Tripod recommendations?

[What About Bob]

I have always carried around a metal Bogen beast since the mid 90s. I got my Bogen tripod when I was a student at Hallmark. Recently I purchased a lightweight ball head tripod so as to lighten the load. The specs for this new tripod state that the max load is 22 pounds / 10 kilograms. While I seem kind of OK with mounting the Rolleicord onto it I am not so sure about a Hasselblad with a 120mm lens with additions.

I am used to hearing and feeling that locking "click" sound that I get with my old Bogen when the base plate mates with the head. That camera is not going anywhere. With the new tripod there is only this one side winding knob that pushies into the plate to secure the camera. I don't feel like this is enough as far as support goes. I feel like I have to be close to this tripod in case of potential slippage.

This Wednesday all of my Hasselblad gear will be going in for a full service and CLA. I'm getting her done. If I am going through this process then I think it may be for the best to just stick to using the metal beast until I can get my hands on something that is like the Bogen but a little bit lighter and yet more secure.

So my question would be: what would be as good as a Bogen while at the same time being lighter and not as much of a burden to carry, ideally have a bag or case, able to support a Hasselblad with extras, and not be too expensive? i understand I may be looking at a few hundred at the least.

The stickers on the Bogen tripod are scratched off pretty much during the times but the head part is a #3047. This thing is built like a fricken tank and yet it can be miserable to lug around. I have some muscles and yet it doesn't take long to feel exhausted carrying this thing for an extended period of time. I walk miles every day. When I was a student the old Bogen supported a 4X5 view camera with no issue whatsoever. It has been banged around, fallen down the stairs, and has been through a lot and it is still breathing. These things are powerhouses!

Thanks for any recommendations anyone may have.

 

[Pieter12]

Is your issue with the tripod or the head? It sounds like you have an Arca-Swiss type of quick release. Unless the head is light-duty or it is a poorly-made copy, it should hold your Hasselblad and a 120 with no problem. I have used the RRS QR system (Arca-Swiss style) with a view camera.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I found that Induro Tripods are as strong the big name tripods and have parts that are interchangeable big name tripods at more economical prices.

 

[dave olson]

For several decades I lugged around a 3 series metal Gitzo. Probably one reason my shoulders are so bad. I have two heads, both are Gitzo I've had for years. Neither is a ball head. They are big pan/tilt variations, one a QR and the other a large non QR mounting platform. I was never happy with the ball heads I tried. I have been using a Gitzo a 2 series carbon fiber traveler tripod with both heads. I like the weight they place on the tripod for great stability. I shoot with a Hasselblad, the longest lens is the 150, I also use Canons with many L-series lenses.

 

[wiltw]

The specs for this new tripod state that the max load is 22 pounds / 10 kilograms.

The 'load' bearing capacity for tripods is a joke...there is no standard of test to prove any claim! This old ad by Bogen illustrates the farce that 'load capacity' truly is...

...do you know of any company that claims their tripod will support a person?!

I carried a Bogen 3221 aluminum for many years, but used with a Linhof Profi head, which was better locking than Manfrotto (I almost head camera+lens hit the ground from an inadvertant release of a Manfrotto without secondary safety lock). With an aging decline in the desire to carry as much weight, I switched to Gitzo carbonfivber after they developed their new (current) twistlock, as their old locks were a pain to use; I changed to RRS head with lever release, and have had zero remorse.

 

[Dan Daniel]

You are going to hear all sorts of things. So all I will do is tell you what I have been using for a decade or more now.

FEISOL Tournament Tripod CT-3442 Rapid

FEISOL Tournament Tripod CT-3442 Rapid

www.feisol.net

It's a tripod. The legs lock. It is light. It has interchangeable center plates with assorted options. The camera stays where I want.

For heads, I did have a ball head for a while. Markins. Never got a a handle on it (ha, get it??.. just wait!) but considering how many people like ball heads, I assume I was missing some key factors in making it work.

My head now-

X-PRO 3-Way tripod head with retractable levers

The compact solution for more precise, reliable shooting. The innovative X-PRO 3-Way Head enables photographers to create outstanding images in the moment. With friction controls on the tilt and portrait axes you can fine-tune your composition to frame and shoot as accurately as possible. Keep...

www.manfrotto.com

Now I can get a handle on using this one! Anyway, the handles do push in and it becomes fairly compact. Sturdy. I like three-way levers like this. The motions have a 'clutch' on them so you can create drag as a default and then tighten down as needed. I use mine with an Arca plate adapter in the quick release because I use them in other places, but sounds as if you'd like the click of a Manfrotto plate.

