Need input on purchasing a carbon fiber tripod.
Apr 3, 2021 06:44:16 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Tonylum wrote:
Within the past week I purchased the sigma 60-600m... (show quote)
Call customer service dept. at B&H and get their opinion. Better yet, go to a large camera store near you and try them out. Buying a tripod is a lot like buying shoes, if you don't try them on first, your asking for trouble.
Apr 3, 2021 06:48:48 #
Apr 3, 2021 08:11:26 #
Tonylum wrote:
Within the past week I purchased the sigma 60-600m... (show quote)
Check this out:
https://www.bythom.com/newsviews/you-asked-for-it.html
Apr 3, 2021 08:33:59 #
Buy high quality, used. Despite what you might think, $500 isn’t a lot for a carbon tripod.
Really Right Stuff (USA) and Gitzo (Italy) are leading brands. I own RRS tripods and a Gitzo monopod and both are phenomenal brands. The ability to open the tripod and quickly secure the legs and level the ball head is as important to me as the stability, and both brands shine in this and all other aspects. BTW, I often like using the Gitzo monopod on my Nikon 200-500 over a tripod. My first carbon fiber tripod was a Benro, but I find that you get the quality that you pay for. It still works, but I now need to meticulously screw tight each leg or it will soon sag at one or two joints. It is more difficult to clean after shooting in a dusty or sandy area. Also, their matched ballhead was not as well engineered and occasionally slips after tightening.
Really Right Stuff (USA) and Gitzo (Italy) are leading brands. I own RRS tripods and a Gitzo monopod and both are phenomenal brands. The ability to open the tripod and quickly secure the legs and level the ball head is as important to me as the stability, and both brands shine in this and all other aspects. BTW, I often like using the Gitzo monopod on my Nikon 200-500 over a tripod. My first carbon fiber tripod was a Benro, but I find that you get the quality that you pay for. It still works, but I now need to meticulously screw tight each leg or it will soon sag at one or two joints. It is more difficult to clean after shooting in a dusty or sandy area. Also, their matched ballhead was not as well engineered and occasionally slips after tightening.
Apr 3, 2021 08:44:21 #
Tonylum wrote:
Within the past week I purchased the sigma 60-600m... (show quote)
Gitzo, used.
I have two aluminum Gitzo tripods and four Gitzo heads, for light 35mm thru heavy large format. Mine are '80s vintage. But you want fibre which costs even more. So look to used.
Apr 3, 2021 09:04:13 #
I have Induro tripod and gimbal. I believe they are in your price range. Well built. No complaints.
Apr 3, 2021 09:10:27 #
Tonylum wrote:
Within the past week I purchased the sigma 60-600m... (show quote)
You really should check other/previous postings of this subject here on UHH !
IMO, there are some things you NEED way before you even get to the tripod legs. Because of the compromised tripod collar on ALL big 50/150/200-500/600mm zooms, I recommend using a dedicated long lens stabilizing bracket. Moving on to the head, - skip the ballhead with a large collared lens and instead consider a good pan/tilt video/fluid head - or a a gimbal of course. Under the head, you should have a leveling base to facilitate keeping the camera/lens balanced over the pivot point of the head and to provide a level pan. If you MUST have a ball head, make it at least a 40mm ball as a minimum.
Tripod parameters: - Top leg/tube section 32mm minimum, 4 section legs - maximum, extended height - 62 inch minimum, In spite of others' learned comments, I prefer to have and use a short extendable center post to facilitate fast height adjustments !
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Apr 3, 2021 09:31:20 #
Apr 3, 2021 09:51:33 #
With what I typically shoot (rocket launches), I went carbon fiber as well & after reviewing various vendors, selected Gitzo, due to the height I could extend it to. Do a bit of research on care/cleaning of carbon fiber...Big thing I focused on was total weight of lens & camera body. I specifically looked first for a tripod that could support an extra 25% weight for rock solid stability.
Apr 3, 2021 10:01:19 #
RonM12
Loc: Washington State
Take a look at FLM tripods. Exceptional quality without breaking the bank. I have their travel tripod and love it.
Apr 3, 2021 11:00:23 #
Tonylum wrote:
Thanks, I was just looking into used. I just spent over 2k for the lens. Now I'm looking at another 1k for a gimble a tripod. Used might be my solution.
I purchased my Nikkor 200-500 18 months ago, and found myself in a similar boat. Lens case, protective filter, shoulder pads, 2 tripods, gimbal head, ball head, QR adapters...
My latest is a Sirui W2204 carbon fiber tripod and the K-30 ball head. The biggest issue I have is too much play in the center column, but that can be overcome by not using it.
I use Manfrotto qr between the tripod and heads, and the case won’t fit the tripod with the adapter on it...
Apr 3, 2021 11:27:20 #
I would look on eBay for a good used one. Plenty to choose from. $500.00 won’t get you very far for a new one. You are putting expensive equipment on it so do your research beforehand. Good brands include Gitzo, Manfrotto, and Really Right Stuff . Leofoto and Induro are good as well.
Apr 3, 2021 11:44:32 #
Tonylum wrote:
Within the past week I purchased the sigma 60-600m... (show quote)
Feisol makes good tripods. This one is a bit more than what you said you wanted to spend, but is worth the extra money. Personally, I prefer 3 leg section tripods to a 5 section, and even a four section one, unless yo get a 4 section one where the top leg sections are more than 40mm diameter. The less leg sections, and the larger diameter of the legs, the sturdier the tripod will be.
https://www.feisol.net/tripods/feisol-tripod-ct-3372.html
Another decent tripod is Induro. This one is a 3 leg section tripod, although the top legs are 32.4mm, smaller than the Feisol, but it is under your stated price.
https://indurogear.com/clt303-classic-cf-tripod-3-series-3-sections/
Another brand that fits your price range is Sirui, but I don't know much about it.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1420907-REG/sirui_susr3203_sr_3203_3_section_carbon_fiber.html
Good luck. I'm sure you will get many suggestions.
Apr 3, 2021 11:50:34 #
I strongly suggest you read the advice on the Really Right Stuff site, whether you buy an RRS tripod or not. Spend the money now or you'll just end up with a collection of poor devices that will need replacing in the future.
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
Apr 3, 2021 11:58:52 #
Gene51 wrote:
You are short on $$ for stable support with a ball... (show quote)
I personally have had good luck with the Leofoto 324, although it's about number 21 on the list.
Purchased from B&H at a pretty reasonable price.
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