Manfrotto or Gitzo

[mitchcook]

Looking into a Manfrotto 190cx Pro or else a Gitzo tripod.
Would be used with a ball head with the cameras in my signature.
Probably will be getting larger and heavier lenses in the future.
Opinions? Cheap or all out?

[OsmosisStudios]

I prefer the Manfrotto 190XPROB legs. Higher load and lighter weight.

Manfrotto also make several ball heads: find one that has the weight you need to support and enjoy. I prefer pan/tilt heads myself, but to each their own

[donniecs]

Check out Benro also, I just picked up a Benro TRCB269 carbon fiber tripod with a ball head. They are slightly more than Habuka's gear but less Manfrotto or Gitzo. I am really happy with the Benro TRCB269, I have no major complaints and have been using it for about 4 months now.

[mitchcook]

I'm thinking I will get the Manfrotto 322RC2 Ball Head.
Can someone explain to me how mounting plates work? What ones would be the best for my 5D and my 40D? I've honestly never looked at tripods too much...

As for Benro. I'm not so much a fan with Chinese stuff... It's just... a trust thing I guess. I've dealt with things in my line of work that are from China. It just does not seem of the same caliber.

I have however, looked at Benbo, and Uni-Loc. They seem interesting, different type of designs...

[OsmosisStudios]

The mounting plate (also known as a tripod shoe) is the part of the tripod that you can pull off the tripod and attach to the camera, then use to place the camera on/off the tripod quickly. The one that comes with the tripod is the one you should use.

[mitchcook]

Oh okay. So the tripod should come with a shoe?

[OsmosisStudios]

If it doesn't, you're missing parts.

[mitchcook]

Thank you very much for the help

[mitchcook]

Just wanted to let everyone know I decided upon the Manfrotto 190XProB
I purchased it along with a 322RC2 from B&H

[ProPhoto]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I prefer the Manfrotto 190XPROB legs. Higher load and lighter weight.

Manfrotto also make several ball heads: find one that has the weight you need to support and enjoy. I prefer pan/tilt heads myself, but to each their own

Concur. This is solid advice.