Ollieboy

I use different tripods/monopods for different cameras and lens combinations. Of course all of my earlier, cheaper tripods wind up on my lighter combos.

LEWHITE7747 Loc: 33773

I rarely use a tripod. I shoot birds and wildlife with a benro monopod. I am most of the time over 1/500sec and with something that moves all the time and sometimes very fast(flying), it doesn't make much sense to be tied to a rigid system. Try a good monopod and see how free your movements can be to adjust to the wildlife and their movements. At 1/2000 sec (flying) you don't need any stabilizing system and with these new cameras with IBIS, a tripod is a ativistic tool.

Ollieboy

Duplicate post

dick ranez

Simple, rugged, sturdy, easy to use, but heavier than the new carbon fiber stuff, the tilt-all has served me well for nearly 50 years, indoors or out, rain or shine. It shows it’s age but works like new.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

Tripods need to be felt in person. I took the trip to B. H last summer to pick mine.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

I like the rest use gitzo. I put a arca Swiss quick release on mine and can switch heads in a flash. You have thousands of dollars in cameras and lenses. Don't scrimp on a tripod like most do. You will end up buying another. Lol. I did.

les spencer

prettymuch something with three legs...:)

AzYooper Loc: Sun Lakes AZ (Almost Phoenix)

Anything that costs over $800. Don't waste your money spending $200 four times in the next 5 years. In all seriousness, I agree with Really Right Stuff or Gitzo choices. Buy it once and be done.

Deylight

... and mine on RRS!

repleo Loc: Boston

Here is a website that tries to apply some science towards ranking tripods by performance/weight/price. Check out the rankings tabs and the latest post tabs.

https://thecentercolumn.com/

eardoc

Welcome! All good advice. Spend your money on a good tripod upfront so you only purchase one tripod. The issue are maximizing stability and damping vibrations as much as possible. I have found carbon fiber Gitzos to be the most reliable. Think about it -- why would you place your expensive gear on poor support?

I have posted this information before. If you are looking at Gitzo models, it will help you to understand their nomenclature. You can often find used Gitzos that are in good condition.

Gitzo nomenclature and numbering system:

Here’s the key: GX#YZ$%

1. G = Gitzo

2. X = Family of item
a. A = apparel
b. B = Boom
c. C = Carrying solution
d. H = Head
e. K = Kit
f. M = Monopod
g. T = Tripod

3. # = Series of the item
a. . = 00
b. 0 = 0
c. 1 = 1
d. 2 = 2
e. 3 = 3
f. 4 = 4
g. 5 = 5

4. Y = Materials composing the item
a. 3 = Aluminum
b. 5 = Carbon
c. 7 = Magnesium
d. 8 = Basalt

5. Z = Leg sections for tripods
a. 3 = 3
b. 4 = 4
c. 5 = 5

6. $ = Release version of item
a. 0 = initial release of the item, eg first model
b. 1 = first upgrade of the model
c. 2 = second upgrade of the model
d. 3 = third upgrade of the model

7. % = Extension
a. Different series with different features
Ex = Explorer (off center column, leg locking allowing any angle)
LVL = Leveling series
O = Ocean
S = Systematic series (no center column)
T = Traveler (lighter weight)
G = Geared (geared crank to raise/lower center column)
L = Long (used with Systematic series)
XL = Extra long

QR = Quick release

V = Vintage
B = Baby
C = Compact


*Note: 6X in the nomenclature means “6X carbon fiber tripod”

For example, here is the code broken down for a GT3530LS:

GT3530LS
G = Gitzo
T = Tripod
3 = Series 3
5 = Carbon material
3 = 3 leg sections
0 = initial release of the model
LS = Long systematic (long and no center column)

Hope this helps. Welcome again! Keep shooting!

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

RRS.

Light Up My Photos Loc: New York

Alps1962,
I'd say that since you're going to be photographing mainly wildlife and carrying a 150-600 telephoto for long periods of time weight should be your major consideration...so any of the carbon fiber recommendation should be fine. But do try to buy the best, most stable, tripod you can afford. There is nothing worse that spending the day in the wilderness, only to view your images on your computer when you get home only to find the "shakes"!

Martin

http://www.LightUpMyPhotos.com

wide2tele Loc: Australia

Just buy a good quality model and it'll last forever. It doesn't even necessarily need to cost a fortune.
This Manfrotto/Bogen is 29 years old, been everywhere including use in the ocean. Paid $129AU for it with the head.

wwwes Loc: hawaii

Your tripod selection should be based on what you want it to do. For wildlife you will be in the field so weight will be an issue; probably a medium size carbon fiber would be great. If you do night astronomy photography or long exposure (1-30sec) you will need something sturdier and heavier.