Les says I need a 'real' tripod :(

[jovo]

Bogen 3021 with 3047 head. .....I think it would qualify as a "real" tripod.

Yup...same set up. I use it for my P67 and for my Omega View 4x5 and it's damn near bulletproof. The only change I would make, if I had the bucks, would be a Manfrotto (Bogen) geared head (the smaller of the two they sell...the 410 I think it is) on the same legs for the 4x5.

 

[blaze-on]

Wow...tough words to take..kinda like those that tell me I need a new girlfriend.

I'm quite happy with my imaginary one for now thank you very much.

• Consider best for budget

• Consider Future needs

• Consider portability and function

• Take your gear down to a store and try the various models, and..

• Consider Future needs

 

[jeroldharter]

I have used a Bogen 3021 with various heads for years and it is OK.

I just bought a Berlebach with 2-piece legs and a leveling center post along with an Acratech ball head with quick release plate. I use it with a Toyo field camera and a Pentax 67 system. Could not be happier for the money.

Of course you could sell your car and buy a Gitzo carbon fiber and an Arca ball head.

 

[BWGirl]

Thanks so much, everyone!! These are great suggestions! I am making a spreadsheet of all these makes & models! I have looked at the Manfrotto 055 fiber one with 3 sections, and looked at the comparable Gitzo (but my husband had to close my laptop so I would resume breathing). haha

I'd never really thought about a wooden tripod... I'll have to look at that.

 

[Dan Henderson]

Jeannette: I used a couple of different models of Bogen the last few years, the last one being a 3221 with their pistol grip head. I used the excuse of unsharp images to justify the purchase of a Gitzo 1325 and a Kirk BH1 ballhead. Yeah, I dropped close to $1k on the combo, but its rock solid, light to carry, and should be the last tripod/head I ever buy.

 

[photomc]

Hi Jeanette, well I could tell you all kinds of tells...but what the gear sits on most of the time (35mm up to the 8x10 Korona) is the same Bogen 3021, with 3047 head. Have just started using a wooden Berlebach - older version, and I (blush) had to learn to tune it up (not sure why I figured it was made that way ) Anyhow, the legs are only one part of the story, the head is the other.

If you are happy with what you have and just need to put more solid legs under it, I would go with the 3021 (or 3221 if you like all black). DO pick up something to help you carry it, sling, carry handle (see web site or pick up a catalogue). IIRC you do trek out a bit for those waterfall shots, so a carbon (gasp the $$) might be a good idea, or look at one of the smaller wooden Berlebachs (Matt was using one at the workshop I bet). Good luck..and let us know which one found a new home

 

[MurrayMinchin]

Hi Jeanette, I have a woodie (Zone VI for 4x5) and I couldn't be happier

Mine came with cheap plastic knobs on the legs which were replaced with metal wing nuts. It took me a while to remember to loosen the knobs when hiking and camping in the rain, and the wood would swell...the only thing that would loosen them was bashing 'em with a rock. I also had to replace the wooden top plate with an aluminum one after the original delaminated...apparently it wasn't made to withstand being lashed to the deck of a sea kayak for six months.

Woodies may need more tender loving care, but this one has lasted over twenty years of hard use and will never meet the metal ones I've owned which rest on the bottom of the river...that's where they got thrown after letting me down one too many times.

Murray

 

[John Koehrer]

BWgirl
I also liked the 3021, just didn't like the 3047 head so got the 410 gear head.
Now I use a Gitzo 1341 leg set with the 410 head.

 

[FrankB]

Hi Jeanette,

Just another tuppence worth; It might be worth seeing if you can find somewhere where you can actually handle the 'pods before you make a selection.

I was all set to buy a Benbo, until I handled one in a shop and instantly hated it! (I'm sure they are as great as some people say, but I never had an urge to play the bagpipes and just didn't get on with it!). After handling a Manfrotto I went with that and it's worked out okay.

I thought the Gitzo Explorer was way overpriced... ...until I found one in a branch of Calumet's. Actually, I'm quite glad I didn't handle that until after I'd bought the Manfrotto...!