Large Sturdy Tripod for D500
Mar 4, 2019 17:11:57 #
I
I’m only 6’2 but I use a carbon fibre Sirui tripod. When I purchased it about 5 years ago it was acknowledged as the most stable tripod on the market. It has served me well. It is also relatively light not much heavier than the gitzo traveller but at half the price. I believe I paid just over $500 CA including the recommended sirui ball head versus $1,300 for the gitzo and rrs ballhead. I highly recommend the sirui pairings. They easily handle my Nikon D810 and nikkor 70-200 f2.8 v2
I have the sirui m-3204x tripod and K-30x ballhead. Don’t let the low price put you off. When I shoot the gitzo stays at home. Their US website is siruiusa.com. Global office is sirui.com. They also have an office in Toronto.
A. T. wrote:
I currently own what I would consider to be a medium-sized CF tripod; however, I am 6'6" tall and when using my tripod, I have to extend the single middle section of the tripod to get enough height for me to comfortably view my subject. I really don't want to break the bank for a tripod but I do need something taller that won't require extending that center section which causes stabilization issues. Any advice would be extremely appreciated.
I’m only 6’2 but I use a carbon fibre Sirui tripod. When I purchased it about 5 years ago it was acknowledged as the most stable tripod on the market. It has served me well. It is also relatively light not much heavier than the gitzo traveller but at half the price. I believe I paid just over $500 CA including the recommended sirui ball head versus $1,300 for the gitzo and rrs ballhead. I highly recommend the sirui pairings. They easily handle my Nikon D810 and nikkor 70-200 f2.8 v2
I have the sirui m-3204x tripod and K-30x ballhead. Don’t let the low price put you off. When I shoot the gitzo stays at home. Their US website is siruiusa.com. Global office is sirui.com. They also have an office in Toronto.
Mar 4, 2019 17:45:35 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
I have several older Gitzo Series 3 Systematic carbon fiber tripods in various configurations.
Besides the Systematic, Gitzo makes Reporter, Mountaneer and Traveller tripods. These other three series incorporate center columns. What sets the Systematics apart is that they are offered without any center column, with just a platform on which the head mounts. This makes for the most stable possible setup... as you've discovered, having to raise the center column on your tripod to have sufficient height. There is the option, if preferred, to fit a center column to the Systematics. Gitzo offers both a Rapid style and a geared column to fit them. There's also a Leveling Platform available, which takes the place of the center column (I have these on two of my tripods which are used with gimbal heads).
One is a G1348 Mark II, which uses 4-section legs to raise it to 72" tall without center column. Even taller with a center column, of course. But by the time you set even a smaller head on top of it and the camera on top of the head, I am certain it would be more than tall enough for you.
You mention using a D500 with Tamron 150-600mm. That camera probably weighs about 2 lb. and the lens another 4.5 lb. This would be no problem at all for the Series 3 Systematic tripod leg sets, which - depending upon the model - are rated to support between 33 and 55 lb. My older ones are rated for 33 lb. I think and they have no problem handling an 8 lb. 500mm f/4 lens, 1/2 lb teleconverter, 2 lb. camera, another 1 or 2 lb. of flash, flash bracket, battery pack, not to mention about 3 lb. of gimbal head and 1 lb. of leveling platform. I even sometimes hang a camera bag or backpack under the tripod for added stability, though it's hardly needed.
The modern version GT3543XLS is "extra tall" (about 78") and rated for even heavier load capacity: 55 lb. This current version also uses non-rotating leg design that makes them easier to set up (the older models like mine, you need to loosen and tighten the leg locks in a particular order). Unfortunately, the GT3543XLS lists for $950. And that's for just the leg set. The GSLVLS Leveler, which I highly recommend if using a gimbal head, costs an additional $200. It sounds as if you already have a head to use on it. (I bought my G1348 II used, in like new condition with an older style G1321 Leveler and shipping included, for about $425. I also have the older G1318 Rapid Column, which I sometimes use instead when doing macro work, since it can be reversed to hang the camera and lens below the tripod and makes for a very stable setup.)
Gitzo stuff is great, though a bit pricey! Really Right Stuff is too, but it's even more expensive than Gitzo. Nest appears to be very good and an excellent value. Feisol is another brand with what appear to be some impressive "tall" tripod models.
Look at it this way... a tripod bought right will last a lifetime. And you'll enjoy using it because it actually WORKS. It will usually end up costing less in the long run, buying a more expensive, but better tripod... than having to replace cheaper ones every couple years when they break or you get frustrated with them. I've used one of my Gitzo for going on 20 years. I've got another heavy duty Bogen (now Manfrotto) that's too much to haul around (it's more than twice the weight of the Gitzo), but still works well "in studio", that I paid around $400 for almost 40 years ago! It still works fine too (I just don't have a studio at the moment
).
