Tripod question: I would like to purchase a tripod base that can be used with a Gimbal head. I have no idea where to start looking. I currently have an Alta pistol grip tripod that I...

stenojj

I would like to purchase a tripod base that can be used with a Gimbal head. I have no idea where to start looking. I currently have an Alta pistol grip tripod that I hate with a passion and does not have a removable head so I can replace it with a Gimbal head. Any help would be appreciated!!! Thanks in advance.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Get a copy of Steve Perry's "Secrets to Stunning Wildlife Photography". You can get an electronic copy at www.backcountrygallery.com. He has some very good sections on equipment, especially tripods and gimbal heads. Steve is high on Wimberley gimbals. This is the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/Sirui-PH-20-Carbon-Fiber-Gimbal/dp/B0086LMTYK/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_2?keywords=sirui+gimbal+head&qid=1552956573&s=gateway&sr=8-2-fkmrnull . Stay away from the cheap knock offs. You really do get what you pay for with gimbal heads.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

stenojj wrote:

I would like to purchase a tripod base that can be used with a Gimbal head. I have no idea where to start looking. I currently have an Alta pistol grip tripod that I hate with a passion and does not have a removable head so I can replace it with a Gimbal head. Any help would be appreciated!!! Thanks in advance.

Find a Tripod with a male 3/8" threaded top plate, which you will need to securely hold the Gimbal head. Since a gimbal head implies long lens, you will need a stable tripod, so look at Manrfoto, Benro, Induro or Gitzo. For the Rolls Royce of tripods, consider Really Right Stuff.

ahudina Loc: Browns Point, WA

Check out Pro Media Gear. Made in the USA, top quality carbon fiber, not inexpensive but a relatively good deal for the quality. They have many models and mine is 72 inches tall and I love it.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Still another choice - the Nest line of sturdy tripods and gimbal heads. Nest is represented in the U.S. by UHH member MTShooter who owns a full service camera store, Carters Camera Cottage, in Billings, Montana. Nest gimbals are Arca compatible, competitive in every sense, while being priced less than the Wimberly.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

stenojj wrote:

I would like to purchase a tripod base that can be used with a Gimbal head. I have no idea where to start looking. I currently have an Alta pistol grip tripod that I hate with a passion and does not have a removable head so I can replace it with a Gimbal head. Any help would be appreciated!!! Thanks in advance.

Tripods are a very BIG subject and for optimum performance, very application specific ! So, we need to know lots more specific information on your gear, subjects, budget and weight tolerance.
.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You can easily spend more for your tripod than you did for your camera, so be careful.

http://www.dslrbodies.com/accessories/camera-accessories/tripod-101.html (ByThom)
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-tripod
https://digital-photography-school.com/everything-about-tripods-phil-steele/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIWvjfI_-PA
http://digital-photography-school.com/build-ideal-tripod/
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/5-pros-and-5-cons-of-using-a-tripod/
http://www.lightstalking.com/tripod-heads/

doclrb

stenojj wrote:

I would like to purchase a tripod base that can be used with a Gimbal head. I have no idea where to start looking. I currently have an Alta pistol grip tripod that I hate with a passion and does not have a removable head so I can replace it with a Gimbal head. Any help would be appreciated!!! Thanks in advance.

For those of us lacking unlimited budgets, the Movo GH-700 at $99.95 offers smooth panning and great stability. Best $100 I have ever spent on photo gear.

doclrb

pahtspix

I've been using the Movo Photo GH700 for over 2 years!..At than $100 USD Works fine with my D500/Tamron 150-600mm G2..NO issues!!

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

The Induro Carbon Fiber line is also excellent. I bought a store demo along with Benro Gimbal and it is a good combo.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

The Induro Carbon Fiber line is also excellent. I bought a store demo along with Benro Gimbal and it is a good combo.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

stenojj wrote:

I would like to purchase a tripod base that can be used with a Gimbal head. I have no idea where to start looking. I currently have an Alta pistol grip tripod that I hate with a passion and does not have a removable head so I can replace it with a Gimbal head. Any help would be appreciated!!! Thanks in advance.

I have never had a head that could not be removed. I looked online and could not find an Alta pistol grip tripod that did not have a removable head. What model is it?

doclrb

Sirui W-2204 Waterproof Carbon Fiber Tripod is also a good choice.

doclrb

jmw44 Loc: Princeton, NJ USA

If you are doing wildlife/birds, you do want a sturdy tripod, preferably one without a center post. I recommend Steve Perry's wildlife book, also.
https://backcountrygallery.com/secrets-to-stunning-wildlife-photography/

Also, check out his "My Tripods for Wildlife and Landscape Photography" video on YouTube.

That said, there is a new brand of tripod that is great at a bargain (relatively speaking) price. Check out the Robus tripods carried by B&H. I have the 5570 and it is a real winner.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1383159-REG/robus_rc_5570_c_5570_tripod.html

Good luck to you.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

I just recently made these purchases and I went with the Benro Mach3 Series TMA37AL tripod rated to 35.27 lb. loading (super sturdy) $185.00 via Adorama and for the Gimbal I chose the MOVO GH700 professional gimbal with Arca-SwissQuick release plate for $99.95 via Movo directly.

These babies will do the deed and you won't waste $$$$$$ in the process. Dr. Nikon turned me onto the gimbal assy and the Benro I selected after weeks of toiling over every make & model of tripod new & used I could examine. They are not the very best but they are more than adequate for the task if you're going to use large glass for any length of time or astrological stuff. Only-- $284.95 total /shipped free / No Brainer

I am so happy with their fit & finish and that tripod is a tall and very large base model (1 1/2 IN dia legs) which is 2X the normal diameter on most lighter weighted models /approx. 74inches tall and 50inches between legs and only 3 segments/leg (not 5) Very substantial & rugged.

Good Luck