Tripod and ballhead - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

10/19/2012 10:41:01 AM · #1

I'm looking for the lightest, most compact tripod and ballhead, but I want top quality. It also must be sturdy. Price is irrelevant.

I don't plan on putting anything heavier than a Nikon D4 with a 70-200mm on it. When I pick up the 400mm f/2.8, I'll be purchasing a dedicated tripod and Gimbal, so ignore any future upgrade to heavier lenses.

Right now I use some POS Manfrotto, it was cheap and clunky because I didn't think I'd ever want to use a tripod on a regular basis.

Any recommendations would be welcome. When I'm doing my own research, there seems to be a lot of selection and I need someone to aid with weeding out the chafe.

edit - right now I'm looking at the Gitzo Traveller with a RRS BH-30 ball head. Or should I pick up the BH-40 instead? I have no experience with high end pods and heads, so I don't know if there is a significant difference, especially with the equipment I'm proposing on using with it.

Message edited by author 2012-10-19 10:48:50.

giantmike

Canon EOS R6

10/19/2012 10:46:23 AM · #2

I'm extremely happy with my Vanguard tripod. I have the Alta Pro 264T with the SBH 250 head. Very sturdy, not too bad on weight (for an aluminum model), and the ability to tilt the center column is fantastic. That has allowed me to set this tripod up in ways no standard tripod could handle.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

10/19/2012 10:46:35 AM · #3

Hmm. I'm currently using the super clamp and magic arm system, since its crazy portable. Its not bad, especially if you don't go for massive extension.

Otherwise I have a set of CF Gitzo 1348 mkII legs with a Manfrotto 405 head. Frankly the quick adjustments and fine adjustments both being very usable is quite nice.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

10/19/2012 10:54:19 AM · #4

The Acratech Ultimate is fantastic. Light, precise, and entirely exposed so it's easy to clean if it gets slammed by blowing grit, waves, whatever. I wish I had one.

gyaban

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/19/2012 10:56:11 AM · #5

Originally posted by Venser:

edit - right now I'm looking at the Gitzo Traveller with a RRS BH-30 ball head. Or should I pick up the BH-40 instead? I have no experience with high end pods and heads, so I don't know if there is a significant difference, especially with the equipment I'm proposing on using with it.

I am using a Gitzo GT3541LS and a RRS BH-55: while these are larger (and heavier) than what you are looking at, I can confirm quality is top notch. The combo is very stable, robust (both fell quite a few times on rocks or roads, with no damage other than minor cosmetic scratches), simply reliable. If I had to buy another tripod or ballhead one day, I'm pretty sure I'd go with those brands without any hesitation.

10/19/2012 11:06:14 AM · #6

Originally posted by gyaban:

I can confirm quality is top notch. The combo is very stable, robust (both fell quite a few times on rocks or roads, with no damage other than minor cosmetic scratches), simply reliable. If I had to buy another tripod or ballhead one day, I'm pretty sure I'd go with those brands without any hesitation.

Cool. Your setup is a little heavy since I plan on travelling a fair bit with my setup, hence the need for light and compact. I've never heard anyone complain about either company aside from price.

With the Gitzo's, does anyone know the stability of their tripods with a center column? I would like to avoid this if I can, but size is an issue and will purchase a tripod with a column if I must. My Manfrotto center column is garbage and any use with it extended is jitters lurking in the bush.

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

10/19/2012 11:07:39 AM · #7

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

The Acratech Ultimate is fantastic. Light, precise, and entirely exposed so it's easy to clean if it gets slammed by blowing grit, waves, whatever. I wish I had one.

Definitely looks easy to clean. Have you ever used one? Before picking up a $300 ball head, I'd like to hear from people with experience using them.

Bear_Music

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

10/19/2012 12:15:50 PM · #8

Originally posted by Venser:

Originally posted by Bear_Music:
The Acratech Ultimate is fantastic. Light, precise, and entirely exposed so it's easy to clean if it gets slammed by blowing grit, waves, whatever. I wish I had one.
Definitely looks easy to clean. Have you ever used one? Before picking up a $300 ball head, I'd like to hear from people with experience using them.

Yes. I've never owned one, but I had the chance to use one for a day. Fantastic ballhead. It was just too pricey for me at the time. I ended up with a plain-vanilla 3-way head, which is what I still use. Here's a review on Luminous Landscape.

