Which Tripod?

[JamesM]

One thing which I don't seen discussed enough is Tripod usage...yet it is one of the most important accessories necessary to a camera. I want to keep my purchase to under 400 bucks (head and all).

What do most people use? What would you prefer? In the spirit of inclusion, pros and non-pros are available to answer this message - as this forum is NOT what it used to be you know...heh. HOWEVER, if you are a non-pro, maybe you should consider identifying yourself as such. Got help me if we have an enthusiast (OH NO) posting.....right Mr Collins?

-JM

PS Sorry for the sarcasm in this post. It started off as such a good post...and then I got away from myself. Not an easy task to do, you konw.

 

[Rob Bergh]

Hey James,

In the spirit of full disclosure, I am a NBCCHE (Non-Bill Collins Certified Hack Enthusiast) who by definition has nothing of value to contibute. But in my worthless, insignificant, Non-Professional experience:

I love my Bogen (Manfrotto) 3221W (Wilderness) tripod. It is rugged, smooth and an absolute pleasure to use. I can't think of too many other products I own which give as much trouble free service. It supports the rather substantial weight of my D1 and 80-200 lens without vibration or wobble, and locks solidly into place. Two of the features I particularly like are the padded legs and the black finish (good for stealth nature photos). One thing I do miss, however, is a crank for height adjustments (I don't miss the handle sticking out and getting in the way, though). Overall, it is a GREAT piece of equipment. I can't see ever needing another tripod!

I bought two heads with it. The one I have been using most often is the 3265 pistol grip ball head. It is extremely quick, and the one I prefer for outdoor and nature photography. The other head is the 3030 pan/tilt model. I like it for the majority of studio work becuase of its smoothness and precision. Both of the heads have the same substantial, rock-solid quick release plate.

B&H has the 3221W tripod with the 3030 head for $177.95

http://www02.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___393___137142___BO3221W3030___REG___SID=E199F144970

or with the 3265 head for $194.50

http://www02.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___392___152741___BO3221W3265___REG___SID=E199F144970

The 3265 head can be purchased separately for $65.95

http://www02.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___140___5558___BO3265___REG___SID=E199F144970

or the 3030 for $48.50

http://www02.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___106___5263___BO3030___REG___SID=E199F144970

I've been delighted with all of this equipment - it has worked flawlessly for me. However, I caution you! I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL (although I do play one on TV). You'd be well advised to disregard everything I've said here, and wait for a bona fide BCCP to give you the straight scoop

Best of luck,

Rob Bergh

 

[stanton]

Geez.... Now I'm afraid to disclose that I'm a full time pro... Be that as it may, I've been using the Bogen 3220 (same as Rob's only in silver) since 1983. Still going great the tripod, not so much the photographer ). He's right about that pistol grip head. I own a bunch of different heads, but being able to completely set all the axiis with one movement is such a convenience. This tripod also comes in a cool looking army/camo green. Under $200 this is certainly a best buy.

Good luck,
Stanton

Hey James,

In the spirit of full disclosure, I am a NBCCHE (Non-Bill Collins
Certified Hack Enthusiast) who by definition has nothing of value to
contibute. But in my worthless, insignificant, Non-Professional
experience:

I love my Bogen (Manfrotto) 3221W (Wilderness) tripod. It is rugged,
smooth and an absolute pleasure to use. I can't think of too many other
products I own which give as much trouble free service. It supports the
rather substantial weight of my D1 and 80-200 lens without vibration or
wobble, and locks solidly into place. Two of the features I particularly
like are the padded legs and the black finish (good for stealth nature
photos). One thing I do miss, however, is a crank for height adjustments
(I don't miss the handle sticking out and getting in the way, though).
Overall, it is a GREAT piece of equipment. I can't see ever needing
another tripod!

I bought two heads with it. The one I have been using most often is the
3265 pistol grip ball head. It is extremely quick, and the one I prefer
for outdoor and nature photography. The other head is the 3030 pan/tilt
model. I like it for the majority of studio work becuase of its
smoothness and precision. Both of the heads have the same substantial,
rock-solid quick release plate.

