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03/04/2010 06:36:34 AM · #1 |
Sorry to bring this up again. I've read through all the threads and haven't exactly figured it out. I'll make it as short (didn't work) specific as possible.
1. Tripod
2. Head
3. Integrating a gorillapod
1. I've been shopping for about 6 months now for a tripod and head, and I can't hold out any longer. I live in the middle of nowhere with no good camera shops around. So I will most likely have my family bring some gear over when they visit in a few weeks. The time to pull the trigger is now.
I see everyone loves Manfrotto (except for their customer support), and I am liking the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 or 4 (haven't really decided what would be best for me; 4 gets smaller, 3 sets up quicker; are there other differences?). BUT, I'm hoping this is a one-time purchase. I want to be able to accumulate gear and have my support system remain relevant. It's got about a 17-lb max load. Is that enough for a D700 (lenses only wide-angle now, but in the future I want this to be able to handle whatever).
I see other cf tripods from Hakuba and Feisol that can handle 25 lbs. It seems like that would really give me the support I need whatever the future may bring. The weight is similar, the prices are actually the same or less. Gitzo is out of my range, but I'd consider all else as long as it's going to last and does a good job. Slik, Giottos, whatever. Sub-5-lbs., eye-level for a nearly 6-ft dude, stability and durability are the requirements.
The big question is: is a 17-lb max load enough or do I need to go higher? And is a 25-lb max load from Hakuba or Feisol really better than Manfrotto's 17-lb (you know what I mean)?
2. I hate that I have to buy a ballhead without playing with them first, but I have no options. Again, what's the weight limit I should be looking at? I'm guessing nothing lower than 25 lbs, but I think I would prefer some that I've seen at 40 and above. I see some on B&H (Benro for example) that are A LOT less expensive than the standard best (RRS, Kirk, Arca, Acratech, etc.), and I'll assume you get what you pay for. What would you recommend considering I'd like to spend $200 - $300 or so? More if the difference is worth it. I want to do this right the first time. Landscapes, mostly, so a ball with panning would be nice. And a QR system is a must, as I don't want to keep screwing stuff into the bottom of my camera.
3. I have a 100€ voucher to spend at Media Markt, an over-priced electronics store that has nothing I really want. So I think I will use this toward the Gorillapod Focus (the biggest one they have). How big a pain in the butt is it to switch the ballhead from the tripod to the gorillapod? I'm no DIYer, and the stories I read of people using glue, boring their own holes, etc., scare the hell out of me. I'm paying a lot for this stuff and don't want to have to break out any glue.
So I'm obviously willing to drop some cash on this, but I need to do it as sensibly and thriftily as possible, naturally. I want a good system that will last and want to feel as though I've been wise with my money at the same time. Possible? Thank you very, very much for your time and any info you'd be willing to lay on me.
Edit: I edited out a lot of backslash glitches. Not sure what happened.
Message edited by author 2010-03-04 06:42:39. |
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03/04/2010 07:00:00 AM · #2 |
The first thing I'd ask, if you're intending for this to be a one time purchase, is do you think you'll be investing in giant, heavy telephoto glass (this will be where you REALLY add on the weight and also will determine if you should consider a gimbal at all). For everything else, I'd say you'll be more than happy with a sub-25lb rating. I really liked the Manfrotto 055Pro series, which I did look at in person (not CX though). The only thing that changed my mind was the cost and weight rating of the Giottos instead, but mine is a real killer for weight (aluminum model, and I'm considering moving up to a Gitzo at some point though). I use an Acratech GV2 and can't be happier, both with service from the company and the product to begin with. It took me a long time to finally decide to throw the money down on the GV2 though- I was agonizing over the same thing you are- wanting one that will last and not completely breaking the bank.
ETA: The reason I ended up just going with the GV2 is because I knew I didn't want to deal with a crappy head like the horrible horrible POS pan/scan (not POS because it was pan/scan, it was just a POS) I had on the horrible horrible tripod I had been using. I was done with that. As much as it pained me to drop that much on the setup, I figured it would be suitably stable/sturdy for 99% of what I needed before I moved up to a Gitzo. I felt I needed SOMETHING to use, and erred on the side of upgrading my tripod, not head later, because I didn't want to get a whole bunch of QR plates and possibly have to change. The Acratech ones are very high quality and work with RRS, Kirk, and Arca in the very very off chance I need to pursue that route (as well as Wimberley, if I ever want a true gimbal).
