Can anyone recommend a good tripod, carbon or aluminum for around $150 or $200? I've currently got a manfroto and while it's built like a tank, it's also as heavy as one. Should be able to support at least 10 lbs and preferably 60" in height as my aging body screams when I have to squat or stoop for to long
Personally I think the words: lightweight / affordable are mutually exclusive.
I'm now using my fourth tripod - a Gitzo GT2540EX. It's CF.
If I'd "wasted" my money on this tripod the first time 'round, I'd wouldn't be trying to sell two Manfrottos and a Giottos, and it would have cost less.
I'm using a Benro C-227 --carbon fiber -- and like it. Got lucky when I bought it, for it was a close-out model. Cost was about $150. It's not perfect, but is a good compromise for me in tems of weight, size and cost. You'll need a good head on yours as well.
My Manfrotto and Giottos tripods had lever locks (I would call them thumb-killers). Tubes are never a perfectly constant diameter, so I'd adjust the locks with the legs in, and one would slip when completely out. Then I'd adjust it for completely out, and it would slip when partway out. I was constantly adjusting them.
Twist locks for the extensions automatically adjust when they are tightened. I think this is why the most expensive tripods often have twist locks.
Twist locks faster, better. That helps time and again, when you want to set up for that shot in fast-changing light.
At some point, bad tripods become tests of character. You ought to keep doing the work to get that shot you have been working toward, but you're cold, or your arthritis is killing you, or something. You have struggled too much, and you decide not to struggle more, and call it a day. Good tripods fix that. You can have bad character and good pictures, both. It's a revelation.
splathrop wrote:
At some point, bad tripods become tests of character. You ought to keep doing the work to get that shot you have been working toward, but you're cold, or your arthritis is killing you, or something. You have struggled too much, and you decide not to struggle more, and call it a day. Good tripods fix that. You can have bad character and good pictures, both. It's a revelation.
And 'round about 23 December, I discovered that my character isn't as strong as I had thought. Now it doesn't matter anymore.
Consider the FEISOL Classic Tripod CT-3301 Rapid. It is carbon fibre, extends to 54.7 inches, weighs in at a whopping 2.59 lbs, can take a center column for more height, and will support 19.8 lbs. Yes, it is more than your $200 max, but not that much more($279). Yes, I have this one!!!
They are compact and lightweight, and they are cheap. However, I know absolutely nothing about them so you will have to determine for yourself if they are good and reliable tripods.
FWIW, I have just ordered a Feisol CT-3401 and Benro C1190T to try. I will then decide which one to keep and which one to send back.
I have one of the Benro travel tripods. Very light, works great, supports a medium sized Kirk Ballhead & 5D2 just fine. It's not as good as my Gitzo, but nice enough for hiking, etc.
I had very similar requirements and narrowed it down to the Manfrotto 055XB or 055CX3. I finally decided on the 055XB for $139 @ B&H. As cool as carbon fiber is, I just couldn't see spending $200 more to save 1 lb.
The weight difference is secondary and not really the reason to buy CF. Carbon fiber absorbs vibration much better and that's what you pay the extra $200 for; a stable tripod.
peter_n wrote:
The weight difference is secondary and not really the reason to buy CF. Carbon fiber absorbs vibration much better and that's what you pay the extra $200 for; a stable tripod.
The weight difference may be secondary to you, but for many, the weight factor is primary. That includes yours truly.
runamuck wrote:
The weight difference may be secondary to you, but for many, the weight factor is primary. That includes yours truly.
Both weight and size are extremely important. As I don't shoot with a big lens I've settled for a 2-Series legset for domestic use and a 1-Series legset for travel. Both have to be carbon fiber - for the stiffness and for the weight reduction .... and be reasonably priced. Additionally, both have to be w/o a center column (but with a hook below the platform) for better stability.
beerelf1 wrote:
I had very similar requirements and narrowed it down to the Manfrotto 055XB or 055CX3. I finally decided on the 055XB for $139 @ B&H. As cool as carbon fiber is, I just couldn't see spending $200 more to save 1 lb.
One pound is a huge, huge difference if you're carrying it around, especially on hikes and such.
You can get Benro tripods at very reasonable prices direct from mainland China through eBay dealers. Mine came with a three year warranty. I've used it now for 1.5 years and it has been very sturdy and reliable.
Cheap and light. Would not recommend it for anywhere with wind. With all three legs out, it is very easy to twist the whole thing due to the legs being of small diameter. Should work fine for studio work, but then again why would you have an ultralight for studios?
You are asking for the impossible. Strong, light, and inexpensive don't exist together. You can have any two, but not the third. SImple physics rules here.
Add in your height requirement and you are asking the impossible. I have an old Dynatran CF that I got from ebay a few years ago. It's light and inexpensive, and within its limits pretty solid with a D700 and 70-300 lens.
AA lot will depend on the ballhead, too.
You can buy a pig in a poke and take a chance on ebay offerings. You might get luck, or you might not.
Feisol and Benro have gained a following on these fora. Check them out.
