Best tripod for max $250

[Daniiltje]

Hi,

I want to buy a tripod including ballhead for my Canon 5Ds + 24-70mm lens. I'll be using the tripod for landscape/cityscape, fashion, portrait photography and mostly whilst traveling so it would be great if it's a carbon fibre one but aluminium should be fine too.

My budget is max 250 dollars, what would you recommend? I was looking at the following ones, but feel free to suggest any other ones

Manfrotto MK290DUA3-BHUS 290 Dual Aluminum Tripod with Ball Head

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175936-REG/manfrotto_mk290dua3_bhus_290_dual_ball_head.html

Manfrotto MT190X3 Aluminum Tripod with 496RC2 Compact Ball Head

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1087176-REG/manfrotto_mt190x3_aluminum_tripod_with.html

Vanguard Alta Pro 253CT Carbon Fiber Tripod with SBH-250 Ball Head Kit

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1235496-REG/vanguard_alta_pro_253ct_carbon.html

Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod with SBH-250 Ball Head

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1235498-REG/vanguard_alta_pro_254ct_carbon.html

 

[calson]

Best legs for the money are the Giottos YTL 9313 that sell for $210. I own one and it is my go to tripod with heavy lenses or when needed the extra height without using the center column.

Best ballhead in the economy range I have found is the Sirui K-10x that sells for $118.

With these two items you will be happy and not find yourself again looking for something else again a year from now.

 

[Mark Banas]

Honestly, I'd increase the budget for your tripod (and head) by at least 2x, if not 3x. $250 is just getting started for a decent set of legs, with no head. At that price point, forget carbon fiber unless you go with a Desmond kit (which I don't think are available in the UK) and even then, supporting your camera and lens combo will be at the edge of what the tripod can handle.

Here's the problem: your camera (5Ds) is a resolution monster, and your lens is no slouch in resolving power. If you pixel-peep those giant files, you will see even the smallest vibration show up as blurred details unless your shutter speeds are over 1/100, or otherwise in the hand-holdable category.

So, you should be looking for a tripod that can resist vibration as well as possible (unless you use faster shutter speeds and just want a place to fasten your camera). That would ideally be a heavy wood tripod like a Berlebach , or a more portable carbon-fiber tripod with 30+mm top tubes, like a Gitzo, RRS, or FLM - all of which cost 3x your budget, without a head!

Aluminum legs and a cheaper head will better fit your budget while holding up the gear, but won't be light or resist vibrations as much, and honestly could be fiddly enough (particularly cheap heads) that you could end up hating to use the tripod, which defeats the purpose of support.

If you can't increase the budget, or just can't imagine using the tripod enough to justify the increase, then look for second-hand tripods from those brands I mentioned.

In the 2x your budget range ($500 USD), brands like Sirui, Feisol, Manfrotto (legs, not heads), and Benro will all offer sturdy carbon-fiber legs with enough money left over ($150-200) to buy a decent head. Vanguard and Giottos are also well respected, but I've never used them. A while back it looked like Cullmann Concept One tripods were going to be a great deal, as they are very well designed, but the prices are still too high for what you get, even in the EU.

 

[phcd]

Desmond DCF-432 has worked very well with my 5ds - rigid, light, inexpensive with a five year warranty.

 

[Daniiltje]

Thank you so much for your detailed reply Mark!

I haven't seen the tripods in real life but in my opinion the Feisol ones look the best out of all of them in particular the CT-3472LV, but that's really out of my budget as that one costs around $650 (without the head).

I would like to have a ballhead with the quick release clip instead of the twisting knob. It just looks easier for me to unclip the camera from the tripod this way. Also the Leveling Center Column looks quite handy but I guess that just using the ballhead will be enough?

If I would increase my budget to $500 for the legs and the head which legs and head would you recommend?

 

[TonyTguy]

Cost aside. and btw that is really the worst way to buy camera gear making it a #1 deal breaker for all you know $50 more can make a lot of difference.

Be sure the tripod with camera is eye level to you without needing to raise the center column.

Carbon fiber is very nice to have on very hot or cold days. The temperature does not transfer to carbon fiber like it does with aluminum.