Brent_S

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

10/19/2012 12:22:56 PM · #9

Originally posted by Venser:

I am using an Acratech GV2 ballhead (a newer model than the Ultimate with some perks) on a Gitzo GT2540 tripod (now 2541) and love the setup. The traveler series tripod would be more compact and lighter (though mine isn't exactly heavy) and I wouldn't mind having one of those for literally "traveling". But I've managed to get my 200 series tripod on planes many times, and the extra heft helps with vibration I am sure. My center column is really quite steady and I don't avoid using it even for several minute exposures.
The Acratech ballhead is very easy to clean and movement is fluid yet it stays put and doesn't wander as you clamp it down. If you do go with a Traveler series tripod, be sure to get the Acratech "S" model that has a slightly narrower base that will allow the reverse closing on the Traveler. RRS makes great ballheads too no doubt.
The Gitzo tripods are an investment to be sure. But I've had mine in the surf and been able to easily strip it down and get all the sand out, and I expect it will last me for life.

Acratech GV2

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

10/19/2012 01:38:59 PM · #10

Originally posted by Brent_S:

The 2541 is 9cm longer than the traveler. I'll have to take a look in person to check out the difference relative to size tomorrow. I will sacrifice size for stability, but would rather not. I was hoping to simply throw money at the problem. I'm a firm believer in buying something only once if I can.

Originally posted by Brent_S:

The Acratech ballhead is very easy to clean and movement is fluid yet it stays put and doesn't wander as you clamp it down. If you do go with a Traveler series tripod, be sure to get the Acratech "S" model that has a slightly narrower base that will allow the reverse closing on the Traveler.

Thanks. There's a store down the road which sells Acratech ball heads. I'm going to take a look after work. They have the "S" and "SS" models in stock.

blindjustice

Canon EOS-7D

10/19/2012 01:57:58 PM · #11

I thought this thread was about me- those were my college nicknames!

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

10/19/2012 02:17:14 PM · #12

Originally posted by blindjustice:

I thought this thread was about me- those were my college nicknames!

Kinky.

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

10/25/2012 11:35:33 AM · #13

Originally posted by Venser:

Originally posted by Brent_S:
I am using an Acratech GV2 ballhead (a newer model than the Ultimate with some perks) on a Gitzo GT2540 tripod (now 2541) and love the setup. The traveler series tripod would be more compact and lighter (though mine isn't exactly heavy) and I wouldn't mind having one of those for literally "traveling". But I've managed to get my 200 series tripod on planes many times, and the extra heft helps with vibration I am sure. My center column is really quite steady and I don't avoid using it even for several minute exposures.

The 2541 is 9cm longer than the traveler. I'll have to take a look in person to check out the difference relative to size tomorrow. I will sacrifice size for stability, but would rather not. I was hoping to simply throw money at the problem. I'm a firm believer in buying something only once if I can.

Originally posted by Brent_S:
The Acratech ballhead is very easy to clean and movement is fluid yet it stays put and doesn't wander as you clamp it down. If you do go with a Traveler series tripod, be sure to get the Acratech "S" model that has a slightly narrower base that will allow the reverse closing on the Traveler.

Thanks. There's a store down the road which sells Acratech ball heads. I'm going to take a look after work. They have the "S" and "SS" models in stock.

I also have a GV2 and love it.
As for the tripod, I have what might be considered the "old" version that what you're looking at superseded, the G1228MKii. It's very very small, very lightweight (enough so that I don't regret strapping it on my pack and taking it 7+ miles a day, and pretty sturdy when using a D300+grip+80-200 2.8, which is about the weight of what you're asking. I will caution you, however, that you need to sprawl the legs to get the best stability, because it's just a very top heavy setup at that point. The weight of the tripod begins to work against you, and your camera can very easily leverage the whole thing over quite readily. This effect is magnified noticeably when you extend the column, though the column does lock quite nicely in place. It really becomes a matter of weight when you are using a heavier setup, and your stabilization is directly related to the weight of your tripod (be it the literal weight of the tripod or the weight of the tripod + whatever bags you've weighted the center column with).

Two things to consider-
Do you like or hate twist locks? Some hate them, some don't. I don't mind them, and the Gitzo G Lock is super smooth and nice.
How tall are you? Are you okay with it being shorter than you are tall in order to be compact and portable?
I have a bigger sturdier and way way heavier aluminum tripod that I still use because it's taller and can be much more ergonomic and pleasant to use if height is a concern. It is also horrible to carry since it weights 7 or 8 lbs (legs only).