Tripod for Hassy 501c

[kal800]

Hi,

I’m looking for tripod for my Hasselblad. I will use it mainly for long exposure - night photos, or anything requiring longer times than 1/30 sec. I do not do macro or close-up, and will use it outdoors, but I won’t carry it for long distances, so weight is not as much important. Now, beginning with a head - there are two choices depending on budget that I will have - Gitzo GHF3W or Manfrotto 405, and Manfrotto 410 vs Manfrotto 299. Could you advise which one could be better for me in both budget options? I tend to get Manfrotto 299 which looks the sturdiest among those I’m looking at, but perhaps geared mech is a game changer?

For legs - Manfrotto 055 is my choice for now. I think it is quite decent tradeoff of portability vs sturdiness for a not studio user.

Any other ideas/choices?

 

[logan2z]

I went with an RRS TFC-24L and a BH-40 ball head. The stuff is pricey but it's hard to argue with the quality. I've been enjoying using the setup with my 500CM.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I use the carbon fiber INDURO tripods which is just as good at the Gitzo and Manfrotto tripods but costs less.

 

[Pieter12]

Leophoto out of China makes a decent copy of the RRS products at a lot less than half the price, probably 75% as good. I use the 324 with an LH-40 ball head for a travel tripod with my medium format gear.

 

[guangong]

Since Hasselblad and lens is a pricey combo, I would get the strongest, most stable tripod that I can carry and afford. I use Gitzo and Tiltal that I have owned for years. Steadiness is most important when using long lenses. With Hassy a tripod helps even with short lenses.

 

[redrockcoulee]

I an happy with the 055 and the 229 head. I have two of them because one was free.

 

[Kodachromeguy]

I have an alternate idea. If you are in Poland, why not look for one of the beautiful Berlebach wood tripods? They were sold throughout the eastern block before 1989, and you may be able to find a used one at reasonable price. Long exposures, no vibration; that sounds like wood.

 

[Peter Schrager]

I use Slik tripods that cost about $125 comes with quick release head
also used form my 4x5 metal calumet
I've gotten lots of use out of mine....yes I said $125!!!
honestly ballheads SUCK....complete waste of time for serious photography

 

[kal800]

I have an alternate idea. If you are in Poland, why not look for one of the beautiful Berlebach wood tripods? They were sold throughout the eastern block before 1989, and you may be able to find a used one at reasonable price. Long exposures, no vibration; that sounds like wood.

Thanks for a suggestion, I think I’ll go for a brand new Berlebach Report with 405 manfrotto head...

 

[eli griggs]

Before you do buy, take a look at the older Getzo 'Giant' Performance legs in aluminum. rises to eight feet, legs are adjustable in spread, and built like a tank, while giving great performance.

I've used one of these and it is very like the mountain that came the man, solid, unshakable and the closest thing to set in stone you might wish for.

The first time I saw this model in action, was during a long, cold night of shooting that included several architectural exteriors, at full height, with a 4"x5" studio camera.

There was a stiff wind and it never moved once, even with that 'sail' of a camera on top.

In a truck bed, on top a station wagon or SUV platform, ie. plywood sheet, or just a good ladder, those birds eye view points you can no see, now, suddenly become accessible, and that is it's great advantage.

This is the model legs I will add to my select tripods, when able and, seriously, if you're no hiking, will give you the best service for the dollar, it's just that good.

IMO.