Tripod/ball for Arca Swiss Discovery

[trhull]

I am about to start using my first 4x5, but have yet to buy a tripod. Badger recommended a Gitzo 1325, but it seems very pricey. Are there any others
that are less expensive?

 

[resummerfield]

So much depends on personal preferences, such as where and how far from the vehicle you are shooting, how much you want to pack, etc. Gitzo is nice on a paved surface, but I’ve never been satisfied with their performance off trail. For the best stability, the feet need long spikes to sink deep into the ground. So my favorite is a wooden surveyor-type tripod with an Arca B2 head.

 

[Amund]

While the 1325 is expensive, it`s worth every penny, so if you can stretch your budget, buy it! And if you hang around here long enough, you will eventually end up with a larger camera anyway, and the 1325 handles a 8x10 without any problems

 

[Petzi]

I am about to start using my first 4x5, but have yet to buy a tripod. Badger recommended a Gitzo 1325, but it seems very pricey. Are there any others
that are less expensive?

A tripod is a tradeoff between weight, price and stability. You can't optimize all at the same time. The Gitzo is quite good for weight and stability, so if price is an issue, you might get something stable that is a bit heavier.

 

[harleygsb]

I have the 1325 with a RRS BH-55 for my Arca F-Line Classic. Great combo. Really love the ballhead and the tripod is excellent. I also have the aluminum 1320. The 1325 provides far better vibration dampening at a far lighter weight.

 

[jeroldharter]

I recently purchased a Berlebach two piece wooden tripod with the leveling center column along with an Acratech ball head with quick release plate. Very pleased with the combo and quite a bit cheaper than the Gitzo.

 

[p krentz]

You might try Ray Morgenweck at Star Camera Company, I recieved mine today and it is very stout and functional and I think nice looking, it is all wood except the hardware and only $165.00 plus shipping, it will hold my B&J which is 16 lbs plus Bogen 3039 Pro Head. Pat