Well, lots of good tripods and good heads out there. Good luck.

 

[DREW WILEY]

Ball heads can be the root of all evil when is comes to unstable setups with long lenses. But 120mm isn't so bad. Newer half-ball leveling options make way more sense. They take advantage of a scooped out portion of the platform top itself. Feisol has a couple tripod models compatible with their own version of that.

I have the Feisol tripod Dan just linked. It's rigid enough to support my 8x10 or Pentax 6x7 with even a big 300 mm lens on it. It's overkill for a basic Hassie or 4x5, but might make sense if you ever scale up to long lens MF work. Way lighter than the ole Bogen.

 

[Disconnekt]

Leofoto has a pretty good wide range of tripods & tripod heads on their site (here: https://leofotousa.com/).

They're currently having a promotion this month of 20% off (except for their new "X" version of tripods)

 

[What About Bob]

Is your issue with the tripod or the head? It sounds like you have an Arca-Swiss type of quick release. Unless the head is light-duty or it is a poorly-made copy, it should hold your Hasselblad and a 120 with no problem. I have used the RRS QR system (Arca-Swiss style) with a view camera.

Not much with the head part but more to do with the way of securing the plate to the head. There is one screw knob on the side and for some reason it doesn't give me a feeling of true security. When my Bogen locks you know it locks. That gives me more confidence that the camera will not come undone. With this new tripod I do not get that same feeling of security.

The camera plate for this new tripod is a small rectangular plate with a flip-turn key underneath. Bogen one is a hexagon, grey with a padding layer on top of it.

Update: I see that name Arca Swiss mentioned. When I looked back at the tripod I bought. I got one of those K&F Concept tripods.

 

[What About Bob]

I found that Induro Tripods are as strong the big name tripods and have parts that are interchangeable big name tripods at more economical prices.

At first I thought Benro was a typo: I remember the name Benbo. I will check these out.

Thanks Sirius.

 

[DREW WILEY]

You get a simple, relatively thin adapter that fits any tripod, and accepts your old Bogen/Manfrotto hex plate.

 

[What About Bob]

For several decades I lugged around a 3 series metal Gitzo. Probably one reason my shoulders are so bad. I have two heads, both are Gitzo I've had for years. Neither is a ball head. They are big pan/tilt variations, one a QR and the other a large non QR mounting platform. I was never happy with the ball heads I tried. I have been using a Gitzo a 2 series carbon fiber traveler tripod with both heads. I like the weight they place on the tripod for great stability. I shoot with a Hasselblad, the longest lens is the 150, I also use Canons with many L-series lenses.

The old Bogen is a pan-tilt type. This new tripod is the first ball head one I ever used. I like the movement of a ball head but this one seems a little; shall I say "fragile".

 

[What About Bob]

The 'load' bearing capacity for tripods is a joke...there is no standard of test to prove any claim! This old ad by Bogen illustrates the farce that 'load capacity' truly is...

...do you know of any company that claims their tripod will support a person?!

I carried a Bogen 3221 aluminum for many years, but used with a Linhof Profi head, which was better locking than Manfrotto (I almost head camera+lens hit the ground from an inadvertant release of a Manfrotto without secondary safety lock). With an aging decline in the desire to carry as much weight, I switched to Gitzo carbonfivber after they developed their new (current) twistlock, as their old locks were a pain to use; I changed to RRS head with lever release, and have had zero remorse.

If that guy above wore a hard hat he would be the guy from that old Krazy glue commercial, hanging from a beam, with his tripods and all, lol.

Being bogged down removes the focus and fun out of photography. Few of my friends say to me: "Well you go to the gym and work out" You should be used to this by now." They don't get it. It isn't the weight that is as much of the issue as it is the "time with the weight" that takes its toll. Even with very little weight; it's no big deal at first but try holding onto it and walk for about 10 miles. 10 pounds can feel like 100. You can only hold on for just so long.