B&H has the 3221W tripod with the 3030 head for $177.95

I've been delighted with all of this equipment - it has worked
flawlessly for me. However, I caution you! I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL
(although I do play one on TV). You'd be well advised to disregard
everything I've said here, and wait for a bona fide BCCP to give you the
straight scoop

Best of luck,

Rob Bergh

 

[Daniel Lauring]

Bogen's are absolutely bulletproof...and amazingly inexpensive considering how well they are made. I've got a 3021s with the same 3030 pan and tilt head. I like it because it does triple duty with my Canon GL-1 and my Celestron 80mm short tube telescope.

For more versatility...and slightly more setup hassle, I use a Uni-Loc system 1700. Same concept as the Benbo's but with an added twist. That tripod can get me where I want to be in almost any situation you can imagine. This is the tripod for macro (except you might want one of their heavier models depending on how much you need to hang off it.)

http://www.pro4.com/unilochistory.cfm

If you can afford it I'd recommend a ballhead over a panhead. They are just so much faster. I like the Gitzo's because they have the ball, plus the tilt and pan...very nice. I've never cared for Bogen's ball heads...too imprecise.

http://www.adorama.net/details.tpl?cart=968047081122854&sku=GZ1275M&disp_main-category=Tripod&disp_category=Heads&disp_Sub-Category=Ball%20Heads

For times I really need to travel light I carry a SLIK U9000 with me. Compared to the Bogen it feels like a cheap toy but it is serviceable...just don't lean on it too much.

Good luck,
Stanton

Hey James,

In the spirit of full disclosure, I am a NBCCHE (Non-Bill Collins
Certified Hack Enthusiast) who by definition has nothing of value to
contibute. But in my worthless, insignificant, Non-Professional
experience:

I love my Bogen (Manfrotto) 3221W (Wilderness) tripod. It is rugged,
smooth and an absolute pleasure to use. I can't think of too many other
products I own which give as much trouble free service. It supports the
rather substantial weight of my D1 and 80-200 lens without vibration or
wobble, and locks solidly into place. Two of the features I particularly
like are the padded legs and the black finish (good for stealth nature
photos). One thing I do miss, however, is a crank for height adjustments
(I don't miss the handle sticking out and getting in the way, though).
Overall, it is a GREAT piece of equipment. I can't see ever needing
another tripod!

I bought two heads with it. The one I have been using most often is the
3265 pistol grip ball head. It is extremely quick, and the one I prefer
for outdoor and nature photography. The other head is the 3030 pan/tilt
model. I like it for the majority of studio work becuase of its
smoothness and precision. Both of the heads have the same substantial,
rock-solid quick release plate.

B&H has the 3221W tripod with the 3030 head for $177.95

I've been delighted with all of this equipment - it has worked
flawlessly for me. However, I caution you! I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL
(although I do play one on TV). You'd be well advised to disregard
everything I've said here, and wait for a bona fide BCCP to give you the
straight scoop

Best of luck,

Rob Bergh

 

[Neil Turner]

I have got both Manfrotto (re-badged Bogen in the USA) and Gitzo.
The Manfrotto is light (ish) stable and versatile. Mine is the 055 model
although I disagree about heads. I prefer to be able to lock each of
pan and tilt movements independently. My Gitzo is a pain, the twist
lock is difficult to use and thee whole thing weighs a ton. Do we
really have to state our occupations on each post? OK - "full time
willing to share with anyone photojournalist" (FTWTSWAP).

Neil.

 

[Rob Bergh]

Hi Stanton,

I JUST saw on B&H's website the green pistol grip head!! I didn't know that the tripod came in drab green, that's neat! I probably would have been tempted by this color had I known....

Gee, guess we CAN learn something from the Full-Timers!!

Rob

 

[Rich Shelton]

A agree 100%. The Bogen 3201/3221 are tough to beat for the money. I use it with a heavy large format camera as well as my Nikon 80-200/f 2.8 lens. But...My original 3262QR head died (lost lock). The QR, BTW, stands for the "quick release" option which I highly recommend. Buy a few spare QR plates ($7 each) for different camera bodies and lens tripod collars.

I replaced my 3262 head with a somewhat heavier "pro series" Bogen 468RC. This head was $170 and is a dream. It has a larger ball which is very adjustable for tension, and adds a separate horizontal pan (handy for panoramic series). Smooth as silk... Hope this helps!

