bitis2 Loc: Central Iowa

Looking for some imput. I am thinking of replacing my old Bogen for a newer model. I do mainly outdoor photography with a good bit of it macro, so I need a model that can get low to the ground. I do shoot some bigger lens so its got to be sturdy. Any thoughts on the subject would be welcome

alienmurphy Loc: Alaska

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/search.jsp?q=tripod&u=&s=0

The Hedgehog search can be your friend.

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

I've got an old aluminum Bogen that cost about $100 in the 1970's. I did buy a new head for it two or three years ago, and gotten new rubber feet for it a couple of times.

I've gotten several new tripods over the years, but still use that Bogen 90% of the time. The newer ones ended up being used for lights and props more frequently than for cameras.

bitis2 Loc: Central Iowa

The more I look into it I might go the route of just getting a new head for it. I still like the idea of finding a lighter model when I am walking the fields and woods all day. But you make a good point on the quality of those old bogens. Just curious as to what head you settled on? Thanks.

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

Manfrotto 229. And if I were buying it again today, I would still get that model. It can hold a camera the size of a VW, and its very smooth on all planes even when the temp is below zero.

One of my sons bought me a gorillapod for Christmas. If I had to carry one for a long walk in the woods, it would likely be that.

CasaLinda Loc: San Francisco Bay Area

In all the research I've done over the last 3 or 4 years on tripods (and I've done a lot), the only ones I think are top-notch are the Really Right Stuff tripods. Secondly would be the Gitzo models, which Really Right Stuff also sells. They sold only Gitzos before they designed their own tripod. I stopped in at Really Right Stuff once while on my way to southern California. They do not have a showroom, just an anteroom, but a fellow who was on his way out to lunch stopped to talk with me. I was asking about tripods and he said they recommend the Gitzo, but that they were developing their own tripods. So I waited. And glad I did. Their products are made to last and ALL parts down to the last minute screw is made in the USA. They took their cues from Gitzo, I think, and improved upon them. They also have the best ballheads in the industry, hands down. I'm actually ordering mine on Monday, 4/2.

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

Are you certain that ALL those screws made in the USA will fit into your Japanese camera?

BigD Loc: The LEFT Coast

I use a Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 which is a carbon fiber three section model with flip lock legs and a telescopic center post also made from carbon fiber. The center post can be flipped so that it goes horizontal and the legs can be opened so that the camera can almost touch the ground for low angle shots. I put a simple Manfrotto 498RC2 Ball-head on it which has the RC2 Rapid Connect system plate. Its extremely light weight and exceptionally strong and can hold the camera almost seven feet in the air. I put a gripped Olympus E5 with a 90-250 mm f/2.8 on it which is a big pile of camera stuff and its solid as a rock. I also like the damping effect of the carbon fiber tripods and monopods. I saw a video where they compared aluminum and carbon fiber to see which material stopped the vibrations from a small bump quicker and it was no contest. The carbon fiber units stopped almost instantly where as the aluminum ones shook for much much longer. I know they cost more but carbon fiber units are really awesome.

I use a Gitzo GM3551 carbon fiber Monopod which cost more than my Tripod did and I must say that "it was worth it" it is almost bizarre how solid that thing is when extended. Although Gitzo is very expensive their stuff is exceptional, if RRS is better than Gitzo I might have to take a look when (if) my current stuff ever wears out but for now Manfrotto and Gitzo make really nice gear. :thumbup:

sidney Loc: London.Eng.

I just love the Manfrotto o55cx Pro3.as Big Daddy said it can be lowered way down for low shots..

BigD Loc: The LEFT Coast

The center column can be "popped" out of the top and allowed to lay over sideways (in a Gimbal Fashion). Then the legs can be opened up so wide that the tripod is literally flat on the ground. so with the camera out in the Gimbal mode and the tripod flat on the ground you can pretty much have the camera anywhere from seven feet in the air to right on the ground. If any of that makes any sense haha, its a very good all around tripod, very rigid support for heavy systems and very light to lug around.