Besides the Systematic, Gitzo makes Reporter, Mountaneer and Traveller tripods. These other three series incorporate center columns. What sets the Systematics apart is that they are offered without any center column, with just a platform on which the head mounts. This makes for the most stable possible setup... as you've discovered, having to raise the center column on your tripod to have sufficient height. There is the option, if preferred, to fit a center column to the Systematics. Gitzo offers both a Rapid style and a geared column to fit them. There's also a Leveling Platform available, which takes the place of the center column (I have these on two of my tripods which are used with gimbal heads).
One is a G1348 Mark II, which uses 4-section legs to raise it to 72" tall without center column. Even taller with a center column, of course. But by the time you set even a smaller head on top of it and the camera on top of the head, I am certain it would be more than tall enough for you.
You mention using a D500 with Tamron 150-600mm. That camera probably weighs about 2 lb. and the lens another 4.5 lb. This would be no problem at all for the Series 3 Systematic tripod leg sets, which - depending upon the model - are rated to support between 33 and 55 lb. My older ones are rated for 33 lb. I think and they have no problem handling an 8 lb. 500mm f/4 lens, 1/2 lb teleconverter, 2 lb. camera, another 1 or 2 lb. of flash, flash bracket, battery pack, not to mention about 3 lb. of gimbal head and 1 lb. of leveling platform. I even sometimes hang a camera bag or backpack under the tripod for added stability, though it's hardly needed.
The modern version GT3543XLS is "extra tall" (about 78") and rated for even heavier load capacity: 55 lb. This current version also uses non-rotating leg design that makes them easier to set up (the older models like mine, you need to loosen and tighten the leg locks in a particular order). Unfortunately, the GT3543XLS lists for $950. And that's for just the leg set. The GSLVLS Leveler, which I highly recommend if using a gimbal head, costs an additional $200. It sounds as if you already have a head to use on it. (I bought my G1348 II used, in like new condition with an older style G1321 Leveler and shipping included, for about $425. I also have the older G1318 Rapid Column, which I sometimes use instead when doing macro work, since it can be reversed to hang the camera and lens below the tripod and makes for a very stable setup.)
Gitzo stuff is great, though a bit pricey! Really Right Stuff is too, but it's even more expensive than Gitzo. Nest appears to be very good and an excellent value. Feisol is another brand with what appear to be some impressive "tall" tripod models.
Look at it this way... a tripod bought right will last a lifetime. And you'll enjoy using it because it actually WORKS. It will usually end up costing less in the long run, buying a more expensive, but better tripod... than having to replace cheaper ones every couple years when they break or you get frustrated with them. I've used one of my Gitzo for going on 20 years. I've got another heavy duty Bogen (now Manfrotto) that's too much to haul around (it's more than twice the weight of the Gitzo), but still works well "in studio", that I paid around $400 for almost 40 years ago! It still works fine too (I just don't have a studio at the moment
).Mar 4, 2019 20:08:59 #
queencitysanta wrote:
Check with Carter's Camera Cottage MT Shooter on our site
https://www.cameracottage.com/tripods
I gpt the NT-404 will extent to 7 feet and hiold 70 pounds
https://www.cameracottage.com/tripods
I gpt the NT-404 will extent to 7 feet and hiold 70 pounds
I spoke with Carter today and will order the NT-404 tomorrow. I purchased my gimbal from him and was totally impressed with it so I can't see why his tripod wouldn't be the same, especially after talking with him today about the tripod that he had an intricate part in the design and he's 6'5".
Mar 4, 2019 20:16:21 #
via the lens wrote:
Gitzo has what you need but they are very expensive.
I ordered the 404 that will be here tomorrow and I also ordered the NT-404 from the Nest. My plans are to compare both tripods and keep the one that's most functional for my height.
Mar 4, 2019 20:28:14 #
oregonfrank wrote:
I have a RRS 34L that is in spotless condition that has never been used outdoors. Current retail is $1160. I am willing to sell for $850. I am a lot shorter than OP and want to go with a shorter RRS tripod. You may back channel me by text at 503-791-0650.
I appreciate the offer but I'm looking for a tripod that is at least 71".
Mar 4, 2019 20:31:44 #
Gene51 wrote:
Either the Nest NT-404CT which is supposedly available from Camera Cottage, or the LeoFoto will provide the stability and height you need without needing a center column. The question about Nest is that Camera Cottage's website is either poorly organized or just doesn't list it. Both tripods are between $500 and $600.
I ordered the LeoFoto that will be here tomorrow. I'm seriously considering the NT-404CT from the Nest especially after speaking with Carter today. It looks like the NT-404CT from the Nest might have more accessories as well as being three inches taller.
Mar 5, 2019 05:20:09 #
A. T. wrote:
I currently own what I would consider to be a medium-sized CF tripod; however, I am 6'6" tall and when using my tripod, I have to extend the single middle section of the tripod to get enough height for me to comfortably view my subject. I really don't want to break the bank for a tripod but I do need something taller that won't require extending that center section which causes stabilization issues. Any advice would be extremely appreciated.
Save your money and turn on the VR.
Mar 11, 2019 12:30:43 #
Gene51 wrote:
What lens and subject matter? br br Without knowi... (show quote)
Read his hands on response here:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-582198-1.html
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