jwj53

I have a Really Right Stuff TVC 34l with bag, spikes , rock claws and leveling base I'm selling. Never been used. Bought for my wife to get into Photography with me. She didn't want to get involved with my hobbie. I'll make a good deal if youre serious.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

Too bad. But I have two inexpensive tripods that you can afford. I'm getting rid of them because they transmit vibration to the camera resulting in fuzzy photos. PM me if interested.

johnpolizzi

I'm using an Alta Pro 2+ aluminum, carbon fiber is lighter if you choose, and an Acratech ball head. I love the combo. Well designed and easy to use. I love the 1/4 turn leg locks. I shoot macro a lot, so I purchased the Acratech Ultimate ball head with a 45% housing which make downward adjustments easy. You might look at the GPSS head which can double as a leveling base.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Good advice not to believe everything you read here, including manufacturer’s claims, which may not necessarily apply to other brands. Much depends not only on what you put on the tripod, but how you use what you put on it.

russjc001 Loc: South Carolina

Take a look at the Vanguard VEO265AB. It is a light tripod, quite stable, plus easily transported when traveling and won't break the bank. I also prefer the lever locking mechanisms vs the twist locking legs for durability and security.

Jack Cheasty Loc: Tennessee

Tripods are a great convenience as long as they are easily transportable, stable platforms. I have a half dozen and I carry one made by a company called the Really Right Stuff. Best construction and design I've seen so far. Look them up o the net, and get a catalog. I have two base plates with hand grips they make for my rangefinder cameras. Their stuff is "Leica quality" and reasonably priced.

ecurb1105

While I still use a QuickSet Traveling Samson tripod originally used to support an 8x10 view camera, I'd suggest you look at Gitzo Carbon. Fiber tripods. Get the biggest you can carry.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Weight is an issue, both how much the tripod weighs and how much it is designed to support. I am the proud(?) owner of 5 tripods and one monopod. The first 3 were so heavy, I never used them. Turns out the ones I bought at first would have supported the photographic equivalent of a tank. Number 4 was the right weight and size but with some quality issues. Number 5 is a Sirui carbon fiber that I haven't had a chance to try yet... it was my GAS birthday present.

My recommendation as you start your search is to think about what is the largest lens you might acquire in the future, then add that weight to the weight of your camera to determine your maximum load for the tripod. Also think about where you might be using the tripod. Will you need to travel with it? If so, the size and weight of the tripod itself will make a huge difference to you. Does it have a leg that can be used as a monopod, which is a handy thing and reduces the amount of stuff you're hauling around. Above all else, do your research! If you don't have a really good camera store in your area, call B&H. Their service people are unbelievably helpful. Read reviews! Also understand that what you buy now may not be your last tripod.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Tripods, in spite of the advent of VR (evaluative metering) continue to be more a necessity than an accessory. The best that you could buy is a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod. I know you mentioned that money is not a problem but there are other very good brands available like Manfrotto and Feisol just to mention two of them.
My carbon fiber tripod is made by Desmond, it costs me about $200 and I am very happy with it. Any tripod is as good as the technique we use when we are in the field with it.
My most often tripod is a cheap Dolica aluminum tripod that has served me very well.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Load capacity has NOTHING to do with stability. A stable tripod will certainly be able to handle any load. A tripod with a high load capacity is not necessarily a stable one. Focal length and magnification is what you use to decide what tripod works from a functional point of view.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

How does it work with a long lens or for 1:1 macro?

TJBNovember Loc: Long Island, New York

Figured I chime in here once again. Reading through the replies on the original post, you can see a lot of varied opinions and some really good advice and suggestions. As in my original short and maybe overly simple reply I said I was not advocating for any particular model or brand, that has not changed.

I did suggest heading back to your local camera store if you have one, or where you purchased your camera, with your gear and looking at their recommendations, staying away from the big box stores, then trying them out. That being said try looking if there are any local clubs you could check out and pick the brains of its members. I've found that most will willingly talk/brag about their gear, perhaps even showing it off. One more suggestion, see if there are any local photography classes offered at a community college or even the local adult education programs that you could pop into for some advice of to audit for one session.

Good luck on your search, looking forward to seeing your first photo posts,

TJB.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Heavy tripods are more stable if well made. You can hang additional weight to a sturdy carbon fiber tripod when need.

Just Shoot Me Loc: Ithaca, NY

I always shop till I drop before I buy too. Yes it is a curse but it gets you educated as to what you need.

B&H has an "Oben" carbon fiber Lateral tripod with a BE-117 ball head for about $270.00 (Lists for $500.00). Been trying it out and am very satisfied with it. You can always upgrade in a couple of years
if you plan on doing portraits or other rock solid work. This is a great all around type of Tripod.

Bob Boner

To save money in the long run, I suggest that you imagine the heaviest lens you might ever own, and buy a tripod to support it. Otherwise, you might end up spending a good bit of money on several smaller tripods. I have a Gitzo and an Induro. The Induro (one of the sturdier models) was about half the cost of the Gitzo, but it is sturdy enough that I would not hesitate to use it with my 600mm f/4 lens. I highly recommend you at least check out the Induro pods.