larryepage Loc: North Texas area

If you decide not to keep your current tripod, I'd appreciate your letting me know. I made a big error a couple of years ago and let one go that I should have kept. Been beating myself up about it ever since. Might work out to buy yours, depending on the model number and the head that you have for it. You can PM me if it becomes appropriate.

Boone Loc: Groundhog Town USA

I have been around this Art for a long time, and I would take a serious look at this "QUALITY" Tripod!!!!

I have one, and I wish I would have had one sooner!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KXSF9PS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks,

Boone

DaveCostello Loc: Central/Coastal New Hampshire

Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263 AT. Add a Vanguard BH-300 ball head. Or, for a bit more try an Acratech GP ball head.

Billybam

Take a look at the Innorel RT90C, read all the reviews on this Carbon Fiber Tripod. It's rated as a professional tripod at a decent price! Will support heavy weight loads, I was only able to find it on Amazon.

ez22 Loc: The World

I had a Manfrotto (around $550) that I used with an Arca Swiss ball head for almost 20 years. It finally died and I ordered this Gitzo from B&H last year. It is carbon fiber (the only thing I would ever use.) There is absolutely no comparison. I expect it will last me the rest of my life. It is still a bit on the heavy side, but if you want the best stability, that's part of the tradeoff.


https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1328235-REG/gitzo_gt5543xlsus_systematic_tripod_ser_5_4s.html

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

The BITTERNESS of POOR QUALITY remains long after the SWEETNESS of LOW PRICE is FORGOTTEN.

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

The issue with aluminum vs carbon is more than "strength" and "weight" - even a pretty inexpensive aluminum tripod will support a D750 and an 80-400mm lens which is a very light 5.1 lbs for a wildlife shooting setup.

The issue is stability and stiffness. Unfortunately, aluminum legs do "telegraph" vibrations, where as large diameter carbon fiber have less of a tendency to do this.

I gave away a hefty 14 lb Bogen 3051 with a 3047 head that I used to use with my 4x5 cameras and short lenses because it was unstable with a 300mm lens on a 35mm camera. Tripod weight is NOT related to stability, and if using with lenses longer than around 200-300mm aluminum is not a great choice. Aluminum is more than adequate for shorter lenses and studio use. There is something to be said that a 12.75 lb aluminum tripod with 2 section legs that are braced to the center column (Bogen 3051 without the head), is less stable than a 4 lb carbon tripod iwith 4 section legs (Feisol CT-3472). It wasn't even close tested with with a 600mmF4.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Hi Dave,

I don't know which Bogen you are using, but back in the 1980s I bought a rock solid one for use with my 4x5. Geared center column, cross braced 3-section legs. Not small and with pan/tilt head it weighs close to 20 lb.! Still, when I was younger I managed to haul it around all over the place. Even climbed around the sand dunes in Colorado, cliff houses in New Mexico and Grand Canyon in Arizona with it. Still works great. But, hey! I'm not getting any younger. So it's been semi-retired to "studio use only" (i.e., storage right now, since I'm currently between studios).

I tried several other relatively affordable (i.e. "cheap") tripods over the years.... and generally found them more frustrating than useful.

Finally got one of those expensive Gitzo tripods almost 20 years ago... and am still using it today. I bought that carbon fiber Gitzo G1325 Mk II Series 3 Systematic new, fitted it with a Gitzo G1321 Leveling Platform, a Kirk BH-1 ballhead, added some Leg Coats and a Wimerley Sidekick gimbal adapter and put the whole rig in a Hakuba bag... Weighs around 8 or 9 lb., but can handle up to 500mm and 800mm lenses without any problem. I've put as much as 10 or 12 lb. of lens, camera & accessories on it without any problem. This was pretty pricey, but still serves very well.

An alternative worth considering is a used Gitzo. In the past few years I've bought another G1325 Mk II used, off eBay, for about 1/3 the price of new. The price even included shipping and another G1321 Leveler, which is very useful with a gimbal head or if shooting architecture or landscapes. The leveler allows quicker, safer setups (versus having to individually adjust leg lengths to re-level a tripod after moving it). The older G1325 Mk II model is roughly equal to today's Gitzo GT3533LS ($862) specifications. The G1321 Leveler is roughly equal to the modern GSLVLS ($232). I saved a lot buying used, though what I got looked like new! (I later fitted this tripod with a "budget" full-size gimbal head that works okay, though I wish I'd spend a little more for something better.)

Another alternative is a used Gitzo Series 3 Systematic G1348 Mk II. I bought one of those used off eBay, too. The difference is that the G1348 uses 4-section legs and is extra tall... while the G1325 uses 3-section legs and is standard height (plenty tall for me... I'm 5' 9"). Once again, the used tripod cost me about 1/3 the price of buying new, including shipping and even was fitted with an optional G1318 Rapid Column (potentially making it even taller... close to 7 or 8 feet!). This older model is equivalent to the modern GT3543XLS ($900), while the modern center column is the Gitzo GS3513S ($240).