Rich Shelton
http://www.sheltons.net/rich.htm

Hey James,

:

I love my Bogen (Manfrotto) 3221W (Wilderness) tripod. It is rugged,
smooth and an absolute pleasure to use. I can't think of too many other
products I own which give as much trouble free service. It supports the
rather substantial weight of my D1 and 80-200 lens without vibration or
wobble, and locks solidly into place. Two of the features I particularly
like are the padded legs and the black finish (good for stealth nature
photos). One thing I do miss, however, is a crank for height adjustments
(I don't miss the handle sticking out and getting in the way, though).
Overall, it is a GREAT piece of equipment. I can't see ever needing
another tripod!

I bought two heads with it. The one I have been using most often is the
3265 pistol grip ball head. It is extremely quick, and the one I prefer
for outdoor and nature photography. The other head is the 3030 pan/tilt
model. I like it for the majority of studio work becuase of its
smoothness and precision. Both of the heads have the same substantial,
rock-solid quick release plate.

B&H has the 3221W tripod with the 3030 head for $177.95

http://www02.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___393___137142___BO3221W3030___REG___SID=E199F144970

or with the 3265 head for $194.50

http://www02.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___392___152741___BO3221W3265___REG___SID=E199F144970

The 3265 head can be purchased separately for $65.95

http://www02.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___140___5558___BO3265___REG___SID=E199F144970

or the 3030 for $48.50

http://www02.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___106___5263___BO3030___REG___SID=E199F144970

I've been delighted with all of this equipment - it has worked
flawlessly for me. However, I caution you! I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL
(although I do play one on TV). You'd be well advised to disregard
everything I've said here, and wait for a bona fide BCCP to give you the
straight scoop

Best of luck,

Rob Bergh

 

[Daniel Lauring]

The older Gitzo's were very heavy. They've gone to magnesium (M designation after the model number) which has helped considerably. What head do you like?

I have got both Manfrotto (re-badged Bogen in the USA) and Gitzo.
The Manfrotto is light (ish) stable and versatile. Mine is the 055 model
although I disagree about heads. I prefer to be able to lock each of
pan and tilt movements independently. My Gitzo is a pain, the twist
lock is difficult to use and thee whole thing weighs a ton. Do we
really have to state our occupations on each post? OK - "full time
willing to share with anyone photojournalist" (FTWTSWAP).

Neil.

 

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

OK, professional engineer/amateur photographer warning goes here!

I like the Bogen/Manfrotto line, myself. The mechanical engineer part of me likes the design and construction. Built very well, plus if you did booger up something, you can easily replace just that part.

In my case, I bought the 3041B. It's sturdy enough for the D1 plus AFS 80-200 or AFS 300 lenses. I particularly like the feature on this model where the center support tube can me removed and mounted horizontally. If I ever need to take a vertical shot, I'll be able to.

I put the 3047 3-axis head on it. That gives me independent axis control, two levels for setting it, and the quick-release plates.

The real beauty is that this is a system so you can mix and match tripods and heads to get exactly what you want!

Stan

One thing which I don't seen discussed enough is Tripod usage...yet it
is one of the most important accessories necessary to a camera. I want
to keep my purchase to under 400 bucks (head and all).

What do most people use? What would you prefer? In the spirit of
inclusion, pros and non-pros are available to answer this message - as
this forum is NOT what it used to be you know...heh. HOWEVER, if you
are a non-pro, maybe you should consider identifying yourself as such.
Got help me if we have an enthusiast (OH NO) posting.....right Mr
Collins?

-JM

PS Sorry for the sarcasm in this post. It started off as such a good
post...and then I got away from myself. Not an easy task to do, you
konw.

 

[JamesM]

Also, I am looking for something I can travel with and pack in a suit case - yet extend long enough (same 4 feet) that I can use it as a tool.

-JM

WIll the Bogens do this?

I have got both Manfrotto (re-badged Bogen in the USA) and Gitzo.
The Manfrotto is light (ish) stable and versatile. Mine is the 055 model
although I disagree about heads. I prefer to be able to lock each of
pan and tilt movements independently. My Gitzo is a pain, the twist
lock is difficult to use and thee whole thing weighs a ton. Do we
really have to state our occupations on each post? OK - "full time
willing to share with anyone photojournalist" (FTWTSWAP).

Neil.

 

[Daniel Lauring]

My Bogen 3021s (s for short) will fit in a suitcase or backpack. The minus is that it isn't very tall without extending the center section. Extended center sections are never as steady as longer legs. There is a 4 tubed leg version of the Uni-loc designed especially to be shorter. I have no experience with it.

