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07/30/2011 12:03:23 PM · #1 |
I am planning to buy a new tripod. Weight is important to me, as is max height, and folded size. I'd like it in the 3-4 lb range, as short as possible folded, and standing at least 5'4" before raising the column (that includes the extra height from the head too; 5' 6" would be even better...I get a stiff neck bending down otherwise, and for stability, it's better not to raise the column.)
Based on that, so far, I'm thinking the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3. Though I'm wondering if the compactness, folded, of the 4 section 055CXPRO4 is worth having to open the extra three locks.
Now I also need a head. I have always wanted one of the pistol grips, though scalvert says they need too much mucking with tension adjustments for different size lenses.
Finally, for someone who has never spent more than $150 for a tripod and head (my last one was a Manfrotto 725B which is very light and tall, but has an integrated head that doesn't really work for me anymore), I'm wondering if I'm crazy to spend $500 for a tripod and head! So I'd love to hear good alternatives that cost less (while still meeting my requirements).
What do people recommend? |
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07/30/2011 12:39:46 PM · #2 |
Well, as a user of the predecessor of the 055 (the closest equivalent would be the PRO3) I can say I really like the tripod. It is at the short end for me, though (I'm just under 6 feet). I normally use it with a ball head (488RC4). The ball head will add about 5.3", plus the camera height (figure about 3.5") so you'll have a column-down height to the viewfinder of between 63" and 64", just meeting your goal. The PRO4 reduces column-down height by about 2", meaning you *will* be stooping. The really nice thing about the PRO4 is that it is short enough to go in a carry-on size bag (though you would probably have to angle it).
One option for landscape work is to get an angle finder attachment, then you don't worry about height, you just look down into the viewfinder. Also nice because you have a direct view of the top LCD, but of course harder to chimp ;-)
FWIW, I regularly raise the column on mine about 2-3", and that does not seem to have a big impact on stability. I sometimes do hang weight from the hook to stabilize. If I will be in one place for some time, I will hang my bag over the tripod, not from the hook, and that also improves stability.
One thing I don't care for on these 'pods is the lack of spiked feet. I'm kinda old skool, or just old, dunno, and I occasionally would like to have that option. I believe there may be replacement feet available that have the retractable spike feature.
Edit for typo
Message edited by author 2011-07-30 12:41:29. |
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07/30/2011 12:47:10 PM · #3 |
I have a Benro A-198EX. Has a lot of features like the Manfrotto, but at a lesser cost. Not as elegantly constructed as the Manfrotto, which I also looked at, but still nice. I presently have an inexpensive head on it, though an upgrade to a better head is in the future.
My other tripod is a hacked Manrotto 785B. This is my travel tripod and the stock unit is NOT meant for a DSLR. Don't even think about it except to use the legs as the basis for something better. I replaced the center column and gave it a head that could support a DSLR.
The Benro Travel agent series looks good and is very compact, but I don't own one.
Message edited by author 2011-07-30 12:49:07.
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07/30/2011 11:11:21 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
I have a Benro A-198EX. Has a lot of features like the Manfrotto, but at a lesser cost. Not as elegantly constructed as the Manfrotto, which I also looked at, but still nice. I presently have an inexpensive head on it, though an upgrade to a better head is in the future.
My other tripod is a hacked Manrotto 785B. This is my travel tripod and the stock unit is NOT meant for a DSLR. Don't even think about it except to use the legs as the basis for something better. I replaced the center column and gave it a head that could support a DSLR.
The Benro Travel agent series looks good and is very compact, but I don't own one. |
I have a Benro Travel Angel carbon fiber, and really like it. It is very compact, but very solid and stable, too. |
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