Now the modern tripods are rated for a bit higher weight capacity (around 50 lb.), but the older models are quite respectable (33 lb.). The modern tripods also use a leg cross-section shape that prevents rotation when the locks are loosened or tightened. The older tripod legs need to be loosened and tightened in a particular order, or you can end up rotating the wrong section. It's a minor inconvenience. But, hey! At one third the price, I can live with that.

I fitted the G1248 Mk II tripod with a cheap Smith-Victor BH8 ballhead that cost under $100, but is heavy duty, has Arca-Swiss quick release compatibility and rated for 50 lb. capacity. I've had to do some minor repairs to this head over the years, but at 1/4 or 1/5 the price of some ballheads, it still seems a good value. Unfortunately S-V no longer offers this ballhead, but there are some similar from good manufacturers that cost between $150 and $250... there's no need to spend $400 or $500 on a ballhead!

For "birding" with your 80-400mm lens, you would probably want a gimbal head. Yes, the Wimberley WH-200 is excellent. But it's also over $500 and is a full size gimbal head, that replaces any other head on your tripod. To use the tripod with other, shorter lenses you will also need to carry around a ballhead (at least) and any tools that might be needed to swap the heads in the field.

Instead I recommend a "gimbal adapter". This fits into a heavy duty ballhead, so long as it has an Arca-compatible quick release platform. The gimbal adapter provides tilt movements, while the ballhead provides panning movements. Wimberley makes an excellent adapter too, their SK-100 "Sidekick". I use one with lenses much larger and heavier than yours and it works great... but it costs $250. There are nearly identical alternatives now... Induro makes their GHBA ($200) and Movo offers their GH400 ($130).

Those must be used in conjunction with a fairly heavy duty ballhead.... but that head remains on the tripod so it can quickly and easily be converted back to "normal" (non-gimbal) use without any need for tools. Yes, Really Right Stuff makes very good stuff... but it's pricey. Their BH-55 ballheads cost between $400 and $500. There are many others available for much less cost, that will likely do the job just as well! Looking at B&H for a ballhead with 33 lb. or more weight rating, along with the necessary Arca-compatible platform (to allow use of a gimbal adapter), finds almost sixty different options ranging from under $100 to almost $1000. While I'd probably avoid come of the cheapest, there are a LOT that look to be more than fully capable that costs a whole heck of a lot less than the RRS. See for yourself: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/Tripod-Heads/ci/140/N/4075788769?sort=PRICE_LOW_TO_HIGH&filters=fct_head-type_1544%3Aball-heads%2Cfct_quick-release-system_7375%3Aarca%2Cfct_support-weight_1470%3A33-lb%7C35-lb%7C40-lb%7C44-lb%7C50-lb%7C55-lb

More info about the various types of gimbal heads, along with a partial list of what's avail., can seen here: http://www.carolinawildphoto.com/gimbal_list.htm

With three Gitzo Series 3 Systematic tripods, I'm pretty much set for life! Even if I only had one of them, it would likely be the last tripod I'd really need! I have them set up differently to serve somewhat different purposes, but the original one I bought almost 20 years ago, along with the BH-1 ballhead and Wimberley Sidekick, is still my "go to" tripod.

There are even heavier duty Gitzo Series 4 and Series 5... but those cost and weigh more. The Series 3 is more than enough for my needs (lens, camera & accessories up to around 12 or 15 lb.)

The "Systematic" design is modular, allowing the tripod to be customized for specific needs, as you can see I've done.

I've used and ended up selling a couple Gitzo Reporter, Traveler or Mountaineer series tripods. They're fine too, but have a permanently installed center column allowing them to be fold up more compact, but also needs to be used to bring the camera up to comfortable height and compromises stability to some extent. Note that two of my three Gitzo have no center column. The only one that does is extra tall, so I very rarely need to raise the column at all for height.... More often I reverse the center column to hang below the tripod for low-angle shooting, such as macro. That extra tall tripod also uses 4-section legs, which are less stable than 3-section because of the add'l joint and smaller diameter bottom section. But, again, because that's an extra tall tripod, so I rarely need to extend that lowest section at all.

