripod legs, factor into your choice or specs whether one leg will be extended longer than the other two, like over the edge of a road for a mountain scenic--down a bank, and maybe up a bank.
As a general rule for max support, take the rated weight ratings offered by the manufacturer with a grain of salt. If you think you need a tripod rated for 20 pounds, get one rated for 40 pounds.
One line of tripods I favor are those made by Benro. They now own Induro and other brands too.
My recommendation would be a series three tripod, not a series two. The three series offers better weight support. I prefer tripods without a center column, but I have one that does have a center column that I use for travel.
I would start your research at these two links:
https://benrousa.com/photo/bestsellers-by-genre/landscape/
https://store.naturescapes.net/tripod-legs-kits/
https://photographylife.com/how-to-choose-and-buy-a-tripod-for-a-dslr-camera
As a general rule for max support, take the rated weight ratings offered by the manufacturer with a grain of salt. If you think you need a tripod rated for 20 pounds, get one rated for 40 pounds.
One line of tripods I favor are those made by Benro. They now own Induro and other brands too.
My recommendation would be a series three tripod, not a series two. The three series offers better weight support. I prefer tripods without a center column, but I have one that does have a center column that I use for travel.
I would start your research at these two links:
https://benrousa.com/photo/bestsellers-by-genre/landscape/
https://store.naturescapes.net/tripod-legs-kits/
https://photographylife.com/how-to-choose-and-buy-a-tripod-for-a-dslr-camera
Oct 12, 2023 11:09:10 #
I also recently needed a light travel Tripod for video work and purchased this Siriu Tripod on Amazon. I've used it on two occasions and it is great. We have a trip to Mexico coming and I'll take this one. Packs well, sturdy enough for my work (too old to fight the elements) One may order with a ball or fluid head. The price is right!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KD1S2LD?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KD1S2LD?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
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