I've been using Gitzo for some time but just bought a Feisol that I love - and it is about half the price of Gitzo and Really Right Stuff. Extremely well made.
www.feisol.net
Take a look at Really Right Stuff. I have several and have never been disappointed in their use or their quality.
I really do not mean this to be flip. There are many great and expensive tripods on the market. Some worth many hundred dollars. Most amateurs really do not need the very best. Look at the Vanguard line as they have some fine ones or check out Adorama and B&H camera in New York for their house brand.
Sometime good imitations are the best as it is something we can afford, which leads me back to this .... "A good tripod, is one that has a camera on top of it"
What is meant by this it takes some time to get used to using one ... take that time and all of your images will be better for it
Phil B
JR1 wrote:
Then I seriously think you need to go the gimbal way
I have both the Lensmaster 1 and 2 gimbals and Maqnfrotto/Giottos legs
http://www.lensmaster.co.uk/All my surfing shots on my site are taken with this setup.
With everything but the camera covered in camo, it must look like it's floating in mid air when you have it out in the woods. :D
The best tripod is the one you have with you when you need it. For me, cost, light weight, speed of use are determining factors. Manfrotto has been very good to me. Love the #222 joystick ball head.
Photographer Jim wrote:
I use a Really Right Stuff TVC-24L. Best tripod I have ever used. I have the L version due to my 6'4" frame. It weighs in at 3.8 lbs and has a 40 load rating. The shorter versions weigh only 3.2 lbs. but have that same 40 lbs load capacity. Their Versa 3 series is bigger and heavier still and rated at 50 lbs load. Beautifully engineered, totally made in American, and an absolute joy to work with. But, it is expensive.
Jim: I'm 6'4" to me the TVC-24L is still too short at 66.8" tall. Must have at least 70" or more to be comfortable for me!
I'm using a Sirui. I love it. But ya have to buy the. Head separate. Also I'm using a Sirui head. It is VERY stable.
RichardSM wrote:
Photographer Jim wrote:
I use a Really Right Stuff TVC-24L. Best tripod I have ever used. I have the L version due to my 6'4" frame. It weighs in at 3.8 lbs and has a 40 load rating. The shorter versions weigh only 3.2 lbs. but have that same 40 lbs load capacity. Their Versa 3 series is bigger and heavier still and rated at 50 lbs load. Beautifully engineered, totally made in American, and an absolute joy to work with. But, it is expensive.
Jim: I'm 6'4" to me the TVC-24L is still too short at 66.8" tall. Must have at least 70" or more to be comfortable for me!
quote=Photographer Jim I use a Really Right Stuff... (
show quote)
Fully extended with my ball head and camera mounted on top I have to rise up on my toes to look through the viewfinder. I might want more height when shooting on some hillsides, but not often enough for me to go to the taller and definitely heavier 34L. My criteria is that if I don't have to hunch over or put any strain on my back, then I'm good.
Maybe the difference between your 6'4" frame and my 6'4" frame is your legs are longer! :P
I have a Vanguard with a pistol grip. I like it.
Scoutman wrote:
guitarbts wrote:
I am in need of a tripod that will hold 11+ lbs. What brand is the most dependable, easy to use and of coarse,safe from failure with your equipment?
Thanks for your input and help
Come on Man!
Isn't this the third straight day for a request for basic tripod suggestions? Good Grief :-(
The magic word here was "best" so the other magic word is GITZO!!!
Photographer Jim wrote:
RichardSM wrote:
Photographer Jim wrote:
I use a Really Right Stuff TVC-24L. Best tripod I have ever used. I have the L version due to my 6'4" frame. It weighs in at 3.8 lbs and has a 40 load rating. The shorter versions weigh only 3.2 lbs. but have that same 40 lbs load capacity. Their Versa 3 series is bigger and heavier still and rated at 50 lbs load. Beautifully engineered, totally made in American, and an absolute joy to work with. But, it is expensive.
Jim: I'm 6'4" to me the TVC-24L is still too short at 66.8" tall. Must have at least 70" or more to be comfortable for me!
quote=Photographer Jim I use a Really Right Stuff... (
show quote)
Fully extended with my ball head and camera mounted on top I have to rise up on my toes to look through the viewfinder. I might want more height when shooting on some hillsides, but not often enough for me to go to the taller and definitely heavier 34L. My criteria is that if I don't have to hunch over or put any strain on my back, then I'm good.
Maybe the difference between your 6'4" frame and my 6'4" frame is your legs are longer! :P
quote=RichardSM quote=Photographer Jim I use a R... (
show quote)
Jim, maybe his legs are really short, but his head is really long?
Richard, please excuse the bad humor, I just thought you may be shaped like me.
RRS and Gitzo make only pro gear. It's not a matter of staying away from the CRAP, as they simply don't make any, and their pricing reflects that.
It's only a matter of the right pod or legs to suit your needs.
Most other companies you have to wade through the crap and decide how good is good enough.
wlgoode wrote:
Scoutman wrote:
guitarbts wrote:
I am in need of a tripod that will hold 11+ lbs. What brand is the most dependable, easy to use and of coarse,safe from failure with your equipment?
Thanks for your input and help
Come on Man!
Isn't this the third straight day for a request for basic tripod suggestions? Good Grief :-(
The magic word here was "best" so the other magic word is GITZO!!!
I don'y see the word "best" in OP .....
Excuse me, not in the post but in the heading ! Ahhhh
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