Please help! Need a tripod that will perform!

[PhotogChic]

I have 2 tripods currently, a cheap one that I don't even know the brand and a Sunpak Pro that I thought was going to be great...HA!

The Sunpak tripod is a pan/tilt with quick release that was supposed to hold 10 to 12 pounds. This tripod has given me nothing but grief! It suffers from drift and the slightest touch causes camera shake.

I am looking for a ball head and a tripod that will hold my 7D, Speedlite, and 70-200mm IS glass without drifting or vibrating.

My budget is around $250 US. I'm looking at the Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi ball head with RC2 rapid connect system and the Induro Alloy 6M A-413 tripod.

I am open to any suggestions on other tripods/ball heads as well as comments about the choices above.

[zona5101]

I don't have any direct experience with either. Your head choice is going to have the greatest impact in addressing the limitations of your currect rig more so than the legs it seems. When doing my tripod search, I researched that head and though it certainly worthy. I guess my only "helpful" comment would be to get an extra plate (or 2) so when your're running you big glass you can mount your lens to the head for better balance & control.

[jdepould]

I have the Induro with a 486RC2 (and a monopod), and it's solid. Their stuff is on par with Manfrotto, but cheaper. The only downside is the locks on the leg are twist-style, which is slower.

[firebox40dash5]

I have the 488RC2 head and the older version of the 055 legs. I wish I had spent the extra on either the 490 or 468 head with drag adjustment (adjusts the static tension on the ball when you loosen it, so your camera doesn't just flop around when you loosen the main knob). Both are pretty solid though, and the RC2 system is OK for being cheap, compared to dovetail plates and clamps. The plates are kind of bulky (very thick) though.

[EKTipton]

I have two TriPods a Sunpack pro because it is light and easy to carry and a Bogen 3001 TriPod that I have used for years. The Bogen 3001 is heavy but it stays steady. It is constructed of round aluminum legs that have screw type locking system that will not slip like the quick latch type found on the SunPack Pro. And I can use my Canon 50D with a Speedlite and a large zoom lens and know when I lock it down into position it will not move unlike the SunPack Pro.

[Car2n]

The 488RC2 is a great ball head.

[PhotogChic]

Originally Posted by Car2n

The 488RC2 is a great ball head.

Awesome!

Originally Posted by EKTipton

I have two TriPods a Sunpack pro because it is light and easy to carry and a Bogen 3001 TriPod that I have used for years. The Bogen 3001 is heavy but it stays steady. It is constructed of round aluminum legs that have screw type locking system that will not slip like the quick latch type found on the SunPack Pro. And I can use my Canon 50D with a Speedlite and a large zoom lens and know when I lock it down into position it will not move unlike the SunPack Pro.

I'm so frustrated with my Sunpak! I wanted to chuck it across the lawn the other day!

Originally Posted by firebox40dash5

I have the 488RC2 head and the older version of the 055 legs. I wish I had spent the extra on either the 490 or 468 head with drag adjustment (adjusts the static tension on the ball when you loosen it, so your camera doesn't just flop around when you loosen the main knob). Both are pretty solid though, and the RC2 system is OK for being cheap, compared to dovetail plates and clamps. The plates are kind of bulky (very thick) though.

Yeah...I thought about the dovetail plates and clamps but decided that I'd start with this first.

Originally Posted by jdepould

I have the Induro with a 486RC2 (and a monopod), and it's solid. Their stuff is on par with Manfrotto, but cheaper. The only downside is the locks on the leg are twist-style, which is slower.

Good to know...not really worried about the speed thing. I didn't realize they were twist style! I thought they were clamp style from the photo.

Originally Posted by zona5101

I don't have any direct experience with either. Your head choice is going to have the greatest impact in addressing the limitations of your currect rig more so than the legs it seems. When doing my tripod search, I researched that head and though it certainly worthy. I guess my only "helpful" comment would be to get an extra plate (or 2) so when your're running you big glass you can mount your lens to the head for better balance & control.

Thanks for the tip on the extra plates! I went out shooting today (handheld) and realized how often I actually change my lenses! Having the lenses premounted on the plates will definitely be a plus!

Well. I've ordered both the tripod and the ballhead. They should be here Wednesday! I'll let you know what I think...

Thanks everyone! I appreciate your input!

[PhotogChic]

Just wanted to stop back and post a little ditty about the Induro tripod and the Manfrotto ball head.

First, I LOVE them! The tripod is solid. I'm trying to get used to the twist style leg locks...a little awkward when compared to the clamp style locks. I'm trying to make the best of it though! I didn't realize how tall this thing sits! I love that! It's got a fairly short extension with a twist style clamp for that and it's solid! It doesn't move even when only slightly tightened. The tripod also has a bubble level on it to help with adjustment which is needed with those darn twist legs!

The ballhead is just as awesome as the tripod! It took some muscle to get the pan lever loose but once it was I had no other problems. I tried out my Canon 7D with the 70-200mm IS lens and it didn't move! Even when I pushed the shutter release down pretty hard just to test it...didn't budge!

It's a great combo! If you're in the market for a new tripod setup...you can't go wrong with this grouping!

[digirebelva]

Lesson learned, buy the best you can afford the first time..its cheaper in the long run
I speak from experience on this