-JM

WIll the Bogens do this?

I have got both Manfrotto (re-badged Bogen in the USA) and Gitzo.
The Manfrotto is light (ish) stable and versatile. Mine is the 055 model
although I disagree about heads. I prefer to be able to lock each of
pan and tilt movements independently. My Gitzo is a pain, the twist
lock is difficult to use and thee whole thing weighs a ton. Do we
really have to state our occupations on each post? OK - "full time
willing to share with anyone photojournalist" (FTWTSWAP).

Neil.

 

[Daniel Lauring]

Its about 18 inches long from head mount to the end of the legs, folded. It extends to about 3 feet and then there is another 15 inches or so of center tube length.

-JM

WIll the Bogens do this?

I have got both Manfrotto (re-badged Bogen in the USA) and Gitzo.
The Manfrotto is light (ish) stable and versatile. Mine is the 055 model
although I disagree about heads. I prefer to be able to lock each of
pan and tilt movements independently. My Gitzo is a pain, the twist
lock is difficult to use and thee whole thing weighs a ton. Do we
really have to state our occupations on each post? OK - "full time
willing to share with anyone photojournalist" (FTWTSWAP).

Neil.

 

[Rocco20309]

I have used Bogens and Gitzos, including the carbon fiber ones, but the best tripod by far is made by a German company named Sachtler. They are a huge manufacturer of film and video tripods that go well into the thousands of dollars, but they do manufacture two small tripods that can be used for 35mm cameras. Sachtler has a web site but you will have to order the tripod from a supplier of commercial video equipment.

There are two technical issues to deal with on these tripods, first, they are made for video fluid heads which means they have a 75mm hole in the top that is not compatible with ball heads so you will have to get a couple of 3” washers or a Bogen converter plate in order to mount your ball head, second, for ease of packing you may want to shorten the legs which is not a big deal.

My tripod will accommodate any 35mm camera and lens configuration, weighs about 3 lbs with a small Linhoff ball head (which is adequate for my setup, with a long lens I would use a bigger head), and fits in my suitcase. If you are willing to go to the trouble of ordering a Sachtler, adapting it for the ball head and shortening the legs to your custom dimensions you will end up with a lightweight, custom height tripod that you can set it up in 15 seconds; (try that with a Gitzo) that will properly support your D1 and long lens combo without any problem. It’ll cost you more than the Gitzos and Bogens but, for me, it’s well worth it.

One thing which I don't seen discussed enough is Tripod usage...yet it
is one of the most important accessories necessary to a camera. I want
to keep my purchase to under 400 bucks (head and all).

What do most people use? What would you prefer? In the spirit of
inclusion, pros and non-pros are available to answer this message - as
this forum is NOT what it used to be you know...heh. HOWEVER, if you
are a non-pro, maybe you should consider identifying yourself as such.
Got help me if we have an enthusiast (OH NO) posting.....right Mr
Collins?

-JM

PS Sorry for the sarcasm in this post. It started off as such a good
post...and then I got away from myself. Not an easy task to do, you
konw.

 

[JamesM]

Hey and thank you for the response.

Couple of questions:

(1) You get about 4 feet of max growth out of it?

(2) How much money?

Thanks
-JM

-JM

WIll the Bogens do this?

I have got both Manfrotto (re-badged Bogen in the USA) and Gitzo.
The Manfrotto is light (ish) stable and versatile. Mine is the 055 model
although I disagree about heads. I prefer to be able to lock each of
pan and tilt movements independently. My Gitzo is a pain, the twist
lock is difficult to use and thee whole thing weighs a ton. Do we
really have to state our occupations on each post? OK - "full time
willing to share with anyone photojournalist" (FTWTSWAP).

Neil.

 

[Chris Young]

Stan,

I have this tripod myself and while I'm not a professional (although I play one on TV) I think it is very versatile, well made and can configure to do about anything I want it to. Only a Benbo might be more versatile but it would be more trouble for normal use.

Chris Young

OK, professional engineer/amateur photographer warning goes here!

I like the Bogen/Manfrotto line, myself. The mechanical engineer part of
me likes the design and construction. Built very well, plus if you did
booger up something, you can easily replace just that part.

