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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> I think I've found the tripod I want
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03/17/2012 01:37:38 PM · #1
As a lot of you know, I have been looking for a tripod for quite some time now. Anyway I think I have found my head leg combo that I like. I want to know if ya'll can see any negatives and / or positives to this combo. I definately want to know if this is a good one before I spend a fortune.

OK tripod legs are: VANGUARD ALTA+ 224 CT

Tripod head: VANGUARD BBH-100

So what are your thoughts???
03/17/2012 02:17:48 PM · #2
I never liked tripods with the screw to open legs. I prefer the clasp type.

Not much cheaper than the Manfrotto...why not this:

//www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-190CXPRO3-3-Section-Carbon-without/dp/B0015MFTE4/ref=pd_cp_p_2

or

//www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-190CXPRO4-4-Section-Carbon-without/dp/B0015MHY6K/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1332008109&sr=1-1

I have the O55 carbon model...really a nice tripod, and very tall if you are tall. It's actually taller than I needed (I forgot to figure in the height of my camera and the ballhead in my calculations).

But then again, you didn't explain "why" you picked that one. What did you particularly like about it and the head that made you choose it?

Message edited by author 2012-03-17 14:19:23.
03/17/2012 03:44:06 PM · #3
Neil You just threw a monkey wrench into it....I will research that one as well and compare with what I have picked out. I'll try to come up with pros and cons of both systems.
03/17/2012 09:47:52 PM · #4
i have the 055xprob, i am 6'-2" this baby gets my camera to eye height WITHOUT extending the center column. weighs about a lb more than the 190. something else to consider.

edit... just noticed you have the carbon fiber model.

Message edited by author 2012-03-17 21:48:45.
03/17/2012 09:50:55 PM · #5
When I budget for it, this is the one I am getting.

Manfrotto 058B Aluminum Studio Pro Triaut Tripod Legs

Watch this video but skip ahead to about the 2:40 mark Youtube Video
03/17/2012 10:15:01 PM · #6
Spending a fortune on a good tripod is money well spent, IMHO. Given the gear you are looking to stabilize, a good tripod is an essential component and just as valuable as one of your L lenses, if not more so. Because without a tripod, your $1000 to $2000 L lens might as well be a 2nd class piece of glass.

That said, after owning many tripods, I finally ponied up for a couple of Gitzos -- a tripod and a monopod. They put all my other tripods to shame, frankly. My brother has a Manfrotto with the quick release clamp legs. I prefer the Gitzo screw legs because they provide a smooth profile and are less inclined to get snagged in stuff, like netting, ropes, and other things I encounter from time to time in the backs of cars and inside bags. Also, the newer Gitzos have a screw release mechanism where the barrel of the leg doesn't turn when you turn the clamp screw, so you can open all the segments simultaneously. This makes it easy to open the tripod quickly.

I have also owned many heads and have settled on the Acratec as the best all-around head for me. For my big lenses, I plan to add a Wimberly to the bag/suitcase -- right now, I have a Wimberly Sidekick, which is more portable.

As I'm sure you know, both tripod and head choice should be a function of what kind of photography you do and how much weight you can carry around. Your best lens/body/tripod is the one you have with you. So if your tripod is so heavy that you won't bring it with you, then it's useless when you're in the field.

Good luck with your choice, and don't cheap out. This is one item where you want to spend up. It will save you money in the long run. Like my brother says, "bodies are for Christmas, but lenses," and I'll add tripods to the list, "are forever."

Message edited by author 2012-03-17 22:18:42.
03/17/2012 10:53:49 PM · #7
Originally posted by mike_311:

i have the 055xprob, i am 6'-2" this baby gets my camera to eye height WITHOUT extending the center column. weighs about a lb more than the 190. something else to consider.

edit... just noticed you have the carbon fiber model.


LOL I'm 5'9"....I could use a small tripod and it would be ok
03/17/2012 10:57:41 PM · #8
I do ike hiking and my main thing is "light"....I want carbon fiber....no doubt. I also want stability the one I currently have picked out, I think is good for hiking....etc. But I want to use it for panoramics etc
03/18/2012 04:51:12 AM · #9
I'm only slightly taller than you and my priorities were stable, robust and light at a less than outrageous price. Here's the next generation of what I got: //www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/567483-REG/Gitzo_GT1531_GT1531_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html. I have overloaded it to over 20 pounds, at which point it starts to get an eensy bit jiggly, but not in any danger of breaking. It appears they have made some useful improvements over my design without upping the price any. It costs like a minor lens, but worth it. Think of it as if you're buying 2 stops.

Don't go for a 4-segmented leg extension system. 3 is more stable and doesn't add significantly to the closed length, but does add significantly to the stability.

Message edited by author 2012-03-18 04:52:06.
03/18/2012 09:37:11 AM · #10
Originally posted by cowboy221977:

Originally posted by mike_311:

i have the 055xprob, i am 6'-2" this baby gets my camera to eye height WITHOUT extending the center column. weighs about a lb more than the 190. something else to consider.

edit... just noticed you have the carbon fiber model.


LOL I'm 5'9"....I could use a small tripod and it would be ok


Then I think the Manfrotto 190 carbon model is fine. I'm about 1/2" shorter than you. I can't put the legs up all the way on the 055 with the ballhead I bought, and my camera. Though that's fine too. It's good when you want the tripod to go above your head too (with the center column).

Then watch the weight of the head! I bought the tripod -- it's incredibly light. But the head adds to it considerably.

I bought the three section model because I hate having to extend and shrink the tripod. But it is of course, longer. If you go with the 190, you'll save length as well.
03/21/2012 12:33:30 PM · #11
Originally posted by weheh:

Good luck with your choice, and don't cheap out "bodies are for Christmas, but lenses," and I'll add tripods to the list, "are forever."


amen to that.
03/23/2012 02:16:46 PM · #12
OK I have a quick question will any head fit on any tripod.

I really like the panoramic feature on Vanguard BBH 100 Ballhead

I think I have also changed my mind to the Manfrotto 190 CX Pro 3 Tripod

Will these two match up??
03/23/2012 02:21:59 PM · #13
Originally posted by cowboy221977:

OK I have a quick question will any head fit on any tripod.

I really like the panoramic feature on Vanguard BBH 100 Ballhead

I think I have also changed my mind to the Manfrotto 190 CX Pro 3 Tripod

Will these two match up??


They should match up, yes. I'd be very surprised if they didn't. There are two possible thread sizes for the connection. The LARGER one is 3/8", and every quality tripod I've ever used has that larger thread for its mounting system. I'd be amazed if Vanguard didn't follow suit, but I don't see the thread size mentioned anywhere in the copy so I can't be sure.

Message edited by author 2012-03-23 14:28:37.
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