I'm looking to replace my tripod.
I'd prefer one with a ball head and something that is lightweight as I'll be carrying it out in the wilderness for some landscape images.
Is there anything good for under $200? Or do I need to increase my budget?
Suggestions welcomed!
Hope you don't mind an open and direct answer, but first let me ask some questions.
Looking into your gear list, is my assumption correct that you use a D610 with some Nikon primes and some off-brand zooms? Let me phrase it that way, regarding camera and lenses you seem to go for good quality gear that is definitely not cheap. So why would you want to go for a cheap tripod that most likely will not be on par with your other gear?
Sure, you can go for a $200 tripod, but there is no need to ask for serious recommendations, just get whatever fits the budget, something that even sounds great regarding features and whatever. It's just hit and (most likely) miss!
Now, if your are really serious about tripod photography, then you should consider seriously to increase your budget. The bad news in here: We are not talking about an increase of $50 or $100, we are talking about an increase of factor 3 to 5, depending on your real needs.
So, to give you some serious recommendations, some additional questions:
- how tall are you?
- do you plan to travel by airplane where the tripod should fit into your carry-on luggage?
- is the 70-200mm lens you biggest lens or do you plan to go for an even bigger and heavier lens?
- are you planning shootings also in really windy areas?
- are you planning shootings like astrophotography and other long exposure demands?
Saludos Herbert
I really appreciate the thoughtful questions. Let me attempt to answer them as best as I can.
I use a Nikon d610 and a d800e for landscapes. I typically shoot landscapes with primes and a few zooms (I do not have all my lenses listed in 'My Gear'). In the next 60 days, I will be purchasing either the Nikon 14-24mm or the Tamron 15-30mm. That would be my primary zoom lens for landscapes, although its possible I may bring along a 24-70mm (depending upon the location).
While I am aware that other photographers do landscape work with their 70-200mm, I doubt I will ever carry mine out in the field with me. Ever. The only time I would use a 70-200mm on a tripod would be in a studio.
I'm 6 feet tall.
I vary rarely travel by airplane. I much prefer to travel across the country by vehicle.
There may be times that I am in "windy areas". Most notably as I do some landscape photography near the great lakes. I can recall one adventure where I experience some dangerously high winds while shooting a lighthouse.
I ABSOLUTELY will be shooting astrophotography, night photography and long exposures.
I probably should have stated that I have an amazing tripod. However, its HEAVY and is an absolute NIGHTMARE to try to carry up a hill. I'm looking for one that has a bit of stability to it, but won't break my back carrying it.
Thank you very much for answering the questions!
With a smile in my face... a stable solution that doesn't break your back while carrying it will break your credit card when buying it! Just kidding...!
The problem when selecting a tripod system: From the three main aspects mostly stated (stability, mobility and low cost) you only can have two at the same time. Expressed the other way: stability and mobility will always mean a compromise and the cost of the system is acting like multiplication regarding the quality of the compromise!
Again, if budget is your main concern feel free to go for whatever you deem sufficient or other people will recommend. My overall recommendation: Get yourself a setup that is on par with the quality of your cameras and lenses, even it will cost you around a thousand bucks.
Regarding tripod legs keep in mind that carbon fiber legs not only mean less weight compared to aluminum legs but also better damping characteristics. Tripod legs with less sections, e.g. 3 vs 4 sections, are in general deemed more stable, but considering you go for high quality legs you can gain with a 4-section model better mobility without jeopardizing stability in an overly significant way.
There is a plethora of ball heads available in the market, but also in there you will find the overall rule valid: you get what you pay for! While most of the ball heads will be able to hold your gear differences then will show up in the details. Sagging of the ball head, smooth movements, handling, features, all these details finally will decide if your are satisfied or disappointed with the ball head.
My general recommendation now:
If you are interested in a really good system have a look into Gitzo, RRS or FLM. But as you will see, with these systems you will easily be in the thousand buck range. But keep in mind also... you are buying such a system normally once and it will serve you for many years.
You also can look into brands like Sirui, Induro, Benro, Manfrotto and what ever else there is in the market. You will be able to save some money, but from my point of view you will also not get the same top quality as with the systems stated before.
When going for a new system a few months ago I finally decided for a FLM system. Quality and features as well of the tripod legs as the ball heads are top notch, even the brand is still not that popular here in the US as for example Gitzo or RRS. Depending on the model you get folded lengths of the system down to 50cm, a weight below 2kg, all with ball head mounted. The cost, again depending on the model, between $850 and way north of $1,000! But when taking out the gear the first time for a shooting you know what you spent the money for...!
Hope you will find the right system for you, finally all that counts is that you are satisfied with it! Have fun shooting!
Saludos Herbert
) knowing what you consider too heavy may bend our answers some. Although I have a current but older 6.5 lb aluminum model that I'm going to replace with a legset roughly at the 4 lb point. And my new head is hefty, anticipating heavier lenses. worse conditions is still lighter than what I had as well. So it may be possible. Or maybe not.