Tripod Discussion - DPChallenge Forums

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

07/04/2007 01:23:37 PM · #1

I need a new tripod. I would like it to be $200 or less if possible, but it must be capable of supporting my 350 Rebel XT with the macro lens. I want something easy to adjust--up/down, portrait/landscape, angles would be nice.

What tripod do you use and what do you like/dislike about it? Recomemndations?

MrEd

Sony DSLR-A100

07/04/2007 01:33:23 PM · #2

Slik Pro 330DX..holds 6.6 lbs and closes to 24". Fits right in my carryon bag.

MadMan2k

Sony Alpha a6400

Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD

07/04/2007 01:35:06 PM · #3

I use a Manfrotto 724B, which is pretty good for the money if you need a compact/travel tripod, but it's not adequate in wind or with heavy lenses.

You could almost get a 3021 with a 488RC ballhead for 200, maybe a little over. That's a very solid setup, but the legs are pretty heavy and the head isn't as adjustable as the higher end ones (friction, etc)

For switching to portrait mode, a lot of people swear by the RRS L-plates. They're made specifically for different cameras and you can always leave them on, and they work with the RRS quick release plates. A setup like that easily goes over your $200 budget, though...
//reallyrightstuff.com/

Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD for Nikon

07/04/2007 01:52:55 PM · #4

Of course, less adjustable is relative. The one I have now is a real pain--loosen a screw, position the camera, hope to keep it there while tightening the screw, hope it doesn't move after the screw is tightened.

rkligman

Nikon D750

07/04/2007 02:09:16 PM · #5

I have the Manfrotto 3021Pro with 486RC2 head. I think about $170 for the tripod, $70 for the head. Really great combo.

The tripod is very sturdy but you're not going to go hiking with it. The legs will fold out so you can shoot at about a 4" height and when standing upgright it will expand up to about 6' so it's plenty high.

The head is pretty darn good. It allows pretty easy movement and panning. Just one easy to grab flip switch tightens and loosens the ball head so you can get the tension you need based on your needs. Sometimes I go real loose because I'm shooting action. In that instance, the tripod just steadies the camera but gives me good freedome of movement. Tighten it down and it will keep the 3lb+ 80-200 2.8 lens steady like a rock.

Used it last night with my 17-50mm to shoot fireworks. Most exposures were 1-4 seconds. It worked really well!

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

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

07/04/2007 02:09:58 PM · #6

If macro work is your primary objective, you might want to consider one of the models that allows you to flip the center column into the horizontal position. I'm using the Manfrotto 3021BPRO, which I'm very happy with. The leg set costs about $150 and then you pick a head to go with it.

Imagineer

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

07/04/2007 02:17:32 PM · #7

The Benbo Trekker is basically one of the most versatile tripods possible.

It takes a few trial set-ups to master it �and I'd recommend the quick-release platform as an essential option � but this would be great for macros. It will go as low as any tripod can (almost resting on the ground) but with maximum stability. You can also hang your camera safely out over vertical drops and position it at almost any desired angle.

BMacD

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II

Olympus 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Zuiko Digital Zoom

07/04/2007 02:19:21 PM · #8

I just picked up a Manfrotto 190XProB and 486RC2 head. Rated for 5 kg's(11 lbs). So far it works great and packs well. It has the horizontal option as well

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

07/04/2007 02:25:45 PM · #9

I like having options. It seems there are tripods in my price range that will work--I am GLAD to hear it because mine stinks!

Rick, that is an awesome shot!

Bugzeye

07/04/2007 02:44:43 PM · #10

I use the manfrotto 3021BPRO with a 808RC4 Head. It is very heavy to carry around but it is stable and will support anything I want to put on it. I wanna say the entire set up was around $250

Nullix

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

07/04/2007 04:34:19 PM · #11

I have a Manfrotto and would recommend that.

BTW, with tripods, you only have 3 options:

1. Lite
2. Cheap
3. Sturdy

You can only have 2 of the 3. If you want Lite and Cheap, you can't get Sturdy. If you want Lite and Sturdy, you can't get it Cheap. If you want Sturdy and Cheap, it won't be Lite.

Manfrotto falls under the Sturdy and Cheap, but it's not so cheap and not so lite.

Hope this helps. BTW, I have the 3021BPRO with a 808RC4 Head. I wanted more control, so I got a 3 way tilt head. I don't know if I would've been better off with a ball head instead. That's also one thing you'll have to figure out. Ball head or 3 way tilt.

djtj1980

Nikon D70

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D

07/04/2007 04:55:05 PM · #12

I also have a manfrotto. 3021BN legs and 3265 ball head. Depending on what you plan on doing with it. If you like to hike, you should get carbon fiber. I am really impressed with the set-up and would recommend it to anyone.