martykovacs

Thank you. I've got a lot to learn about photography and UHH.

Capn_Dave

When buying a tripod get one that is tall enough so the center post is not needed. This offers the most stability. Benro/Induro and great bang for the buck

Kramer222 Loc: Danville,VA

Lots of good suggestions , good idea to keep mounts the same , Arca- Swiss is a good standard to use. Versatile and lots of heads use compatible mounts. Saves headaches switching cameras , monopods etc.

photoman43

I have a Gitzo tripod, but I also have two Induro tripods. For value, I recommend tripods made by Induro over the more expensive ones from Gitzo and RRS. Induro is now owned by Benro but has its own web page at Benro.

If possible find a tripod without a center column, but at your price point that may not be feasible. A series three offers more stability over a series two.

https://benrousa.com/photo/by-collection/induro-tripods/

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

You don't tell us where you are located, but I would look for a local camera shop that carries tripods in stock. Go and look at the varieties – ball head vs. non ball head, twist lock vs. level lock, etc. see what feels best to you and then look on eBay or where ever. Personally I would purchase only from an established store.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

To save money I would go to a store, with your camera and mount you equipment on different tripods and find one that fits YOU and your equipment. I have purchased 4 or more before I did that. Save money and buy one.

M1911 Loc: DFW Metromess

I would look at the Artcise AS85C tripod. Max height is around 6 feet and the load capacity of the legs and head is over 50 lbs. It seems like a good deal at $240.00. Leg diameter is fairly robust.

www.https://www.ebay.com/itm/353490913541?_trkparms=aid%3D1110002%26algo%3DSPLICE.SOI%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D233120%26meid%3D7d86be74d933426d86343a534875de76%26pid%3D101196%26rk%3D7%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D353439538850%26itm%3D353490913541%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DPromotedSellersOtherItemsV2WithMLRv3&_trksid=p2047675.c101196.m2219&amdata=cksum%3A3534909135417d86be74d933426d86343a534875de76%7Cenc%3AAQAGAAACAI2rzpje3ARmd8HdRasUUg2VmC2mhtCvBEv%252Bl4vsYNzgvUVxyuUo8%252BjCKwEtaVvxQC2vuNqmLgrnKT9wloaNUyf1gxK8r2KqkjzA4SSh4sRxhr9reVn10hF048H7P4q9i6FYEc8pOkOu1wIwCOJc2BX1%252Fhx2D8SbMu5eMr%252F%252B%252B7tAxwywZ%252BQbJTtrEBc3%252FGfKhz%252BFSN3Q%252BJW3QeJBg8yYQonvb8FzYKgEhklzLmuOCVkSe3Mtu7wCV6Ref2tNhkV5nyKZGjpwz8BuwqH6Z8VEvRyT9znftOT27%252BacAq7Kl3zA6WlO7uxaasWK6waKEguX9Y3Jea9wqRcXdtfWWnbrx%252BK7Nctco0QsupzRnXCGrtWmXJusWi3QZuUKqGik29SiNpfUmXiRNB0%252F6JXbylU9zA2YnCk2dSNXKGIBUERRydSTnCGo5LZ%252B61qKgLP20OKvaGws%252BBvmbVKBuJVKn6GfKNi8%252BYJZKXj%252BuFSu54QcX8wg4FVjCoVIC%252FImLA8AKdLqkBTHtBt%252FGZ3RTZUKzeeGXF%252Bx1wRIYUFLt%252F%252Ff3GccXUYegKRBgAZNbkxrz3%252FJigU5xgtf1I%252BGzR%252FXGNsgV5BmU1CKCTQf8Rdwsr3E%252BUomaYY7rFYK%252BoKZwL0NV7Z2o972Kj%252BkSfswEFkYffAvpmQ7BZaAfdCsifKxr2S4Sa45n2Ek%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2047675

They also have a model AS90C. which has no center column but a 110 lb. claimed rating

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Yes, looks to be very GOOD !..........thanks for sharing

mikee

I was taught the best tripod is a piano case filled with concrete (rock solid support). Anything else and you'll make compromises. Also, opinions regarding tripods are like noses (I'll keep it rated G) everybody has one. I have several expensive tripods, and a Sirui w-2204. It is waterproof, and one leg can detach as a monopod (very handy). The same tripod in aluminum (W-2004) is about $170 less. I expect the quality will be similar, but wouldn't use aluminum in salt water.

Adorama has the w-2004 with a sirui k-20x head for $350. Worth looking at.

RustyNM Loc: Deming, NM

I've got a Me FOTO Globetrotter carbon fiber tripod. It costs around $400 BUT I got it at a local thrift store for $10!
It has a fluid ball that makes it easy to take pan pictures.

martykovacs

Thank you. I forgot about the thrift stores. I'll check then out today.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

You don't need a really big, heavy tripod... since your gear is relatively light. However, you also don't want too flimsy and lightweight a tripod... It won't be very stable and probably won't last long.

