Need a Heavier Duty Tripod - Help?

01/23/2006 11:16:10 PM · #1

I'm finally looking to upgrade from an old cheapo tipod to something that will eventuall hold a DSLR w/ a 7-8 lb lens with appropriate head. I do quite a bit of nature photography, mainly birds and landscapes.

I've been looking at this Gitzo:

Gitzo G-1228 Mountaineer Reporter Mk2 Carbon Fiber Performance (Compact) Tripod Legs (Rapid Column) - Supports 17.60 lb (8 kg)

but as you can see it is quite spendy. Anyone have advice? Is it overpriced?

And then there are heads. Any suggestions?

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

01/24/2006 12:25:32 AM · #2

Anyone?

turdave

Canon EOS-450D Rebel XSi

01/24/2006 12:31:35 AM · #3

I would help if I could but I use a $20 tripod from Walmart. Too poor to even look into buying one like that. :(

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

01/24/2006 12:39:41 AM · #4

It's expensive because it's light weight. You can get a more significant tripod for less money but it will be heavier.

jab119

01/24/2006 12:54:35 AM · #5

how much weight are you willing to carry for atripod and a head?

if weight is no problem then get the Bogen 3021BN Tripod Legs and a head that will hold 12 to 15 lbs
Bogen 3021BN legs

I have the
Bogen 322rc2

B&H has these listed together for a little lower price, so look for a leg head combo, or pick what you want and call them to see if they will package price (give you a lower price) for the head and legs. they will also price match if you call them

James

James

Message edited by author 2006-01-24 00:56:09.

MadMan2k

Sony Alpha a6400

Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD

01/24/2006 01:11:15 AM · #6

Originally posted by turdave:

I would help if I could but I use a $20 tripod from Walmart. Too poor to even look into buying one like that. :(

Sort of off topic, but I had one of those also, and got frustrated using it, so bought a Manfrotto 724B from a camera shop for a little over a hundred bucks - HUGE difference. It's a lot easier to set up, feels much sturdier, easier to adjust, looks better, etc. It has a ball head, but without the pistol grip.. so it's a little less convienent than one with one of those, but not bad.

wavelength

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

01/24/2006 01:14:04 AM · #7

Also,

Since you're in the market, look up Amvona.com on ebay, they have some very good tripod, some carbon fiber even, for much less than what you would pay elsewhere.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

01/24/2006 01:20:10 AM · #8

Originally posted by wavelength:

Also,

Since you're in the market, look up Amvona.com on ebay, they have some very good tripod, some carbon fiber even, for much less than what you would pay elsewhere.

Thanks, I'll take a look. I do need light weight as I will likely lug it through the muck and mire shooting birds. That is why I was looking carbon fiber.

Rikki

Canon EOS-20D

01/24/2006 01:22:37 AM · #9

Here's what I have and it's very good ;) A great plus is that I can shoot really low ;)

01/24/2006 01:23:27 AM · #10

Originally posted by jab119:

Thanks James. Looks interesting. Two pounds more for $300 less. Hmmm

Message edited by author 2006-01-24 01:24:32.