 

[Pieter12]

Not much with the head part but more to do with the way of securing the plate to the head. There is one screw knob on the side and for some reason it doesn't give me a feeling of true security. When my Bogen locks you know it locks. That gives me more confidence that the camera will not come undone. With this new tripod I do not get that same feeling of security.

The camera plate for this new tripod is a small rectangular plate with a flip-turn key underneath. Bogen one is a hexagon, grey with a padding layer on top of it.

Update: I see that name Arca Swiss mentioned. When I looked back at the tripod I bought. I got one of those K&F Concept tripods.

Looking at the tripod online, I see no problem with it if it is well-made with decent materials. It is an inexpensive tripod, though, and that could lead to corners being cut. But the mounting plate is an Arca Swiss type (a proven and trusted mounting method) and should be sturdy enough for any camera that the ballhead can handle. Just make sure the knob is tight after mounting the camera to the head. I would be more concerned with the ballhead slipping with a heavy or unbalanced load.

 

[What About Bob]

I got the K&F Concept 78 inch Camera Tripod for DSLR Compact Aluminum Tripod with 360 Degree Ball Head and 10KG Load for Travel and Work K234A7+BH-28L (S210)

 

[Pieter12]

I got the K&F Concept 78 inch Camera Tripod for DSLR Compact Aluminum Tripod with 360 Degree Ball Head and 10KG Load for Travel and Work K234A7+BH-28L (S210)

Don't worry about the mounting system. I personally wouldn't put a medium-format camera on that tripod.

 

[What About Bob]

Thanks Sirius, Dan, Dave, wiltw, disconnekt, Drew and Pieter12 for the links, suggestions and advice.

Many solid ones out there.

 

[What About Bob]

Don't worry about the mounting system. I personally wouldn't put a medium-format camera on that tripod.

Now that I see the word "DSLR"; maybe this tripod was meant for a compact DSLR? A camera that has just a little bit of weight and either takes a fixed lens, normal lens or a lens that doesn't have as much heft to it and with no extra extensions attached to the camera. I will still keep it. Maybe I can use it someday with my K1000.

 

[Pieter12]

A good source for information and some reviews: https://thecentercolumn.com

 

[What About Bob]

A good source for information and some reviews: https://thecentercolumn.com

I'm reading the weight ratings section. This is a real eye opener

Thanks Pieter12

 

[Eff64]

This Wednesday all of my Hasselblad gear will be going in for a full service and CLA. I'm getting her done. If I am going through this process then I think it may be for the best to just stick to using the metal beast until I can get my hands on something that is like the Bogen but a little bit lighter and yet more secure.

I know this is OT-hopefully I’m forgiven-but who are you using for Hasselblad service?

 

[DREW WILEY]

The Center Column describes the issues realistically, rather than the usual "weight rating" marketing BS. It's just like ladders. A static weight rating of so and so many pounds before something collapses has little to do with torsion, flex, stability, and reliability. You also have to take into account torque vectors associated with lens or bellows length in relation to mass.

Whenever in doubt, ask to do a mock setup at the camera store; or if internet ordering, request return privileges if it doesn't work out. I look at what most people think is acceptable, and at a mere touch, things wobble. Our local camera store has a huge tripod and head selection; and every one of those items looks like a useless toy to me.

And how well does the tripod material absorb vibration? Whenever possible, I use my old Ries wooden tripods. Of course, for something like backpacking or airline travel, carbon fiber makes more sense. But then you need to make sure the unit has enough bully mass to resist wind gusts or spongy ground, etc.

 

[What About Bob]

I know this is OT-hopefully I’m forgiven-but who are you using for Hasselblad service?

Barn Owl Cameras, in Massachusetts.

Barn Owl Cameras – Film Camera Repair and services. Specializing in Rolleiflex and Hasselblad

box5760.temp.domains

 

[What About Bob]

Of course, for something like backpacking or airline travel, carbon fiber makes more sense. But then you need to make sure the unit has enough bully mass to resist wind gusts or spongy ground, etc.

Do carbon fiber tripods have a hook for supporting minor weights? I see that the K&F one I have has a hook underneath. I have no idea how much weight it could sustain.

 

[DREW WILEY]

Some have that option. Or it's fairly easy to add your own. Some people bring along a mesh bag to put rocks in, to increase overall support weight.