A good tripod will last a lifetime and be a pleasure to use. A cheap, flimsy one can be frustrating to use and may end up costing more because it needs replacement every year or two.... or fails catastrophically and takes your camera gear with it!

I recently watched a video at DPReview.com that compared four "full size" tripods. This was a followup to a "travel tripod" comparison they did some time ago.

I was impressed with the Sirui W2204 they showed there. It's a good size so that unless you're really tall, you wouldn't need to raise the center column much, or at all. The W2204 is a carbon fiber leg set that weighs roughly 4-1/2 lb. and sells new (B&H Photo) for $420 normally, but is on sale through the rest of this month for $370 after a mail in rebate.

The above is a leg set only, so you would also need a head for it. Normally there's a Sirui W2204K20 kit which pairs those legs up with their K20X ballhead, sells for $500 but is also offered with a $50 mail-in rebate through the end of July. Unfortunately, it's out of stock at B&H right now. Hopefully they'll get more in stock before the rebate expires. This is a fairly heavy duty ballhead (rated to 55 lb.), but is said to weigh under 1 lb, so the total weight of this kit should be about 5.5 lb. That's pretty darned good, though it's not an "ultralight travel tripod" by any means. This tripod has four-section legs (the most I'd ever trust) and they can reverse fold back over the head for more compact carrying and storage.

The above doesn't help you with your eBay coupons (I was unaware of those, even though I often shop eBay).

There the best deals are high quality, older tripods being sold used. But you have to know EXACTLY what you're looking at to take advantage of those deals.... to even know if a deal is good or not.

For example, I bought two Gitzo off eBay a few years ago. I was quite familiar with one of them, since I've had one I bought new in 2000 or 2001. That was a carbon fiber Gitzo Series 3 Systematic G1325 Mk II, one of the most popular models among wildlife and sports photographers using big lenses. With 3-section legs it doesn't fold up very small but is tall enough for me (5'-9") without any center column at all. My original one, which I still use regularly, cost upwards of $800 new for the legs alone, another ~$200 for a Gitzo leveling platform, about $325 for a Kirk BH-1 ballhead, plus some more $ for leg pads and a carrying case. All together buying new 20 years ago set me back about $1600 (today it would probably cost more). I also use a Wimberley Sidekick gimbal adapter with this that cost another $200 at the time, but you don't need that with your gear. All this weighs about 9 lb. The legs are rated for 33 lb. and the ballhead for 50 lb. (less than the Sirui legs and head above).

Fast forward to a few years ago and I found the same tripod, already fitted with the same accessory leveling platform but no head, on eBay for $375 including shipping. Bought it immediately and was pleasantly surprised at the like new condition when it arrived. I fitted it with leg pads, a carrying case and a cheap ($100) gimbal head that makes it a pretty specialized "long lens only" tripod for around $500.

I also found a similar Gitzo G1348 Mk II tripod used on eBay... very similar to the above, but an "extra tall" model with 4-section legs. This one happened to be fitted with a Gitzo rapid center column (another ~$200 accessory) and was offered for $425 including shipping. Once again, I bought it immediately and was very happy when it arrived and looked to be in hardly used condition. Fitted it with leg pads, a carrying case and a cheap (~$80) Smith-Victor BH8 ballhead. This set up I use inverted for low level macro shots or when I need extra tall, since it can reach around 80" total (I need a short step ladder to use it).

So I'm pretty well set up for the rest of my life.... with Gitzo models that are 20 years old (new models have superseded them, with misc. improvements). But my point was that I was familiar enough with the Gitzo Series 3 Systematic tripods from that time period that I wasn't too concerned buying a couple of them used off eBay. I knew exactly what I was looking at in the listings. In your case I might also consider a Gitzo Series 2 Systematic, which are a little lighter weight. One of them (G12xx series) probably would be sufficient for your gear, but aren't as commonly found and used ones tend to cost about the same as the heavier duty Series 3. I don't need and you definitely don't need the even heavier duty Series 4 or Series 5 Gitzo... I also wouldn't consider their ultra light Series 1 and am not a fan of the Reporter, Traveler and Mountaineer series, which all have integral center columns. There are also a lot of really old aluminum Gitzo on eBay... which don't interest me, would be heavier and might be riskier, harder to repair if worn or damaged.

Gitzo is one of the oldest and well established brands of tripods. The parent company of Gitzo is Vitec, which also owns and manufactures Manfrotto, Joby, O'Connor and Sachtler tripods. While Gitzoare strong and durable, if repair is ever needed there's no problem getting parts for moderately old models like mine. Hopefully that will still be the case for many years to come. Not that I've ever needed any parts, though.

