Tripod advise

[PIXELPEEPER]

I am about to purchase my first good quality tripod . I am 5'6" tall.
I am looking at 2 Gitzos. Should I purchase one that extends to a maximum of 57.5" or one that extends to a maximum of 50.8 ?

Thanks

[OsmosisStudios]

I think the extended height is the least of your worries at this point.

What are you putting onto them? Are they a ball-head or a pan/tilt head? WHat weight limits do they have? what kind of leg design do the have? What does the tripod itself weigh?

Extension height is usually a non issue. Mine goes to 6'4". I'm 6'1".

[jnelson]

I agree with Osmosis, last week I bought a new tripod and the only criteria for me was that it was high enough to be comfortable with at eye level and most will be able to do that for you. Personally i looked at the weight capacity of the legs and thought about what i foresee myself owning in the next 10 years as thats how long i plan on having the tripod...at the very minimum. I would love to upgrade to a D90 and 70-200f/2.8 in the future so I bought the tripod with those weights in mind so im not buying another one in a few years. I also looked at the leg lock type. Without starting a war here, i heard some unfavorable reviews of twist style leg locks and found that i personally prefer the flip type locks.

I ended up with a Manfrotto 055XPROB and a Vanguard 100 series ballhead and I am very happy with the purchase, it is rock solid and the tripod offers loads of different angles because of the swivel center column and ballhead. I will also suggest that you look @ Vanguard ballhead, they are great quality at a great price.

[PIXELPEEPER]

I should have explained myself better. I have done a lot of research on the tripods that I want. They are both Gitzos. the models were GT3541S and the other is GT3451LS. Both have the same weight capacity (39lbs.) both are carbon fiber, both weigh within 1 ounce of each other, the only difference is the 3541LS has 4 tubes and extendes to 57.5" while the 3541S has 3 tubes and extends to 50.8". I will be using a Wimberley Full Gimbal head, which will increase the height by 8-1/2 "
I asked the question because I thought a taller tripod would be nice when pointing the camera to the sky (I would not have to bend down to see the view finder) However, I thought it might be a hassle when I open the legs to set it up, I would have to be careful not to extend them out to much as it will be taller than my line of sight. I think the the shorter tripod would be easier to use because I would be able to just extend the legs all the way out and start shooting. I probably should have just asked the question: would it be wise for a person 5'-6" tall to buy a tripod that extends to 5'7" tall.
Thanks all

[denniskw]

Hi,

I'm also looking for a tripod but with restricted budget. After much research, alternative to Gitzo, you may try Benro. Many have recommended and went to see the real item. Its a very sturdy tripod even for the low range with great ball head.

Maybe getting one at the end of the month

[PIXELPEEPER]

Originally Posted by denniskw

Hi,

I'm also looking for a tripod but with restricted budget. After much research, alternative to Gitzo, you may try Benro. Many have recommended and went to see the real item. Its a very sturdy tripod even for the low range with great ball head.

Maybe getting one at the end of the month

Thanks for your reply. I prefer not to purchase anything made in China, even if I have to pay more money for it. I am not happy with their quality. Just my opinion.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by PIXELPEEPER

Thanks for your reply. I prefer not to purchase anything made in China, even if I have to pay more money for it. I am not happy with their quality. Just my opinion.

This is flawed logic, sadly. Anything made for a company, regardless of where, follows the same quality control guidelines. There should be no difference between something made in China or something made on Mars, provided the company enforces a quality control regimen.

[zona5101]

So let me see if I have this straight, you have already decided on either gitzo tripod A or tripod B and the head that will adorn the top. The difference is one tripod is 6.7 inches taller than the other. The taller one will put the base of the camera approximately 1inch above your head unless you don't open it all the way. Where the other one will open almost to eye height upon fully opening the tripod legs.
That's your dilemma?
good luck.