In my case, I bought the 3041B. It's sturdy enough for the D1 plus AFS
80-200 or AFS 300 lenses. I particularly like the feature on this model
where the center support tube can me removed and mounted horizontally.
If I ever need to take a vertical shot, I'll be able to.

I put the 3047 3-axis head on it. That gives me independent axis
control, two levels for setting it, and the quick-release plates.

The real beauty is that this is a system so you can mix and match
tripods and heads to get exactly what you want!

Stan

One thing which I don't seen discussed enough is Tripod usage...yet it
is one of the most important accessories necessary to a camera. I want
to keep my purchase to under 400 bucks (head and all).

What do most people use? What would you prefer? In the spirit of
inclusion, pros and non-pros are available to answer this message - as
this forum is NOT what it used to be you know...heh. HOWEVER, if you
are a non-pro, maybe you should consider identifying yourself as such.
Got help me if we have an enthusiast (OH NO) posting.....right Mr
Collins?

-JM

PS Sorry for the sarcasm in this post. It started off as such a good
post...and then I got away from myself. Not an easy task to do, you
konw.

 

[Wayno25]

Three legs seems to provide the stability not generally seen in a monopod. Of course, you'll pay more for the two extra legs.

Bogen has a wide variety of tripods at reasonable prices. Gitzmo has outrageous prices.

If you travel light, look into the carbon fiber models, but be prepared for sticker shock!

One thing which I don't seen discussed enough is Tripod usage...yet it
is one of the most important accessories necessary to a camera. I want
to keep my purchase to under 400 bucks (head and all).

What do most people use? What would you prefer? In the spirit of
inclusion, pros and non-pros are available to answer this message - as
this forum is NOT what it used to be you know...heh. HOWEVER, if you
are a non-pro, maybe you should consider identifying yourself as such.
Got help me if we have an enthusiast (OH NO) posting.....right Mr
Collins?

-JM

PS Sorry for the sarcasm in this post. It started off as such a good
post...and then I got away from myself. Not an easy task to do, you
konw.

 

[Michel Ethier]

One thing which I don't seen discussed enough is Tripod usage...yet it
is one of the most important accessories necessary to a camera. I want
to keep my purchase to under 400 bucks (head and all).

What do most people use? What would you prefer? In the spirit of
inclusion, pros and non-pros are available to answer this message - as
this forum is NOT what it used to be you know...heh. HOWEVER, if you
are a non-pro, maybe you should consider identifying yourself as such.
Got help me if we have an enthusiast (OH NO) posting.....right Mr
Collins?

-JM

PS Sorry for the sarcasm in this post. It started off as such a good
post...and then I got away from myself. Not an easy task to do, you
konw.

James, as a professionnal studio photographer, I have been using for years now a tripod made by Chicago Majestic (pneumatic type) with large wheels, so it does not require a separate dolly, and a head by the same company, it is a crank type for up-down angling, extremely solid, and a "Rotator" made by Photo Control Corporation,. This unit is made for large studio cameras, but works very well with Nikons and Canons, it allows the camera to rotate from horizontal to vertical (portrait mode) at the flick of a button.

It is relatively heavy, and that's what you need for studio use. With this type of head, the weight of the camera and lens will never flip the tripod over, unless of course you trip all over it. But it does not come cheap. Over the years, I have learned that, the heavier, the better, the longer it will last.

Have you ever weighted a Nikon F4 with a studio lens?.....

 

[Daniel Lauring]

3 and a half feet plus the height of your head. $100 bucks at Adorama.

There are times I wish I had more height. There are times I wished it were lighter. If I had the money to splurge I'd buy the 3444...carbon fiber....a pound lighter...extends to 5 feet....but...gulp...$350 dollars.

Couple of questions:

(1) You get about 4 feet of max growth out of it?

(2) How much money?

Thanks
-JM

-JM

WIll the Bogens do this?

I have got both Manfrotto (re-badged Bogen in the USA) and Gitzo.
The Manfrotto is light (ish) stable and versatile. Mine is the 055 model
although I disagree about heads. I prefer to be able to lock each of
pan and tilt movements independently. My Gitzo is a pain, the twist
lock is difficult to use and thee whole thing weighs a ton. Do we
really have to state our occupations on each post? OK - "full time
willing to share with anyone photojournalist" (FTWTSWAP).

Neil.