Tripod suggestions

[Doc W]

I have a Kodak Master 8x10 camera which weighs about 12 lbs/5.5 kg. My heaviest lens is at least a couple of pounds. The tripod I have now supports this weight but is itself very heavy and I can't really get very low to the ground with it. I am looking for a relatively inexpensive tripod that can hold that weight but is a little lighter and more versatile. Berlebach and Ries are wonderful, but out of my budget range.

 

[Alan Gales]

I have a Kodak Master 8x10 camera which weighs about 12 lbs/5.5 kg. My heaviest lens is at least a couple of pounds. The tripod I have now supports this weight but is itself very heavy and I can't really get very low to the ground with it. I am looking for a relatively inexpensive tripod that can hold that weight but is a little lighter and more versatile. Berlebach and Ries are wonderful, but out of my budget range.

I own two Ries tripods (A100 and J100) and have owned a Berlebach in the past. All three tripods were bought used on Ebay. I got great deals on all three but I was patient.

 

[JPJackson]

I have the same problem with a 12 lb Deardorff 5x7 and a Davis Sanford tripod. My wife bought the tripod listed below for me; not as elegant as a Ries but it is working well for me.

Sirui , TY70-2 Arca-Type Pro Quick Release Plate
Sirui , K-30x Ball Head
Sirui ,W-2004 Waterproof Aluminum Alloy Tripod

 

[jeffreyg]

Have you checked surveyor's tripods? You might find something at an engineering supply. Look on Amazon.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

 

[Alan9940]

I use a Dutch Hill P900 carbon fiber tripod with Gitzo 1570 head for my 8x10 'dorff and it's solid as a rock! Don't know how low to the ground it will go because I've never used it that way. Not a cheap combination, but waaaay lighter than my Ries A100 with head!

 

[Rick A]

I use an Induro AT313 leg set with an Induro PHT2 pan head. It's sturdy enough to handle my old 11x14 Century, still light enough to pack around with my 4x5 or 5x7. They are both now discontinued items(drat) legs are rated for just shy of 40 lbs, and the head rated for 33 lbs. I think Benro has their own version of it now, parts are interchangeable between the brands.

 

[StephenT]

Majestic. They are my favorite for large format.