Tripods

[mitchcook]

Ok. Here's my deal.
I want a good light tripod. I would like it to be versatile, so it can be used for anything from a Point and shoot to my 40D with a zoom on it.
I also like the idea of the ball head's. But I do not know very much on the different styles.

If someone could help me out, I have no idea where or what company to turn to...

thanks!

[Samanax]

How much are you looking to spend?

[inkista]

Golden rule of tripods: you can have any two of the following three things: light, stable, cheap. You want it light and stable, it's gonna cost. You want it cheap and light, it's gonna be tippy. You want it stable and cheap, it's not going to be light. Them's the breaks.

[Elmo]

Remember a tripod is a very long term life, if a good one is purchased. Therefore the cost per year is very low. and the cost per year is about the same for cheap and expensive as you will be replacing cheap tripods on a regular basis, while good ones can be a single life time investment.

[mitchcook]

In my post I did not say anywhere that I need it to be cheap.

Light and stable and all-powerful is what I want.

What do you guys think that the best and the second best are? As I said, I just have no idea where to turn.

The photo shops that we have here have such cheap tripods I wouldn't purchase one for anyone.

Thanks again

[sk66]

For BIG stuff I have a Gitzo 1548 with a Benro GH-2 Gimbal Head... That setup is around $1200 retail.

For everything else I have a Benro C-298 with Acratech GV-2 Ballhead....This setup is about $700. It's VERY useful; the center column converts to a boom....

Both are carbon fiber which adds to the cost, but saves weight. Benro gets a bad rap sometimes, but I've had the 298 for a couple years and it's been flawless. It holds my biggest setup (@ 17 pounds) but flexes too much for sharpness.

Of all of the ballheads I've tried (many) I prefer the Acratechs...They run from just under $300 to $400.

[mitchcook]

What is it about the Benro that makes it so great sk66?

[sk66]

Originally Posted by mitchcook

What is it about the Benro that makes it so great sk66?

The Benro is a very strong and light CF tripod for relatively little money. It will hold a LOT of weight (but not good for long lenses due to torsional flex). It has been very durable, used in all types of conditions/weather....even IN the water. The center column can be cantilevered as a boom which is great for macro or ground work. Almost 3 years and never an issue, and I've abused it in both weight load and handling/environment.

[mitchcook]

Alternative equivalent brands? How about in the $500 dollar range for both tripod & ballhead.
My reasoning for this is, I have a lot of shopping to do.
Tripod, flash/light stands, 580EX II, Pocketwizard, Pixma Pro 9500... etc.
Just trying to keep things sensible. It's not that I absolutely cannot afford them, especially if they are high quality... It's just that Idon't want to go too crazy.

Thanks again!

[JeffSmith]

After plenty of research, I just bought a Manfrotto carbon fibre with the grip head - great piece of kit. Light, sturdy, centre converts to a boom, both were under £400. Highly recommended.