Tripod advicefor the motorcycle

[slink74659]

Hi Everyone,
I am looking to get a tripod to take with me on motorcycle trips.
I am going to use it with my Nikon D80.
All I know for sure is I would like to have a ball head with a rapid connect.
I would like it to be able to fold up as small as possible.
It will need to be able to get wet and it might take a little beating so I don't know where to start looking.

Steve

[Christa]

What about something like this;
https://www.nppa.org/assets/applications/Template.cfm?Template=Ecommerce/ProductDisplay.cfm&ProductID=703

[Merlyn]

Look for a Gitzo tripod. .They can take the elements with ease. B&H photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=7006&A=details&Q=&sku=206491&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation) would be a good place to start looking. This one I use.
If a Gitzo does happen to mess up, spare parts are available. They are made to perform in the rough. You can also get their magnesium ballhead with a quick release, that is just as durable.

[Bail]

If you want a dedicated tripod I suggest the Manfrotto 725B
http://www.amazon.com/Bogen-Manfrotto-725B-Tripod-Integrated-Carrying/dp/B000FFSDCC

It comes with a intergrated ball head with a quick release mount. It hold's up the 20D With the 70-200mm F2.8 with no problems.

But If you have the money I suggest getting a Tripod w/ diffrent heads to attach for different applications.

You will find the ball harder to use in certain situations (i.e. Macro, Panning, Portrait) Where a Pan & Tilt or 3-Way head would come in handy. However the ball head IMO is one of the fastest heads to use. I have the 725B (Tripod/Ball head combo) and I love it. I just wish I had a little bit more money.

[PnwGuy]

I agree with Bail on the Bogen-Manfrotto 725B.

It also comes with a fabric carrying case that has an attached shoulder strap for easier carrying. It's pretty lightweight and is small and compact when collapsed.

I took it with me on my last trip and it worked quite well and was easy to manage and carry around. For studio work I'd want something a little bigger but for travel and hiking and such it's a great tripod to have. Not a bad price either. I love mine.

[slink74659]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I"m going to try the Bogen-Manfrotto 725B.
All I need to do now is just buy it.
Thanks again