Best tripod for amateur (Page 3): There use to be only a couple of CF, excellent quality tripods /heads and they were pricey. Now there are many more choices out there. The telling...

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

There use to be only a couple of CF, excellent quality tripods /heads and they were pricey. Now there are many more choices out there. The telling tale will be how these hold up over years if that is important to one. I've had my CF set up for 10 years and it still functions like new and it has been in dust storms, sand, rain, wind. Now it's true that not everyone uses equipment in adverse conditions like that but for those that do... I'm not advocating one way or the other- just another consideration.

ggab wrote:

You will get a lot of recommendations for very exp... (show quote)

CO

Markins has a great solution for your camera and lens. The have pan/tilt attachments for their Q10i and Q20i ballheads. The attachments turn their ballheads into a pan/tilt head. I've rented them before. It works great and is all precisely machined. In 15 seconds you can switch from ballhead to pan/tilt for tracking.

See the video at this website:
http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/BVQ.php

Markins BV10, BV-20, BV-24 pan/tilt attachment

Markins Q10i, Q20i ballhead
Markins Q10i, Q20i ballhead...

Markins ballhead with pan/tilt attachment installed

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

jgm wrote:

You might take a look at this review of a Leofoto ... (show quote)

Maximum height is 47 inches - with NO provision for a center post - this is a joke !....in my book.

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bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

bela1950 wrote:

I have a Canon Rebel SL1. The longest lens I have is a zoom 55mm-250mm. I enjoy shooting landscape and animal
photos.

I shoot with either a T4i or a T1i, and use the 55-250 lens at times, it's not my favorite, that said the 55-250 never gets on a tripod, no collar on mine and I don't like to use the camera tripod mount with that long of lens, I do however use either a walking stick or a mono pod as a support and using my hand on top of the support to brace the lens, I do own 2 tripods, a good one and a less er, cannot say I'm fond of either, when you need them you need them otherwise just extra weight to carry, YMMV, Bob.

CO

ggab wrote:

You will get a lot of recommendations for very exp... (show quote)

I know the Movo products are excellent quality but doesn't the gimbal attachment require that the lens have a tripod collar? The OP is using a small 55-250mm lens.

jgm

imagemeister wrote:

Maximum height is 47 inches - with NO provision for a center post - this is a joke !....in my book.

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Maybe in your book ... but she's 5'3"

Do some math. 47" tripod height + ~3" ballhead height + ~3" camera height = 53" viewfinder height with camera mounted on tripod with a ballhead.

Given the eye height of a 5'3" woman is ~60" (and also the possibility of using a tilting screen), I'd say it would be usable for someone of her height.

uhaas2009

you have a small camera with relative light weight lenses. the Manfrotto element from best buy would be my choice, because it's light, don't have to much nobs.......to fund out what you like or don't this one may to the job.....I broke two tripots and my meme tripod have a head with 3 nobs on it- drive me crazy- and the manfrotto don't hold the Nikon 810 this easily.....

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

jgm wrote:

Maybe in your book ... but she's 5'3"

Do some math. 47" tripod height + ~3" ballhead height + ~3" camera height = 53" viewfinder height with camera mounted on tripod with a ballhead.

Given the eye height of a 5'3" woman is ~60" (and also the possibility of using a tilting screen), I'd say it would be usable for someone of her height.

I believe your calculations are a bit off and that the eye height and view finder height are a tad closer together. However, that still means leaning or stooping on level ground. If the terrain is uneven (sloping away) then things could get uncomfortable. It would be far better to have a bit longer tripod and reduce that possibility.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

jgm wrote:

Maybe in your book ... but she's 5'3"

Do some math. 47" tripod height + ~3" ballhead height + ~3" camera height = 53" viewfinder height with camera mounted on tripod with a ballhead.

Given the eye height of a 5'3" woman is ~60" (and also the possibility of using a tilting screen), I'd say it would be usable for someone of her height.

Yes, MAYBE by your math - but only on FLAT ground and if never pointed UP -- There are MANY many more taller tripods to choose from ! A taller tripod can go shorter but a shorter can never go higher ..... and a taller WILL require 32mm legs -in my book. - IF you value stability - which I do.

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Sannye Loc: Oregon

MeFoto is a really good deal!

latebloomer Loc: Topeka, KS

Do a search for Dean51. His physics are correct.

BobD21 Loc: Iowa USA

I bought my first tripod maybe 60 years ago I spent picked a less then mid priced one I used it for about a year and lost interest so about 50 years ago I wanted another tripod this time I read that Gitzo was the best I paid several hundred dollars for it I still have it and use it I started a small photography business , shot several weddings , high school seniors , events and my personal photos , in this same amount of time I have bought about 24 cameras , the point is you will use the tripod for as long as you keep your interest in photography so don't skimp. Just enjoy your photography

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

imagemeister wrote:

Your major guidance should be your budget, the siz... (show quote)

Ditto the Slik. I've had the Slik Pro 600 for nearly 20 years and it's never let me down from film SLR to film medium format to digital SLR with big telephotos. It's relatively inexpensive and very stable.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

bela1950 wrote:

Greetings br Please help me decide which tripod to... (show quote)

Check ebay. There are many very inexpensive travel tripods that are suitable for a beginner.
Keep in mind the length when folded and max height when opened, And, of course, the weight. You won't need to spend more than $50. Buy from a high scoring DOMESTIC seller with a good return policy. If you are not an ebay user, feel free to private message me for help. >Alan

RRS Loc: Not sure

imagemeister wrote:

Yes, MAYBE by your math - but only on FLAT ground and if never pointed UP -- There are MANY many more taller tripods to choose from ! A taller tripod can go shorter but a shorter can never go higher ..... and a taller WILL require 32mm legs -in my book. - IF you value stability - which I do.

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