Your budget for a tripod and head should be equal to that F2.8 lens you want, i.e. more like $1,000

The reason is a sturdy and quality tripod can be used for many many decades. I have a few for different things with video and still work, about 2 yrs ago I was finally able to afford a carbon fiber tripod and went with Gitzo. Manfrotto and Gitzo then RRS third, Manfrotto for pretty much anything is good they have been around 60 some years if not more.

Mono-pod I have a Feisol now but I may change that. I use RRS head, Acratech head over Gitzo heads.

I have not idea how much your camera gear costs but like a camera bag it is protecting your investment and cheap is not the best even though it is doable for the long haul I would save longer IMO anyway

 

[Mark Banas]

Thank you so much for your detailed reply Mark!

I haven't seen the tripods in real life but in my opinion the Feisol ones look the best out of all of them in particular the CT-3472LV, but that's really out of my budget as that one costs around $650 (without the head).

Feisol tripods are extremely light, yet still quite sturdy. Each brand does a few things better than others, and those are Feisol's strengths.

I would like to have a ballhead with the quick release clip instead of the twisting knob. It just looks easier for me to unclip the camera from the tripod this way. Also the Leveling Center Column looks quite handy but I guess that just using the ballhead will be enough?

Unless you are doing a lot of video work or need a level horizon all the time, the leveling column might just add cost and weight to your setup. A suitably nice ball head with a viewable bubble level (not hidden by the camera when you mount it) can also get you on the level.

If I would increase my budget to $500 for the legs and the head which legs and head would you recommend?

Since you've been using B&H as a pricing gauge (I guess because they ship worldwide), I'll go with what is available there. Since you've said you want this to be light enough to carry around, but need stability and a big enough platform for your 5Ds and shorter lenses (big telephoto lenses are their own category for support), I'd suggest looking at these:

If you're not too tall (under 1.7m), this Feisol 3342 with a Sirui K-20x head would be a good combo, but at the very edge of your budget. Honestly, I think the K-30x or an even more expensive head would be best, but you have stated a budget!

If you are taller, or really don't like hunching over, then this Sirui tripod and head combo is well within your budget, but nearer to the edge of holding up your gear load. (I reviewed a smaller Sirui tripod and head kit here, and was quite impressed with the stability under load, so probably not a big deal.)

You'll note that both suggestions have a caveat that they are "at the edge" of something, meaning they're not ideal in my mind, but I tend toward overkill personally. After testing 20-some tripods, I've found that almost all sizes will hold up some serious gear, but larger is always better and more confidence inspiring.

 

[Daniiltje]

Thank you so much for your detailed reply Mark!

I haven't seen the tripods in real life but in my opinion the Feisol ones look the best out of all of them in particular the CT-3472LV, but that's really out of my budget as that one costs around $650 (without the head).

Feisol tripods are extremely light, yet still quite sturdy. Each brand does a few things better than others, and those are Feisol's strengths.

I would like to have a ballhead with the quick release clip instead of the twisting knob. It just looks easier for me to unclip the camera from the tripod this way. Also the Leveling Center Column looks quite handy but I guess that just using the ballhead will be enough?

Unless you are doing a lot of video work or need a level horizon all the time, the leveling column might just add cost and weight to your setup. A suitably nice ball head with a viewable bubble level (not hidden by the camera when you mount it) can also get you on the level.

If I would increase my budget to $500 for the legs and the head which legs and head would you recommend?

Since you've been using B&H as a pricing gauge (I guess because they ship worldwide), I'll go with what is available there. Since you've said you want this to be light enough to carry around, but need stability and a big enough platform for your 5Ds and shorter lenses (big telephoto lenses are their own category for support), I'd suggest looking at these:

If you're not too tall (under 1.7m), this Feisol 3342 with a Sirui K-20x head would be a good combo, but at the very edge of your budget. Honestly, I think the K-30x or an even more expensive head would be best, but you have stated a budget!

If you are taller, or really don't like hunching over, then this Sirui tripod and head combo is well within your budget, but nearer to the edge of holding up your gear load. (I reviewed a smaller Sirui tripod and head kit here, and was quite impressed with the stability under load, so probably not a big deal.)

You'll note that both suggestions have a caveat that they are "at the edge" of something, meaning they're not ideal in my mind, but I tend toward overkill personally. After testing 20-some tripods, I've found that almost all sizes will hold up some serious gear, but larger is always better and more confidence inspiring.

