What tripod to buy

Mats_A · Feb 18, 2011

I have an old SLIK aluminium tripod that I purchased more than 20 years ago. It's functioning but not very convenient. No quick release, no separate head, extension is by cumbersome screw locks etc etc.
Since my half century birthday is coming up this year I might consider trading up a bit.
I have been googling this and can honestly say that "I'm still confused, but at a higher level". Could this mighty blog brain please give me some advice on this.
My parameters are:

- price range < 600 ($800) including head
- should work with my (future) Mamiya RB
- should work with my (future) 4x5
- quick release

What should I choose. Wood, metal, carbon fiber? Ball head or 3 axis? Geared? Manufacturer?

Can I find a good tripod in my price range or must I pay more? I'm looking for one that will last me 20 years+.

Please advice.

r

Mats

Rick A · Feb 18, 2011

Dang, you can buy a heap-o-tripods for that much moolah. FWIW, I think I have the same model Slik tripod as you. Had mine for probably twenty-five years, my daughter thinks it's great. I think I'd go to a shop where I could put my hands on several different ones to make that decision.

Mats_A · Feb 18, 2011

ralnphot said:
Dang, you can buy a heap-o-tripods for that much moolah. FWIW, I think I have the same model Slik tripod as you. Had mine for probably twenty-five years, my daughter thinks it's great. I think I'd go to a shop where I could put my hands on several different ones to make that decision.

I hope so Rick. I have seen some tripods (on the net) that were more than $1400 + head!
I think it was an American "Really Right Stuff". If I can find a good one for less money I will be very,very happy. More money for film and cameras

Problem is, in my small burg, there is no really good camera shop available any more. They have a very tiny collection of tripods. Mostly intended for digi-snappers. So advice IS needed.

r

Mats

Ian Grant · Feb 18, 2011

My latest tripod a Slick was about 100 euro new, but it's light, small fits inside my backpack yet carries my 5x4's, it's marketed as Digital yet can carry a large HD Video camera (5-6 kg).

However that's my backup, it can be sneaked in where tripods aren't permitted

I wouldn't & haven't bought a new heavier weight tripod in over 30 years, instead I've watched carefully for good second hand models and had some real bargains, I keep tripods in the UK & Turkey because of weight restrictions when flying, but I've paid £50/60 euro or less for some superb tripods in that last 4 or 5 years. My favourite is a Manfrotto 074, it'll carry my 10x8 cameras as well, another is a Majestic.

My older Slik Prototype bought around 1980 and second-hand then is only just showing significant wear & tear and had very heavy use, and thats why I bought replacements.

As to heads, I don't like quick release as I had one fail dropping and splitting my Wista. I've ball head, pan tilt and 3 way, all have their advantages and disadvantages but I prefer the Pan & Tilt it's faster & easier.

Ian

degruyl · Feb 18, 2011

How big? I am a fan of the Induro tripods, and if you are going for 4x5 as your largest the 2xx series would work fine and dandy. Either aluminum or carbon, 3 or 4 sections I have three of these tripods in three sizes, my medium is brand new and and A214. It is not tiny, but not the monster that holds up my 8x10.

For heads, I'd decide whether I wanted a ball head, pan / tilt or geared. I like the acratech ultimate ballhead, but this is one of those personal issues. I'd be interested in a small geared head (mostly because it is easier to use with a field camera), but not interested in the manfrotto quick release.

jp498 · Feb 18, 2011

That's a pretty healthy budget that will get you lots of choices.

I'd probably get two.

Find a Leitz Tiltall for a small/medium tripod, and a bigger one. I have used the Leitz for everything up to and including 4x5 and it's <$100, but isn't a substitute for a big tripod for when you are using big lenses or need some mass. It is a step up from Slik. I use a survey tripod right now for a big tripod and I like it, but if you've got money to spend, it's not as nice as some of the options.

