ART Yet another tripod thread

[Mutombo]

I'm looking for a tripod around $300. I've read lots of reviews and the Manfrotto 055XProB/488RC2 combo seems to come highly recommended in this price range.

Ideally I'd like something sturdy and durable. I think the ~6.5lb weight of the Manfrotto setup would be manageable, although I'd ideally like something lighter.

I would consider raising my budget to maybe $400 if there was something in that price range that is considerably better than the Manfrotto combo. I've read a little about Feisol CF tripods, which seem to run about $300 for just the tripod legs. I've considered either the CT-3441S traveler tripod (with center column included) or CT-3342 "tournament tripod" (with center column extra). Anybody have experience with either of these?

Thanks for any suggestions/help.

 

[adamlewis88]

I'm looking for a tripod around $300. I've read lots of reviews and the Manfrotto 055XProB/488RC2 combo seems to come highly recommended in this price range.

Ideally I'd like something sturdy and durable. I think the ~6.5lb weight of the Manfrotto setup would be manageable, although I'd ideally like something lighter.

I would consider raising my budget to maybe $400 if there was something in that price range that is considerably better than the Manfrotto combo. I've read a little about Feisol CF tripods, which seem to run about $300 for just the tripod legs. I've considered either the CT-3441S traveler tripod (with center column included) or CT-3342 "tournament tripod" (with center column extra). Anybody have experience with either of these?

Thanks for any suggestions/help.

What do you need it to hold?

And are we talking head+legs for $300? or just legs?

 

[xenon supra]

I have that setup with the 486 head rather than 488. not sure how different the heads are (I don't think they are much different).

i love it and don't regret my purchase one bit.

plus, having a tripod that can do this is pretty cool

 

[Dwight Schrute]

6.5 lbs is a lot heavier than you realize. I have Gitzo 3 series CF legs and a Markins head totaling about 5 lbs, and a lot of the times I wish it was lighter.

 

[xenon supra]

Yeah, mine is a bit heavy, but I don't usually carry it around so its not a problem, when I do, its strapped to my bag so a few lbs doesn't really matter.

 

[Mutombo]

What do you need it to hold?

And are we talking head+legs for $300? or just legs?

Right now just an xti with 24-70L and 70-200 f/4L but looking to upgrade to a 50D/5D2 and 70-200 f/2.8IS and/or 100-400L in the very near future.

The Manfrotto combo I listed is just under $300 for head+legs. I guess my question is, is there something significantly better for around that price or up to about $400? I'm not really looking to spend $1k on a Gitzo tripod just yet.

 

[Mutombo]

6.5 lbs is a lot heavier than you realize. I have Gitzo 3 series CF legs and a Markins head totaling about 5 lbs, and a lot of the times I wish it was lighter.

That's what I was worried about. I'm afraid if it's too heavy then I wont ever take it with me. Of course, lightweight tripods come at a price

 

[adamlewis88]

Right now just an xti with 24-70L and 70-200 f/4L but looking to upgrade to a 50D/5D2 and 70-200 f/2.8IS and/or 100-400L in the very near future.

The Manfrotto combo I listed is just under $300 for head+legs. I guess my question is, is there something significantly better for around that price or up to about $400? I'm not really looking to spend $1k on a Gitzo tripod just yet.

If youre concerned about weight, just get their 190 CF legs (~$300ish?) and then a ball head (and Im not talking about those grip actions heads..I mean just a locking ball head).

 

[Mutombo]

If youre concerned about weight, just get their 190 CF legs (~$300ish?) and then a ball head (and Im not talking about those grip actions heads..I mean just a locking ball head).

Like these ones?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...0CXPRO4_190CXPRO4_4_Section_Carbon_Fiber.html

Do most people use the 4 section or 3 section legs?

 

[adamlewis88]

Like these ones?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...0CXPRO4_190CXPRO4_4_Section_Carbon_Fiber.html

Do most people use the 4 section or 3 section legs?

Yeah. Those are the legs.

4 vs 3 is preference. Pros and cons to them both but the selling point of 4 is it gets more compact than 3.

 

[adamlewis88]

And then something like this

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272778-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_488_488_Midi_Ball_Head.html

I have a grip action ball head because thats what my fiance got a long time ago. If I could pick what I want now, Id go for the plain old ball head like that above.

However, I dont prefer it enough to actually spend the money on it when I already have a tripod head.

My two cents.

 

[CRC]

I have that setup with the 486 head rather than 488. not sure how different the heads are (I don't think they are much different).

plus, having a tripod that can do this is pretty cool

The Manfrotto combo I listed is just under $300 for head+legs. I guess my question is, is there something significantly better for around that price or up to about $400? I'm not really looking to spend $1k on a Gitzo tripod just yet.

I was in the same spot you were. But then I went and felt the weight difference between the Manfrotto and the carbon fibers Gitzos. So I figured it was worth it to wait and buy the more expensive one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...531S_Systematic_6X_Carbon.html#specifications

Load Capacity 39.6 lbs
Weight 3.7 lbs

 

[mikeskillz]

i went with the manfrotto 055. i got the non pro because i think the horizontal column is dumb and i'd never use it. i got the 055 over the 190 because i'm 6'2. the 055 is about a foot or so taller, which is perfect for me.

the aluminum version is however, quite a bit heavier. it might be worth the price difference if you plan on carrying the tripod around all over the place. keep in mind though that tripods are only really good for long exposures and HDR work. otherwise its absolutely useless to have outside of the studio imo.

 

[Dwight Schrute]

I was in the same spot you were. But then I went and felt the weight difference between the Manfrotto and the carbon fibers Gitzos. So I figured it was worth it to wait and buy the more expensive one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...531S_Systematic_6X_Carbon.html#specifications

Load Capacity 39.6 lbs
Weight 3.7 lbs

I have the same one but with 4 section legs. That, plus a Markins M10 head and RRS quick release clamp is just around 5 pounds.

 

[NOR*CAL]

I don't know how you guys complain about carrying a 5lb tripod. I carry a 7-8lb tripod for hours, and hardly notice it's there.

 

[Mutombo]

Well I kinda went against everyone's recommendations and picked up a Feisol 3441S and Kirk BH-3 new off of ebay for about $400 shipped (after 25% MS cashback).

In the end, I decided that if this tripod setup is not light and compact I just wont use it, and I couldn't justify the price for the Gitzo.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll post a review after I get everything.