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Archive 2011 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?

  
 
sath2003
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


I have come to a point where my stupid $40 Dolica Tripod would not hold up anymore.

I have Nikon D90 and my heaviest lens is 17-55 f/2.8.I see myself buying 70-200 f/2.8 in future .Willing to spend potentially upto $300. I'm looking for good combination of Light weight but sturdy Tripod and Ball head combo

Been considering Feisol CF tripod with twist lock, but haven't decided yet. Which combination of Tripod and ball head do you think is best bang for buck? I'm open to used item as well. But some input from the experts would help.

Please let me know what your suggestions are.

Also if possible please post whatever combo you own along with the price paid.

Thanks-

Edited on Jul 19, 2011 at 05:14 PM · View previous versions



Jul 19, 2011 at 05:06 PM
Paul Sabella
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


Travelling light and still having very good stability I use Feisol CT 3442 CF with Photo Clam PC44NS Pro Ballhead. Works very well for me.
Paul



Jul 19, 2011 at 05:09 PM
sath2003
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


Paul, How much are we looking at? That would probably help me decide.


Jul 19, 2011 at 05:13 PM
howardm4
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


in the order of 500-600 or so.

the Feisol is around 300ish; a decent ballhead is 200ish and then you need a camera plate or L bracket



Jul 19, 2011 at 05:59 PM
nma
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


another vote for the 3442 and the Photo Clam head. As noted by howardm4, you also need to budget about $50 for a camera mounting plate and you can't skimp on that or the rest of the gear won't work right. I have had the Clam for a couple of months and it seems very good, but the jury is still out on its reliability.


Jul 19, 2011 at 07:22 PM
peter_n
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


The two most popular brands that give good value are probably Benro and Feisol. If you're on the taller side around 6ft or more you should definitely look at the Feisols, they have excellent solutions for taller people. I'm 5ft 8in and have used a Benro C2680T travel tripod for about 10 months and like it a lot. You can get one in a kit with a ballhead for $351 and free shipping. It's also been reviewed here.




Jul 20, 2011 at 07:03 AM
sath2003
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


Peter, thanks for pointing it out. How does the Benro head hold up? Can it pan? what is the load capacity? Good enough to hold a 70-200 f/2.8?




Jul 20, 2011 at 09:24 AM
garyroach
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


If Amazon still has the Benro C-157M8 for $129.00, it can't be beat for the price. Pair this with a Photo Clam ballhead and you'll have a nice setup. As mentioned, you'll also need plates for your camera and/or lenses.


Jul 20, 2011 at 10:18 AM
peter_n
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


sath2003 wrote:
How does the Benro head hold up? Can it pan? what is the load capacity? Good enough to hold a 70-200 f/2.8?


I've never used a Benro ballhead, but the B1 can pan and has a separate panning lock, the stated load capacity is 12kg (26.4lbs), and it should be able to deal with your zoom. It also comes with an Arca-Swiss type clamp and small universal plate. I do have the Benro PU-60 plate and while it's an excellent little plate you should get an L-plate that is specific to your camera body.

One of the respondents in the C2680T review thread linked to in post #6 above bought the kit from that dealer then sold the ballhead for $100 and bought himself a Photo Clam ballhead. The B1 sells on B&H for $166...




Jul 21, 2011 at 08:54 AM
sath2003
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


Great Peter, definitely leaning towards Benro. Will have to do little more homework before I jump ship . Last week the same tripod and head was in buy/sell forum for $225. Kind of missed it.

How about the C-157M8? I looked at the amazon link. It has only 2 twist locks per leg. Is it a very short one? Not too many reviews available.



Jul 21, 2011 at 09:31 AM
garyroach
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


I was looking for a lightweight backpacking tripod when I came across the Benro C-157M8. For $129.00 I thought I'd give it a try. It's a lightweight sturdy set of legs and comes up to about chest (I'm 5'11") level without the center post evtended or goes down to about a foot from the ground. With ballhead and camera attached, I don't have to bend over too much to look through the viewfinder. The Benro heads aren't highly regarded. I would recommend spending the rest of your budget on a Photo Clam ballhead and plates.


Jul 21, 2011 at 09:58 AM
GroovyGeek
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


For fractionally more weight and $$$ than the Benro you can buy a Gizto 1228 used in the low-mid $200 range. IMO this is a better tripod than the Feisol CT3442 (which I used to own). These don't come up for sale often but when one does come up it can be a great value.


Jul 21, 2011 at 05:22 PM
pharmasea
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


I just received this tripod/ball head combo. Super light, compact and seems sturdy. Great price. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110622662232&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_5770wt_823


Jul 21, 2011 at 08:33 PM
trenchmonkey
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


garyroach wrote:
I was looking for a lightweight backpacking tripod when I came across the Benro C-157M8. For $129.00 I thought I'd give it a try. It's a lightweight sturdy set of legs and comes up to about chest (I'm 5'11") level without the center post evtended or goes down to about a foot from the ground. With ballhead and camera attached, I don't have to bend over too much to look through the viewfinder. The Benro heads aren't highly regarded. I would recommend spending the rest of your budget on a Photo Clam ballhead and plates.

+1



Jul 22, 2011 at 05:53 AM
sath2003
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


Trench, I usually take your words seriously here. So I'm willing to look more into C-157M8 + photoclam ball head since it will fall in my Budget range.

Only problem is the lack of reviews & comparisons. How does C-2680T compare against C-157M8? Any place to do side by side comparison?



Jul 22, 2011 at 09:18 AM
trenchmonkey
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


Thanks, afraid I can't help you on those models...have the C-358 M8 (Amazon steal @ $200 shipped)
Slapped a P'Clam 40NS on it and couldn't be happier...Rock Solid.
These may be of some use...
http://www.indiamart.com/gb-sons-mumbai/products.html
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1043508



Jul 22, 2011 at 09:26 AM
peter_n
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


GroovyGeek wrote:
For fractionally more weight and $$$ than the Benro you can buy a Gizto 1228 used in the low-mid $200 range. IMO this is a better tripod than the Feisol CT3442 (which I used to own).


Which Benro are you referring to?





Jul 23, 2011 at 02:19 PM
Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


You also need a plate for your body. And if you buy the 70-200/2,8 you have to add a lens-plate. None of these tripod/ballhead/plate combos will fit your budget


Jul 23, 2011 at 03:23 PM
sath2003
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


Gitzos seem to be good. From what I read I haven't seen a bad review on Gitzo. Do they come with Lifetime warranty? Can anyone confirm?

Edited on Aug 05, 2011 at 12:30 PM · View previous versions



Aug 02, 2011 at 12:28 PM
EB-1
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Tripod - Best bang for the buck?


There is a lifetime warranty, but not for the wear parts. Manfrotto customer service is frustrating.

EBH



Aug 02, 2011 at 11:44 PM
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