Message edited by author 2010-03-04 07:19:43. |
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03/04/2010 07:18:03 AM · #3 |
| Thanks for the feedback. That's a nice ballhead, for sure. I don't see myself getting a super-huge telephoto lens in the future, but I don't know. I'd rather err on the side of caution, I guess. |
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03/04/2010 02:43:44 PM · #4 |
I'm losing my mind over this. I find some great reviews about Induro and how they've tested equally with Manfrotto and Gitzo but come with some nice extra touches (a bag, for starters), and then I stumble upon two-year old threads that are accusing Induro of actually being Benro. Can this be true when Induro is claiming to have developed their own 8-part cf construction?
Side question: Has anyone ever wished their tripod could handle a load greater than 17 lbs? For the same price I'd like to go to 26 lbs, but if it's not an issue...
Message edited by author 2010-03-04 14:44:26. |
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03/04/2010 03:15:20 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by bohemka:
I'm losing my mind over this. I find some great reviews about Induro and how they've tested equally with Manfrotto and Gitzo but come with some nice extra touches (a bag, for starters), and |
I recently bought a used baseball bat bag at the local Play It Again Sports store for $7. It holds my studio size tripod and gear head easily.
ETA: I bought a Nike version - not the one above. Also, I read in another forum that Benro is generally known as Induro outside of the USA.
Tim
Message edited by author 2010-03-04 15:18:38. |
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03/04/2010 04:13:43 PM · #6 |
| That's awesome, atupdate. That's an excellent point. Finding a baseball bat bag in Germany is the next problem. I'll add it to the "bring over" list. |
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03/04/2010 05:18:30 PM · #7 |
I have a Giottos MT 9371 tripod with MH 5001 head. Total load is 25 lbs. Extends to my eye height and I'm 6 ft 3. Aluminium, has a carry strap, padded bag, tool kit, spirit levels.
It does the job and I've had it all over the world in sand, snow, sleet, rain, oceans, whatever. It still kicks ass. |
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03/04/2010 06:03:44 PM · #8 |
| That looks like a great one. A bit heavy for me though, as I'm a bit shorter, exceedingly scrawny, and like to hike a lot. But I've been looking at Giottos (I'm dizzy at this point to be honest) and I've been impressed with what's offered. |
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03/04/2010 07:46:09 PM · #9 |
I hiked all over the place with mine. The strap is great at making it comfortable.
I looked at Manfrottos, carbon fiber things, Slik, blah blah blah but settled on the Giottos and it is great. Maybe the best thing I've bought. |
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03/04/2010 09:06:21 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Tez:
I have a Giottos MT 9371 tripod with MH 5001 head. Total load is 25 lbs. Extends to my eye height and I'm 6 ft 3. Aluminium, has a carry strap, padded bag, tool kit, spirit levels.
It does the job and I've had it all over the world in sand, snow, sleet, rain, oceans, whatever. It still kicks ass. |
 Tez and I have the same unit. He did a write up here.
I talked to another user who had (I think) a Giottos CF tripod that he picked up years ago that suffered over the long haul. I've had mine about two years and it looks brand new, and I've taken it miles into the backcountry (but I won't lie, carrying it that far sucks). |
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03/04/2010 09:35:00 PM · #11 |
| One small thing to consider that I didn't realize when I bought my Manfrotto (really have to figure out the model number sometime!). The four segment legs means it packs tighter and you can get it into your suitcase. I was forced to use my backpack on my last trip so I could put bring my tripod. |
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03/05/2010 05:45:02 AM · #12 |
| I'm liking the Feisol tripods. Super light, with 22-lb max load, not a crazy price tag. Hmmmmmm. |
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03/06/2010 12:57:06 PM · #13 |
| Well, I think it's gonna be the Induro CT214. It's been getting extremely positive reviews, and the leg locks are really nice. Photo Clam head. |
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