Recommend a Good Tripod?

brofkand · Jul 24, 2009

Can anyone recommend a good but reasonably inexpensive tripod? I am looking to spend less than $200, but want a good tripod that is sturdy and somewhat lightweight? What is the best material in this price range?

It needs to be able to hold up a Nikon digital SLR, a Nikon FG, and a Mamiya m645 1000s.

All of those cameras won't have huge zoom lenses, so I'd say the heaviest product is the Mamiya, which is probably around 4-5 pounds.

Thanks!

jovo · Jul 24, 2009

Check out the Feisol carbon fiber tripods that are offered by an APUG sponsor (Really Big Cameras). The CT 3301 is $215, and is a steal at that price. I have that particular pod and love it. It's more than suitable for my P67 or Shen Hao 4x5, and will be just excellent for the cameras you mention. You just can't find a carbon fiber 'pod for that little that's as good as the Feisol.

archphoto · Jul 24, 2009

I use the Manfrotto 055 XDB tripod with 804RCII head.
It holds any camera from a DSLR upto a Mamiya RB67 and is made of aluminium, sturdy and easy to carry and is within your budget.

Peter

Mark Fisher · Jul 24, 2009

jovo said:
Check out the Feisol carbon fiber tripods that are offered by an APUG sponsor (Really Big Cameras). The CT 3301 is $215, and is a steal at that price. I have that particular pod and love it. It's more than suitable for my P67 or Shen Hao 4x5, and will be just excellent for the cameras you mention. You just can't find a carbon fiber 'pod for that little that's as good as the Feisol.

I wholeheartedly second that! I love mine.

vics · Jul 24, 2009

The lighter the camera, the heavier the tripod should be. for 35mm and MF cameras I use the Manfrotto/Bogen 3021pro. I have the 3262QR ball head. I have to admit that I don't like the head much, as it has caused me to drop a couple of cameras. The tripod is great, though. It's NOT light weight.
Vic

frdrx · Jul 24, 2009

Mark Fisher said:
I wholeheartedly second that! I love mine.

So do I.

Sirius Glass · Jul 24, 2009

Yes,

I can.

Pick out what you like that Adorama sells.

Then look for that model in their eBay store.

If you snipe, you will get it for a song.

Steve

cmo · Jul 25, 2009

There is an interesting site for any question about "a good, stable tripod, that is not heavy but cheap". Forgive me, it's in german language:

http://www.stativfreak.de/

There you can see practically all tripods available. These guys try and compare all tripods, and they know a lot about this matter.

The all-time favourite is this one, made of canadian ash tree:

http://www.stativfreak.de/GALERIES/3BEIN/BERLEBACH/REPORT3032/3_berlebach_3032_01_jl.htm

Short translation (sorry for my style, I am not a native english speaker):
"It looks heavier and bulkier than it is. It is the most stable tripod we ever used. It has less vibration and is even sturdier than our favourite Gitzo G1348. It is not the lightest and shortest tripod available, but it's worth taking it along. As the levelling facility is built in an extra ballhead is not necessary. We use it in conjunction with a Novoflex quick-release unit that includes a panorama plate....
...
All things considered, at this price (around 200 Euro) there is nothing better in regards of vibration dampening and stability."

They make more than 150 different versions, all sizes, types. colours, and you often find them cheap in slightly used condition on auctions. They last a lifetime, buying a used one is quite a safe bet. I have a similar one without the built-in ball and use it with a Manfrotto gear head and, sometimes, with an ancient 2-way tilt head.

Michel Hardy-Vallée · Jul 26, 2009

Given that a tripod is a rather big piece of equipment, and something unwieldy to pack and ship, I would recommend to stick to any decent brand your best and closest photo store has. It will allow you to get a feel of how the tripod handles as well.

That will usually be Manfrotto/Bogen, but there could be other brands as well. The 055 is perhaps the standard tripod for most things below LF, and with interchangeable heads, you gain versatility. Pieces are easy to get, easy to repair and reliable.

Stay away from anything that does not have interchangeable heads. Most of the time (the old Tiltalls being notable exceptions), it's flimsier tripods for the amateur that can't/won't shell the extra 100$ to get sturdy stuff that lasts a lifetime.

removed account4 · Jul 26, 2009

a good old tiltall.
about 100$ (or less!) and it will work just fine.
i use mine with 35mm up to 4x5 ... bought in 1988 ...
( speed, graflex slr and formerly a graphic view II ) ...

brofkand · Jul 28, 2009

The tiltall looks nice. It has good reviews, and they say they'll last forever.

Jim Jones · Jul 29, 2009

My current Tiltall (branded Star-D) was bought second-hand 36 years ago and is still the favorite of my several tripods. It handles long lenses on 35mm and heavy 4x5 cameras with ease. Tiltalls made overseas have recently been available. I don't know if they have the great durability and reliability of the originals.

WRSchmalfuss · Jul 29, 2009

Tripod

If you want a real vibration free tripod, there are the famous wooden tripod's from BERLEBACH/Germany!

Recommend a Good Tripod?

brofkand

jovo

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archphoto

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