There are other good brands to consider. Someone mentioned Benro and Induro. RRS is "Really Right Stuff" and excellent, but also very high priced (more expensive than Gitzo). You can use the search tools provided by online retailers like B&H or Adorama to "drill down" to the models that meet your needs the best, then pick and choose among them. First determine how tall you need... measure to your eye level, then add a few inches. You don't want to have to stoop to use the tripod. That's tiring. I also recommend looking for a tripod that's tall enough for you without having to raise the center column... or only having to raise it a little. (In fact, two of mine don't even have center columns.)

An aluminum tripod will cost less than carbon fiber... but carbon fiber can be considerably lighter weight, helps absorb some small vibrations and can be more comfortable out working in cold weather. You'll have to choose the materials best for you. I recommend avoiding plastic, though. It always fails, eventually. Also watch out for lightweight "pressed" formed and shaped steel legs. They also don't last very long.

If possible, buy a "kit" of both legs and head. While you can buy them separately to get exactly what you want, a kit can save you money. For example, the Sirui K20X head mentioned above sells for about $130 separately, but you get it for about $80 when it's bought in kit with the W2204 leg set. This is often the case with other brands, too.

I'd recommend too that for best stability you limit to 3-section and 4-section legs. Fewer leg sections make for faster setup and less chance of accidentally leaving one of them loose, causing an accident. Also, the bottom sections have to be smaller and smaller diameter, to nest inside the one above. (My 4-section "extra tall" is so tall I normally don't need to extend the lowest and smallest diameter section.) Limiting yourself to no more than 4-section will mean the tripod won't fold up quite as compact as others that have 5 or 6 or even more leg sections.... but generally speaking, the fewer sections, the more stable a tripod will be. Single section and 2-section tripods exist and are sometimes used for extremely heavy video gear and would be great for stability, but are quite large and simply aren't practical for most of us to use.

There also are different types of leg locking mechanisms. Today one of the most common and popular are "twist" locks. Those have several advantages: they last almost forever and are self adjusting, are low profile so less likely to catch on anything, and can even be fairly weatherproof in some cases. Another type is a "lever" lock. Those can be quick to set up and it's obvious when one is not tightened... but they protrude and can catch on things and are prone to wear over time, needs cleaning and occasional adjustment or repair. There also are "thumbscrew" locks on some tripods.... which are pretty low maintenance (so long as you don't loosen one too much and lose parts), but protrude a bit too and can catch on things like branches or sleeves while working around tripods (I have a couple old Bogen/Manfrotto aluminum tripods with this type of lock that I now only use "in studio", due to their weight and these locks).

Decide what type of head you want on your tripod. A ballhead is the most compact and popular for that reason. A pan/tilt head can make for better vertical (portrait) orientation of a camera, but is bigger and heavier, usually with protruding handles or knobs that can catch on things when carrying the tripod in the field.

Many tripod heads come with a quick release system. This consists of a plate that attaches to the bottom of your camera and a corresponding clamping platform on the top of the head. The most common of these by far is the Arca-Swiss system. While that company invented it, compatible items are made for it by dozens of companies and it's one of the most versatile. For many years both Gitzo and Manfrotto have used their own, proprietary QR systems, which aren't compatible with each other. In fact, Manfrotto has had three different QR systems that aren't interchangeable! But now even they are now making some Arca compatible products. Arca compatibility is almost essential for some things... such as gimbal mounts. There are few alternatives for those, but you don't need a gimbal for your relatively small and light gear. So, while some other QR systems can work pretty well, Arca are what I recommend because they are the easiest to configure exactly as you need and most widely available across brands. Watch out for really oddball QR systems where if you lose the plate you can't even get a replacement! You don't have to get a QR system (and can convert to one later pretty easily, if you wish). But if you can, why not?

Think about future products you might want. For example, many folks using ballheads like to fit their camera with an L-bracket. This provides two different mounting points. I don't think I've ever seen an L-bracket that worked with anything other than the Arca QR system, so that would be another argument in favor of getting a head with it, if you plan to eventually use an L-bracket.

There may be other considerations... but the above can help you get started shopping, wherever you end up buying your tripod. If at all possible, I would recommend going to a store to look at tripods. That may clue you in to some other feature you want or tip you off about problems with models you've been considering. You've got a reasonable budget... just don't "cheap out" and be open to spending a little more if needed. In the long run, you will almost certainly be happier with a better tripod even if it cost a little more.

Once you have narrowed it down to a few specific models of tripod, you can start seriously shopping for them on eBay or elsewhere. Just watch out... Be careful on eBay. I often see things ridiculously overpriced there. Sometimes even mis-represented: I was looking for a lens recently and found what looked like a good deal, but the fine print tipped me off that it was an older model, not the one shown in the photo they usedd

mundy-F2 Loc: Chicago suburban area

Good point on the RRS ballheads and clamps.
Mundy

martykovacs

Wow! A lot of info. Thank you very much. It'll take a while to digest but I should be able to make a decision.