I can't personally recommend it as I havent bought it yet, but the berlebach with leveling ball looks pretty nice and are available in a variety of heights and have various quick release accessories for extra $. The next step up pricewise is a ries which I have used other peoples and they are good.

Mats_A · Feb 18, 2011

I must not be so good at googling as I thought. I figured a quality tripod was running into the 500+ range. I'm glad to be wrong. I would prefer to buy only one as I will keep the Slik also. So more advice is appreciated.

r

Mats

Jeff Kubach · Feb 18, 2011

Could you look up KEH or B&H?

Jeff

Mats_A · Feb 19, 2011

Jeff Kubach said:
Could you look up KEH or B&H?

Jeff

Yes I could, and I have. Problem is they are out to sell things, not giving advice.

r

Mats

Paul VanAudenhove · Feb 19, 2011

Mats

I have a couple of Manfrotto tripods that I like. My choice was mostly made for me - in the pre-internet days, that was what my favorite camera store carried. I would think you might be able to find a good used one fairly cheap, but shipping might be expensive.

I haven't found a head that I really like, but I haven't tried the high end gear like Wemberly, RRS or Kirk. If buying one new, the cost can easily exceed the cost of the tripod. I would suggest that, if you can, you try out the different kinds of heads available to see which kind you like - geared, pan and tilt or ball-head. Don't forget to look for quick release plates and brackets - those things can really add to the price.

Mats_A · Feb 19, 2011

Anyone got any experience with the wooden Berlebach tripods. They seem to be fairly popular. What are their drawbacks? Must be something or all tripods would be made of wood.

r

mats

John Koehrer · Feb 19, 2011

Mats_A said:
Yes I could, and I have. Problem is they are out to sell things, not giving advice.

Mats

Don't use them for advice just a price reference.

The berlebachs are popular for a reason, they are wood, absorb vibration better than most metal tripod, relatively light but comparable to metal, Skin won't freeze to them in the cold. And some have the leveling base that's a nice feature

But they aren't as compact in relation to maximum height. They may not have the low level capability like some metal tripods,.

Both types will take any 1/4" or 3/8" head.

I've got a Thallhammer that's very similar to the lighter Ries, each leg can be locked at any angle, so low level is simple and max height is somewhat compromised at 55-60"

Hikari · Feb 20, 2011

I have a carbon fiber tripod for my 6x6, 6x12, and 4x5 cameras. It is excellent--solid and easy to carry. I like ball heads for their compact profile. My 410 gear head is for special use, but much too heavy for general work IMHO. My metal tripods are just too heavy and offer no more stability.

Tripods are like women, only you know what is best for you. Hopefully, you do not have to go through so many before you get married to one.

Brian Legge · Feb 20, 2011

Okay, so you have a sense of the weight you want the tripod legs and head to hold. That will help filter down the options.

Next questions:
- How important to you is tripod weight? Do you see yourself hiking around with it or using it in more of a studio setting?
- How important is tripod size? Do you need something that collapses down to a small size? Do you want to fly with it as carry-on luggage?

The head may be tricky. I like ballheads but many prefer more traditional heads when using LF cameras. I haven't found a ballhead a problem with the Tachihara but there is a lot of personal preference involved.

If you haven't heard of them already, I'd suggest checking out Feisol as well. I'm really impressed with the legs. I also picked up a Photo Clam ballhead from reallybigcameras.com which works well for me. It supported both the Tachi and a Bronica SQ-A without problems (just be sure you get a good plate(s) to mount the camera on - I used the Wemberly plate meant for tripods on the Tachi which worked brilliantly).

2F/2F · Feb 20, 2011

Bogen 3051, used, is my suggestion. It is solid as hell and extremely quick to operate.

But whatever you get, make it used. These things are godawfully expensive new, and lose about 60 to 75 percent of their value the second the original owner walks out of the store with them. I got my 3036 like new with a 3047 head for $160 locally. I got my 3051 with 3047 head for $150 in worn but perfectly working shape. That is about $1,350 worth of tripod and head that I got for about $300 just by buying used and dealing with some preexisting cosmetic wear on one of the tripods.

