Thinking about a new tripod

[Scott_R]

Hello. I currently have an (30+ year) SLIK tripod. The age by itself isn't a problem, but over the years it's acquired a crease in one of the aluminum legs, so that they slide out with difficulty, and the feet (the little rubbery pads on the bottom) are have broken off and I can't find anything that'll fit a replacements (ideas, anyone?).

I'm purely a hobbyist, but I'm trying to do things the "right" way and would like to get another tripod. My concern is that I don't want to fall into one of two extremes:
1) buying a high-end (i.e., expensive) item that won't see nearly the use to justify its cost, considering I'm not making a penny from this hobby,
2) being a cheap thing that'll wobble or be a PITA to use that isn't worth even the modest amount it cost.

I'd considered one of those hiking sticks/tripods (I like to hike) but am inclined to think they're too much of a compromise for either use. I don't mean the monopods (seems that if I want a tripod, I shouldn't get a monopod), but the ones with the little tripod legs.

The camera, if it matters, is a Sony Alpha A300.

What's a good basic tripod for someone who doesn't want a toy but whose livelihood doesn't depend on it?

[Michael_2010]

I have a Slik Pro 400DX with pan & tilt head It has been a good tripod for me, except I don't like to carry it around. Too long and heavy to carry on your back for any length of time. So, I picked up a Benro TRA268 Magnesium-Aluminium 4 Section Travel Angel with ball head. I love that tripod for some reason. It folds down to a very nice length, it is very rigid and it is rated for a 13 pound load.

It just ain't in my budget to go for a Manfrotto carbon fiber, or any other carbon fiber tripod for that matter.

[sk66]

I'd recommend Benro for the money... I own one (my other tripod and monopods are Gitzo's). Don't get a monopod, not even one with "legs". I imagine a top-line Slik or mid Manfroto to be decent stuff, but I've never handled a Slik that wasn't junk...(press fit plastic handles etc)...but not much experience with them.
I prefer ball heads over pan/tilt, and arca swiss clamp as opposed to something proprietary...


Just get something (realistically) rated for somewhere around 2x the weight of your rig and you should be fine.

[Dirt_Bike_Ryda]

one word of advice... DO NOT get a tripod WITH OUT quick release...

[Michael_2010]

I can definitely tell the difference in quality between my Slik and Benro. The Slik hasn't caused me any problems, but it hardly ever leaves my house now that I have the Benro. I also prefer the ball head. Just faster to work with once you get the feel for it.

When a person first starts using a tripod, they usually think they will setup, choose a frame, adjust for horizontal and vertical and be content taking that one great shot. That ain't the way it works. You are chasing light in most instances and constantly changing your setup. That's why the ball head comes in so handy.

[Scott_R]

Originally Posted by Michael_2010

I have a Slik Pro 400DX with pan & tilt head It has been a good tripod for me, except I don't like to carry it around. Too long and heavy to carry on your back for any length of time. So, I picked up a Benro TRA268 Magnesium-Aluminium 4 Section Travel Angel with ball head. I love that tripod for some reason. It folds down to a very nice length, it is very rigid and it is rated for a 13 pound load.

How likely is one to hit up near that weight limit? I was looking at the Benro TRA268, which is basically the same but with an 8.8 pound weight limit--and a 3/4 pound lower unit weight.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by Scott_R

How likely is one to hit up near that weight limit? I was looking at the Benro TRA268, which is basically the same but with an 8.8 pound weight limit--and a 3/4 pound lower unit weight.

IMO, the "weight limit" given for most tripods is the "failure limit", not the "stability limit". ESPECIALLY with CF tripods...they will "support" a lot of weight without failing, but they will shake and quiver doing it...

[Michael_2010]

Originally Posted by Scott_R

How likely is one to hit up near that weight limit? I was looking at the Benro TRA268, which is basically the same but with an 8.8 pound weight limit--and a 3/4 pound lower unit weight.

I really scratched my head over that one before I finally made the purchase. I keep the battery pack on my camera body and I use a Sigma 150-500mm for yard birds, etc. So, I decided to play it safe with the weight issue. I think the ball head is the only real difference between the two units. If it can't handle the weight you put on it, it won't be able to lock down as securely as needed and you will end up with a little creep while shooting.

[Scott_R]

Originally Posted by sk66

IMO, the "weight limit" given for most tripods is the "failure limit", not the "stability limit". ESPECIALLY with CF tripods...they will "support" a lot of weight without failing, but they will shake and quiver doing it...

Would this be an issue for a DSLR with relatively modest lenses attached--as opposed to a camcorder? The specs on my camera body have it at 20.5 ounces. Even if you triple that, it's still under four pounds.

I'm trying to consider the weight issue of carrying the tripod while hiking.

[Michael_2010]

Kind of evaluate where you think you are headed with your equipment. Do you like birding, or wildlife photography? Is a large telephoto lens in your near future? Will you be adding any other accessories that might add weight to your rig?

The driving force behind my decision was my bazooka of a lens in the Sigma 150-500mm along with the Sigma 2x TC. If it wasn't for that monster, I would have gone for the lighter tripod.