Sturdy Lightweight Tripod for RZ

[akcatl]

Hello! I recently got myself a Mamiya RZ67, but the tripod I bought for my A7II isn't strong enough to hold it. It's rated for 20 lbs, but I've since learned that that's almost a meaningless metric. I'm a little overwhelmed with the options out there, so I'm hoping narrowing my search to this forum will net me some good options. I'm hoping for something relatively lightweight (under 5lbs if possible), with a ball head. I'd also love advice on whether or not I should get a different head to use with the RZ than what I use for my mirrorless. Thanks in advance for your wisdom!

ETA: Budget is up to $500, but I'd really prefer to keep it below that if possible, but perhaps that's too big an ask.

 

[film_man]

There are countless options depending on your budget. I use a Gitzo 3 series explorer with an ArcaSwiss P0 Hybrid for everything, from my Leica to the 4x5 and it is great. Lots of money though.

 

[akcatl]

There are countless options depending on your budget. I use a Gitzo 3 series explorer with an ArcaSwiss P0 Hybrid for everything, from my Leica to the 4x5 and it is great. Lots of money though.

Ah, good point -- I've updated the post with my preferred budget. Thanks for the rec!

 

[Dennis-B]

About a week ago, I ordered an Induro CT-303 CF from B&H, and total cost ran to just about $500. It's advertised as supporting up to 44lbs. I already had a couple of heads I can use, including a Manfrotto ball head (055), and a Manfrotto MXHPRO-3W. I've pretty much opted for the Manfrotto 3-way, because its lightweight, and will support most anything, including my 4x5's.

The upper legs on the Induro are 33mm+, and the kit includes a second, short column, and spike feet option. Rig weighs in @ 6.1# (including Arca Swiss receiver and plate). I've tried it with my Linhof Technika III, and it seems rock solid. I also used it for my D850/70-200f2.8 and the images have been sharp with the VR turned off, in a brisk wind. I offloaded several Manfrotto/Bogen, and Gitzo aluminum tripods, and I only have CF in Manfrotto, Gitzo, and Induro remaining.

 

[grat]

I bought a set of Slik AL-523 legs (~3.8 pounds / 1.7kg) and an Innorel N52 ball head. At the time, the combination cost me just under $200. The legs are rated for 6kg, and that seems to be accurate for a stable load. The ballhead is rated for 30kg, which seems to be totally unreasonable. But it does work well up to around 5-6kg.

I use it with all my cameras-- 4x5, Graflexes, Fuji GX680, as well as the smaller ones.