Paul VanAudenhove · Feb 20, 2011

Great advice about buying used - especially considering the cost of buying new.

In case anyone doesn't know - Bogen tripods were made by Manfrotto. At the time, Bogen sold them in the US and sold them under the Bogen name.

Mats_A · Feb 20, 2011

Brian Legge said:
Okay, so you have a sense of the weight you want the tripod legs and head to hold. That will help filter down the options.

Next questions:
- How important to you is tripod weight? Do you see yourself hiking around with it or using it in more of a studio setting?
- How important is tripod size? Do you need something that collapses down to a small size? Do you want to fly with it as carry-on luggage?

The head may be tricky. I like ballheads but many prefer more traditional heads when using LF cameras. I haven't found a ballhead a problem with the Tachihara but there is a lot of personal preference involved.

If you haven't heard of them already, I'd suggest checking out Feisol as well. I'm really impressed with the legs. I also picked up a Photo Clam ballhead from reallybigcameras.com which works well for me. It supported both the Tachi and a Bronica SQ-A without problems (just be sure you get a good plate(s) to mount the camera on - I used the Wemberly plate meant for tripods on the Tachi which worked brilliantly).

Tripod weight is not critical. But of course of some issue. It will mainly be used outdoors.
The carry-on luggage point was a good one. Had not thought about that. I suppose a wooden Berlebach is a no-no as carry-on.

I will check ot the Feisol. Had not heard about them.

Greg Davis: Where/when do you need a 3 m high tripod

2F: I will try to find a used one but it seems to be hard at last here in Europe. Importing from overseas sort of defeats the whole idea.

Thanks for all your input.

r

mats

Mats_A · Feb 20, 2011

Greg Davis said:
Have you ever seen the photograph of Ansel Adams on his car platform? I can get just as high without the car. Sometimes you just need some extra height. Mostly I bought it for the strength and stability it offers with the 8x10 attached. It simply doesn't budge.

Yes I have seen that photograph. Great one. I can imagine the need for the camera being that high up but unless you carry a ladder around (or Ansels car) how do you use it :confused:

I think I will be satisfied with one extending max 2 m.

r

Mats

jovo · Feb 20, 2011

Here's another post in praise of the Feisol. I have the 3301, and I love it. I also have three Bogen/Manfrotto 'pods that have been reliable workhorses, but I love the lighter weight of the carbon fiber legs. I have a Bogen geared head (410, I think), a couple of pan/tilt heads (heavy, but bulletproof), and an Benro ball head that is just so-so. I've just bought a Manfrotto 268 ball head with QR from a fellow 'pugger and hope to use it with the 4x5. (Other cameras include a P67, and Mamiya C330.) Good luck.

Hikari · Feb 22, 2011

Greg, great photo. And don't dark cloths make great ear warmers.

sergiob · Feb 22, 2011

Give Induro tripods a try. I bought one and was pleasantly surprised for the great quality for a very reasonable price.

jeffreyg · Feb 22, 2011

One thing to keep in mind for your selection obviously is a sturdy tripod that will remain sturdy with the bellows fully extended. Also carry-on for air travel can be tricky if they measure the unextended length and hold you to it. A tripod bag from Domke covered by a jacket can usually work then place it in the overhead bin lengthwise. I use a Bogen 3036 with a 3047 head for most everything but for travel now I go with my Hasselblads and a Gitzo carbon fiber that is lighter and folds to acceptable carry on length.

http://www/jeffreyglasser.com/

Mats_A · Feb 22, 2011

Greg Davis said:
This is a picture of Alec Soth, but it shows the Manfrotto 161mk2 tripod with an 8x10 attached when the height is needed.

Wow! Great picture. The landscape looks a lot like my neighbourhood.

r

Mats

What tripod to buy

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