There are other brands that are close copies of the Gitzo models I've mentioned here... Some of those tripods sell new for as much or more (RRS), while others sell new for less (Oben, Feisol, Induro). But if you consider used, you can get a good deal on Gitzo, too. Why people sell off these great old tripods and "trade up", I don't know.... But I'm glad they do because I got some great deals on used tripods! B&H lists almost fifty 33 lb. to 55 lb. capacity tripods to choose among: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/Tripod-Legs/ci/2636/N/4075788741?sort=PRICE_LOW_TO_HIGH&filters=fct_center-column_7414%3Ano%2Cfct_lateral-90-degree-center-column_5538%3Ano%2Cfct_leg-lock-type_4128%3Atwist-lock%2Cfct_material_774%3Acarbon-fiber%2Cfct_reverse-folding-legs-travel-design_7236%3Ano%2Cfct_support-weight_1445%3A33-lb%7C39-lb%7C40-lb%7C44-lb%7C46-lb%7C50-lb%7C55-lb

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I would be very interested to know what the top leg size is and how many sections of this "wonderful" tripod is ?? ....and OH, how high does it go ?
.

Boone Loc: Groundhog Town USA

You are absolutely right!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just recommended this Tripod..."BECAUSE I OWN ONE OF THESE", and it is Better than the ones I have paid 3 times as much for!

Was glad I was open to the fact that "MORE MONEY", dose not mean "MORE QUALITY"!

This time I was right. (For a chance)

Thanks,

Boone.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

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

So, how well does it keep your 400mm lens from shaking?

With a 28mm top tube diameter I'd think that the answer would be not too well. When making a recommendation it's good to put it in the context of the OP's ask.

Just looking at the specs, construction details (lots of plastic), and the tiny ball head, it suggests that this tripod may be fine for general purpose use with shorter lenses and lighter gear, but not a great choice for the OP's needs. Even Imagmeister would balk at this one. He suggests, appropriately, a minimum top tube diameter of 32mm, and 3 leg sections. This tripod does not check any of those boxes I'm afraid.

FWIW, the Gitzo Series 2 has a top tube diameter of 28mm. Gitzo suggests that this tripod can be used with a 200mm lens to get consistently shake-free images. It costs $868.

https://www.amazon.com/Gitzo-GT2542-Mountaineer-Tripod-Sections/dp/B00IQ2S5JC/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=gitzo+series+2&qid=1594415911&s=electronics&sr=1-6

My argument with this tripod has nothing to do with quality. It is about capability/specification/performance. For a 400mm lens I doubt its skinny lens will cut the mustard. I am also skeptical that a $130 tripod can outperform an $868 one, which you are apparently suggesting. Regardless, neither tripod will hold a 400mm lens steady. You'd have to get a Gitzo Series 4 - which has a 36.6mm diameter top tube - for that. The three leg section one with no center column or head costs $957

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1328242-REG/gitzo_gt4533lsus_systematic_tripod_ser_4_3s.html

In keeping with your price ≠ quality concept, I believe the Feisol CT-3372 or the CT-3472 - with it's 37mm diameter top tube - may actually slightly outperform the Gitzo Series 4. It costs $600 - and it does work with a 400mm lens.

Minitman Loc: Centreville, Virginia

Wow. Thanks so much for the wealth of information

Minitman Loc: Centreville, Virginia

I will let you know if I decide to part company wit the Bogen. Right now it is relegated to studio use as it's too heavy for me to use in the field anymore.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...I want to shoot primarily nature including birds (Nikon d750 with 80 - 400 Nikon lens)...
Welcome to UHH Dave! Thinking you likely do not need a tripod for BIF...
Your 1570g optic is certain hand holdable. Albeit having a convenient way to deploy it certainly helps.
I highly recommend a Black Rapid Curve or better yet Backpack Strap...
Either will make shooting your 80-400 an absolute joy!

The only effective way to shoot BIF on a Tripod is with a Gimbal (not a ball head)
Here is an authoritative discussion on this from the BIF forum.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-99663-1.html.

Please consider investing quality time in the BIF forum... the Main Forum is primary for hobbyist with a fixation on Kit rather than Technique... as you will eventually learn...

Your kit is so light that the Tripods being recommended so far are a tad overkill... probably by an order of magnitude... It's not the tripod so much as the technique... Here are several discussions of technique by outstanding commercial wildlife shooters.

Long Lens Tripod Technique by Steve Perry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EI7BCMZaxE

Sharpness Series Basic #3 Long Lens by Moose Peterson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8HVPrPzpR4

Both of these gentlemen are serious about their craft.

Here is a simple example of a waterfall only minutes away from you in Centreville, Virginia Dave.
Great Falls VA National Park (Mather Gorge). Highly recommend you visit this National Park

Camera: Nikon D700 (1/640) f/11; ISO: 200; FL 250mm
Lens: Vintage (circa 1989) AF 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Nikkor

Tripod: SIRUI T-100SX
Tripod Head: SIRUI L-20S
This support system is but a fraction of the weight than the kit others are recommending...

The right tool for the job Dave...
Enjoy neighbor! I'm located just down the road from you....
.

Camera: Nikon D700 (1/640) f/11; ISO: 200; FL 250mm

(Download)

Vintage (circa 1989) AF 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Nikkor; Filter: B&W 62mm 10 Stop ND

(Download)

Kit Used