I am not planning on doing any video work on the tripod, maybe some time lapses. The camera also got a horizontal level meter built into it, but I guess that it's always handy to have a backup level meter in the tripod.

So I am 1.87m so the first two ones will probably be a bit on the short side for me. I don't really mind traveling with a little larger tripod as long as it's a good one.

I've been researching quite some tripods today and really loved the FEISOL CT-3472LV with the FEISOL CB-50DC ballhead, the RRS tripods and also the RRS BH-55 Ballhead. All of it is just so expensive, but then again if I invest in one good set of legs and a great ballhead then I guess that it will last me for at least 5 years.

So let's say that I'll up my budget from $250 to $1000 tops, what would be your recommendation?

Also what is your opinion on a lever release clamp and the screw know clamp? It seems to me that the lever release clamp is much handier than the screw knob.

 

[Mark Banas]

All of it is just so expensive, but then again if I invest in one good set of legs and a great ballhead then I guess that it will last me for at least 5 years.

More like 10-20 years. My Feisol 3401 lasted 10, then I sold it off for half of what I paid. Next, my Gitzo Mountaineer is going on 12 years. Unless you use them as construction supports, or fending off wild dogs, good gear should last a lifetime with proper maintenance.

So let's say that I'll up my budget from $250 to $1000 tops, what would be your recommendation?

First, are you in the US or UK, or where?

FLM is a very good European-made brand, and is competitively priced compared to Gitzo (also EU).

Buying RRS from anywhere outside of the US is incredibly expensive, unless your country has very low VAT and import duties. Buying RRS from up here in Canada means adding about 18% to the total, excluding exchange rates charged by credit card companies, etc.

Also what is your opinion on a lever release clamp and the screw know clamp? It seems to me that the lever release clamp is much handier than the screw knob.

Levers are faster, but most clamp to a set width, and if you use plates from different manufacturers, some could not be held as tight as others, or require constant adjustment of the clamp. Screw knobs are inherently universal, and some (like Markins) require only a single twist to open or close. That said, RRS lever clamps (at least the B2 AS2) are self-adjusting to different widths.

I actually prefer screw knob because it just "feels" more secure to me, and I have plates from 10 different manufacturers...

 

[Daniiltje]

Ok, so let's go with a screw knob then and a tripod + head for max $1000. I will be in the USA in a couple of months so I don't have to restrict myself to buy one in Europe. So could get a RRS, Gitzo, or any other brand tripod if you think they are better?

 

[3dwag]

My own thoughts on this is that you should also consider service, should any of your support components require this. Given your location, and with my own experience plus that of others reported in this forum (and online), I recommend that you seriously consider FLM.

I am still a bit fuzzy on exactly your equipment, travel, &c requirements, so I would suggest one of these kits:

Travel

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/999190-REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/288445-REG

---OR---

Less Portable

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/995509-REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/927434-REG

Cheers

Dennis

--
-Dennis W.
Austin, Texas
http://www.pbase.com/3dwag/image/97156660.jpg

 

[clarnibass]

Some cheap tripods really are not good but IMO a lot of people exaggerate.

I've had a $170 tripod (including head) for about five years and it still works as good as new and has never caused me a problem with any photo. Of course it has down sides, but those just make it e.g. slower to set up, etc.
I don't use lenses that are too heavy for it and if I did I wouldn't buy it in the first place.
I have used it for a macro setup with a lens, five extension tubes, flash on camera and macro rail.

I recently added another better tripod and head (bought them separately), partly because I needed two anyway. The new tripod and head is more stable, faster to set up, better quality, but I doubt any of my photos would actually be better because of it.

IMO this really depends what you want to do and some people immediately recommend an expensive tripod no matter what (not anyone in this thread specifically, just an overall impression from photography forums).

I also recommend looking at the FLM, at least the heads (no experience with their tripods). The 38 model that someone posted a link to is what I have, though you can save $70 by not getting the tilt only feature. I haven't used that feature since getting it and I should have gotten the less expensive version (it also removes the extra knob there). If the 38 supports everything you need then it's excellent and competitive in price too. The only "compromise" is the main locking knob requiring a bit more turning than most other heads, but it has a much better feel (very little force needed) and I prefer its overall feel too and the minimum friction ring.

For a tripod I got an aluminium one for $300 (without a head) that is not the most lightweight but very good for what I need. I wouldn't gain anything by getting a more expensive tripod. The weight is a good balance for what I need which includes some video, but not as heavy as a true video tripod (which I don't want).

