Looking for an honest opinion on this tripod kit.

[Twinpanther]

OK, up front I want to say I'm on a budget. My wife was gracious enough to put aside $200 for my birthday to get whatever I want. I've decided on a tripod/head.

I have muscular distrophy so will not be taking long hikes or anything like that, lol. As much as I'd love to get a nice Carbon fiber set it's out of my league. Aluminum is fine. As for the head I've pretty much decided on the Vanguard GH-100. It will make it easier for me to manipulate as my hands get weaker. As for legs I'm looking for sturdy without weighing a ton. I've found a kit for $230. Alta Pro 263AGH Kit. It consists of the GH-100 head with the Alto Pro 263AT legs. Reviews seem to be fantastic. What do you think?

[cyber3d]

Is it easier to actuate the handgrip with MS?

I have the Sunpak 623px carbon fibre tri pod $130 at amazon. Amazon.com: Sunpak 623PX 66-inch Pro Carbon Fiber Tripod - with 3-Way Pan Head & Quick-Release Plate plus Carry Case - for Digital SLR Cameras & Video Camcorders: Camera & Photo

I really like it. I don't use the centre column riser much though. Carbon Fibre flexes too much as far as stability is concerned.

It is sooo light and sooo affordable. And the adjustable legs can extend up to 90 degrees horizontal. Very stable too (aside from the above comment).

[kcoppock]

I was actually surprisingly happy with my Ravelli I got off of Amazon. It runs between $80 to $100, but it's very solid. On the downside, it's about 9 lbs, but if you're not taking long hikes, it's not too bad, and I think the stability is quite worth it. For the price, you can't beat it. It has quite a few solid reviews on Amazon as well. The pistol grip alone is probably worth the cost.

It does have that "new grease" kinda smell for a few days, but it goes away pretty quickly.

Amazon.com: Ravelli APGL4 New Professional Tripod with Adjustable Pistol Grip Head and Heavy Duty Carry Bag: Camera & Photo

[KriegHammer]

I order my stuff from B&H and they list it for 199.99.
Vanguard Alta+ 263AGH Aluminum Tripod ALTA+ 263AGH B&H Photo
They are temp out of stock,
The reviews are excellent. That pistol grip is just so much better.
Amazon does have it but at 239.99
Amazon.com: Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum Tripod with GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head: Electronics

Sunpak has a light weight tripod with a pistol grip, on special at Adorama 124.95.
620523CFTPX2 Sunpak PRO 523PX2 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Pistol Grip QR Ball Head, Maximum Height: 64.25", Load Capacity: 6.1 lbs.
The reviews are good as well.

I use Manfrotto's and they are beastly heavy. My Tiffen is light, but I did not see a pistol grip.
Good luck,
Krieg

[Bruce A]

Twinpanther I have that Vanguard tripod and pistol grip. I really have nothing negative to say about them, the tripod is relatively light and sturdy and is a bit of a handy transformer, the only thing the pistol grip can't do is point up unless you use it to swing the camera into portrait postion.

[OsmosisStudios]

Only thing I'd be worried about is the feet on that leg set: theyre bound to break sometime.

[Twinpanther]

Thank you all for the replies. Very helpful!

Originally Posted by cyber3d

Is it easier to actuate the handgrip with MS?

I have the Sunpak 623px carbon fibre tri pod $130 at amazon.

I'm not sure of the difficulties of using the handgrip with MS. I was diagnosed with 2 rare forms of MD 4 years ago and basically all my muscles are deteriorating from the extremities inward. So for me, the large knobs/pistol grip and adjustable tension should work out well. The Sunpak looks like a nice enough set of legs but the Vanguard weighs the same and looks a bit more sturdy I guess.

Originally Posted by KriegHammer

I order my stuff from B&H and they list it for 199.99.
Vanguard Alta+ 263AGH Aluminum Tripod ALTA+ 263AGH B&H Photo
Amazon does have it but at 239.99
Amazon.com: Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum Tripod with GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head: Electronics

I looked at the Alta+ and it seemed a decent set of legs until I found the Alta Pro. Having the Multi-Angle Central Column and legs with the ability to go to 90 degrees it is well worth the extra $40 imho.

Originally Posted by Bruce A

Twinpanther I have that Vanguard tripod and pistol grip. I really have nothing negative to say about them, the tripod is relatively light and sturdy and is a bit of a handy transformer, the only thing the pistol grip can't do is point up unless you use it to swing the camera into portrait postion.

Thank you Bruce. I was hoping someone had experience with that tripod. With the adjustable column set-up you can still point up in landscape so that isn't an issue.

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Only thing I'd be worried about is the feet on that leg set: theyre bound to break sometime.

Hmm, I would hope they have replacement parts available to purchase. Maybe an e-mail to Vanguard might be in order. It does come with a limited Lifetime Warranty.

[KriegHammer]

Originally Posted by Twinpanther

I looked at the Alta+ and it seemed a decent set of legs until I found the Alta Pro. Having the Multi-Angle Central Column and legs with the ability to go to 90 degrees it is well worth the extra $40 imho.

.

Twinpanther, I am in full agreement in the need of purchasing the best product to fit your needs. My Mother had MS, I know different, but it also effected motion,and everything I either built or bought was the best for her need of use.
The Vanguard head just seems levels above the others.

[Jo.T]

I would see if you can find one in a store and try it first. i have the Manfrotto Pistol grip 322RCR
and the grip is quiet firm to squeeze, the Manfrotto doesnt have as many features but does have full tilt movement as well as 360deg and a drop in lock stystem
Manfrotto Heavy Duty Grip Ball Head - Joystick

[Twinpanther]

Originally Posted by Jo.T

I would see if you can find one in a store and try it first. i have the Manfrotto Pistol grip 322RCR
and the grip is quiet firm to squeeze, the Manfrotto doesnt have as many features but does have full tilt movement as well as 360deg and a drop in lock stystem
Manfrotto Heavy Duty Grip Ball Head - Joystick

With the Vanguard the tension is fully adjustable. If you loosen it all the way it not required to compress the grip. I like the pistol grip better than the side grip as well. Although I'm sure the Manfrotto is great quality it seems like it would be awkward to use as you move your camera around.

Thank you for another great idea. I think I will see if I can find one to check out locally to be sure it's a good fit.