joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

zerobeat

I got my Induro carbon fiber about five years ago at a camera show. As I recall I paid about $250 for it. Doubt you will find one anywhere near that price now. I have a $60 ball head attached, and the combo works fine for me. I just added a video pan/tilt, and again, it works well. Also own a steel tripod, which stays home most of the time.

pahtspix

A suggestion:

Check out http://www.vanguardworld.com
You will find all of Vanguards offerings on this site, with some great videos of their gear in action..As I mentioned.. Look at the Alta-Pro 263AT tripods ( carbon fibre or aluminum), and the BBH 100 and 200 Ball heads..

Then price them out using http://www.pricegrabber.com

Let us know how you do!

Eddie

RichieC Loc: Adirondacks

You DO need a tripod for landscapes... They don't move, but you do. You'll need a cable release,mid to smaller apertures and longer then a 60th VERY OFTEN!

The most interesting landscapes are during interesting light, not mid day, it can be a challenge, often taking several images and later combining them to cover all the detail in a sky and the land - do that hand held.

What you spend and which type of head is dependent on if you will be carrying it. Too big, and you will resist carrying it- thus no matter how much you spend, it will be money not well spent. IF you are careful and invest wisely, it will be the last time you spend money on a tripod. So spending a few dollars more is a good investment. Why you see so few used great tripods for sale.

Read this: It is precisely for people like you (and I)

http://bythom.com/support.htm

I ended up with a Gitzo Mountaineer 1541 and RRS BH 40... In my case I had some projects that paid for it, and I do worry about it when out of sight... Someday I'll get a heavier one for studio work, but for lightweight... I am done, my kids will fight over it when I'm finished with it.

Mijm

You guys are great. Thanks for all the information. Looking at the Manfrotto 055CX3 carbon fiber at BH. The regular price $389 less $100 until August 1st. Looks like a great tripod. Will probably go with the 398 RC 4 ball head. I guess I will go a little over my $400 budget. Thanks again.

TimS Loc: GA

Don't forget to check out KEH for some quality used legs or head.

MtnMan Loc: ID

If you search you'll find two recent threads with a lot of opinions.

Based on them I have a graphite Mafrotto 055 on its way.

I already have a Manfrotto pan tilt head, which I much prefer over my wife's ball head because it is easier to level and pan.

My motivation for graphite is weight.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Dang, that's a better price than I found for the same one.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Manfrotto 190procx3 and acratech gp-s are my tools of the trade..

Chuckwal Loc: Boynton Beach Florida

MeFoto. Great for travel and home use
Chuck

TheDman Loc: USA

I just got the 190procx4 legs. Nice and stable, but those levers pinched the crap out of my fingers more than a few times!

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Since we don't have cable TV at our house, when I'm not using the tripod (it rarely gets used with my m4/3 gear), it doubles as a very expensive indoor HDTV antenna holder ;-)

And yes those locks will bite you if you are not paying close attention.

bvargas Loc: Palm Harbor, Florida

TILLALL FOR ABOUT $150. WILL HOLD ANY HEAVY PIECE OF EQUIPMENT B&H HAS THEM.

RRS Loc: Not sure

The Manfrotto 055XPROB and the Induro AT214 are great pods with the AT214 being a little shorter if you need to fly with it. For landscapes I would also look at the new Manfrotto XPRO 3 way head. I use the Manfrotto combination with my spotting scope and its great!

redrocktom Loc: Sedona

For your price range, the MeFoto's are probably the best option and value. They come as a kit with a matched ballhead included.