kit_kit Loc: NYC

Thanks.

brokeweb Loc: Philadelphia

If you a willing to spend 2K on a camera and lens, you might as well spend another 200 on a tripod. Do you put ketchup on prime rib?

francesca3 Loc: Sausalito, CA

I haven't read all of the responses but to the ones I did read I would add: Get a tripod that has clips for securing the legs, not twisty things (can't think of the name) that need screwing and unscrewing. When it is cold, the twisting and untwisting is not fun, plus it takes a lot longer than simply clipping/snapping them.

treadwl Loc: South Florida

If you are shooting nature you should have a tripod that is at least (but preferably taller) than you. This is for two reasons. First, you can adjust it so you don't have to bend over all day to shoot with it. Second, if you are standing on a hill, and the tripod is lower on the slope than you, you can still adjust it so you won't have to bend to look through the viewfinder. Next, the tripod should not have a center column. This is important for when you want to get really low (say shooting eye level with a bird or rabbit on the ground--or even flower photos). If you reach max height via a center column then you are effectively turning your tripod into a monopod and this negates stability. Your tripod legs should spread to at least 1.5 times the length of your camera and its longest lens (stability). Be certain it has a hook so that you can hang weight (camera bag?) beneath the head to add stability on those windy days. Lastly, check out how the legs extend, what is the locking system? You want what is easy for you to use quickly when you have to make adjustments.

Once you get the tripod---then you should ask how to carry and use it effectively in the wild. There are tricks to carrying a tripod that really do make a difference.

Selecting a ball head is a whole other matter and could be a thread of its own.

Sorry for being long winded.

Larry

MTG44 Loc: Corryton, Tennessee

I use a Monfrotto 055XB with pistol grip head. Put a canon 40D with a100-400. It is real sturdy and I am 68 and can hike 3-4 miles with little problems.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

I will ad to this too. Get one that fits your height too. It is not fun bending over trying to look at the shot. If you can, stay away from the ones that have poles in the center to get you the height you need. And for sure get a GOOD ball head!! These will last a life time if you take care of them. If you go big now and buy a quality one, it will really save you money in the long run. Another thing to do, look at the weight of your dream lens you would like to buy, and get a tripod that will hold it. :):) Ya never know. You just might win the lotto!:)
Erv

francesca3 Loc: Sausalito, CA

Larry,
Not long-winded at all. Actually very informative. Yes, having a ball-head is even more important than how the tripod legs are secured.
Never thought of the center-column issue.
TYVM
Francesca

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

It works great, but it makes walking very awkward. :D

Joecosentino Loc: Whitesboro, New York

Ouse induro tripods ct14 for travel ct 214 for local use

http://www.indurogear.com/products/catalog_search.asp?ID=329&v1=4

You wil find them half the cost of most good tripods and they are rock steady. I use thier #2 head

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

They look very good, but I didn't continue to check their prices. I was afraid I might buy one. :D They have very good photography for their products.

Scoutman Loc: Orlando, FL

Check out the great valued Ravelli tripods. I have their 72" aluminum model and like it. My next buy is listed below. Great invaluable video demos of it and similar tripods can be found on YouTube.


Ravelli Professional 65-inch Carbon Fiber 3 Axis Ball Head Camera Video Photo Tripod with Quick Release Plate and Carry Bag
by Ravelli
4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (46 customer reviews) | Like 1350564873 false 1 13 13 12 (13)
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Price: $89.69

lorne Loc: Calgary, Alberta

Never heard of the Rope idea. Read the artical that is great information. Thanks.

lorne Loc: Calgary, Alberta

Is there a tripod that is at least 60" without the center extended and has a monopod as one of the legs that will hold a D7 and a 70 to 200 2.8 lens.

Al Loc: Southern Delaware

Hi Lynda,
I have the same camera and lens set-up. I sometimes add a 1.4 extender for better reach when shooting birds and wildlife. I am currently using an Oben CC-2320L 3-section carbon fiber tripod with an Oben BB-2 ball head. I'm very happy with it's performance and weight-wise it sure beats my old Bogen/Manfrotto 3021. It cost a few hundred but it works fine. Oben is a house brand sold thru B&H Photo. You can check out the entire line of Oben tripods and ball heads on the B&H Photo website. They have quite an extensive selection. I chose the model I have so I could get good height extension (eye level) without having to raise the center post.

Floyd Loc: Misplaced Texan in Florence, Alabama

The monorope is "too expensive" and too bulky! Try strong kite string tied to a large washer attached to a small bolt that fits in the bottom of your camera. Works as well as rope, and takes up less space in your pocket or camera bag.