What I'm suggesting is to look at your minimum requirements and then look at tripods that meet them.

 

[pajarrett]

One of the best articles I have come across: http://bythom.com/support.htm. You might want to give it a look.

 

[Daniiltje]

Thanks for all the replies guys!

So, I've decided to go for the Feisol CT3472LV tripod and the FEISOL CB-50DC ballhead. Do you guys think that it's a good combo and quality?

Thanks!

 

[Mark Banas]

Thanks for all the replies guys!

So, I've decided to go for the Feisol CT3472LV tripod and the FEISOL CB-50DC ballhead. Do you guys think that it's a good combo and quality?

I think the quality of the Feisol tripod is excellent (I had one for 10 years, then sold it because it was too small), but their ball heads are a little more "workmanlike" if you understand the reference. Smooth enough, but as nice as some of these here. For heavy loads, Markins and FLM are the best values, but RRS and Kirk are also quite good.

 

[Daniiltje]

So for the ballheads - I like the FLM and the RRS ones. The question is, what size do I need? Is the RRS BH-30 or the FLM 43 FT good enough or do I need to go with the bigger or smaller ones like the RRS BH-55 or RRS BH-30?

The lenses and body I will be using is the Canon 85mm 1.2 and the Canon 24-70mm 2.8. In the future I am planning to purchase the Canon 11-24mm 4.0 and the Canon 70-200mm 2.8

 

[Daniiltje]

Also, isn't the RRS BH-55 too big for the Feisol ct-3472lv?

 

[TonyTguy]

Also, isn't the RRS BH-55 too big for the Feisol ct-3472lv?

No, I have the Gitzo 2543L it is fine.

I called RRS and asked the difference between the BH-40 and BH-55 and they said they have had more repair issue with the BH-40. Have no idea if that was to get me to spend more or not.

Further research seems like that is true from various reviews. I use the included bag the head comes in to further protect the head in my tripod sling. Works great with the L brackets. I have the lever version non panning head as that was not a expense that made sense to get for me.

 

[clarnibass]

I like the FLM better but I just prefer the way it's made with minimum resistance ring and the feel of the locking knob.

Re the size, consider the big size and weight differences between the models. What is the heaviest total you'd need to hold? I don't use heavy lenses, but my FLM 38 holds without any problem a camera (Nikon D600), lens (105mm macro), total of about 160mm extension rings (mostly metal), flash on camera, macro rail and the various plates and clamps. A rough calculation gets all of this to about 3kg and a very long setup.

The 38 could hold a 5D + 24-70mm easily, but you could go one size up to the 43 (I would go larger than that for this setup). The 38 could hold a 5D + 70-200mm without any problems. I think RRS 40 would be fine too. The 55 is much bigger and heavier, but from reviews it seems to have a better feel than the 40 (but maybe not). The FLM has 48 and 58 (but only a 58 of the less expensive model without tilt lever) but those are really big and IMO for heavier setups.

 

[Mark Banas]

So for the ballheads - I like the FLM and the RRS ones. The question is, what size do I need? Is the RRS BH-30 or the FLM 43 FT good enough or do I need to go with the bigger or smaller ones like the RRS BH-55 or RRS BH-30?

The lenses and body I will be using is the Canon 85mm 1.2 and the Canon 24-70mm 2.8. In the future I am planning to purchase the Canon 11-24mm 4.0 and the Canon 70-200mm 2.8

Either the FLM CB-38 or 43, or the RRS BH-40 or BH-55 will be more than sufficient for your needs, even in the future. When I reviewed the largest ball heads from many manufacturers (including FLM and RRS), the main takeaway for me was that all of them were overkill for anything other than my 500mm/4.5 gigantic lens. Considering that they weighed between 900-1500g, that overkill was felt in my back and knees after a long hike (although I did hike with all 10 at once sometimes!).

If you intend to take this tripod on longer walks away from wheeled transport, I'd strongly consider the 38-44mm range of heads (that's the ball diameter, which is an indicator of strength, stability, and unit weight in general). I reviewed six heads in this range, but that's not an exhaustive or all-inclusive group. Some have more options than others, some have different strengths, but all are lighter than the RRS and FLM "big guys" and just as capable for your needs.