Ok, I confess that I am a 'gear head'. Over the last 30+ years, I have collected more than 10 tripods : from my cheapest Velbon, Manfortto (190, 2X 055, 028, etc), Gitzo (G1228), couple of no named BIG studio tripods (picked up at local auctions ), 3-4 table top tripods, Benbo Trekker, 3 car window mounts. I think that is about it. I probably use the Gitzo 1228 & Manfrotto 055 99% of the time (more with the Gitzo since I changed over to Canon).
Please don't embarrasse me by asking me how many tripod heads I have .
I *only* have two. My first cheap tripod is a little sunpak, just to tide me over until I could afford the Bogen 3021BPro. I hand carry it everywhere I go since I don't want to spend $40 on a strap.
One, the Gitzo 1228 with Markins M10 ballhead. I love this combo. I don't think I'll need another until I get some bigger glass and who knows when that will be.
I got two, one is really tall and heavey Manfrotto like over 6 feet tall. The other is Gitzo Sport MK II , I love both and use both of them extensively.
I have three tripods a Great Gitzo, a reasonable Manfrotto with a ball head and a little table model. I also have a monopod. I can't seem to use anything else since I got the Gitzo. I think I am over tripoded..........Are you looking for comfort from people who have more than you or a defense for your spouse?
Three... A Bogen 3021 that has a sucession of different heads on it, including a pan-tilt head and two different ballheads (both of which I still have), a Bogen 3001 Pro with a 486RC2 ballhead ( very recent purchase) and a small SLIK tripod I can't find right now (I think it's in the attic). Also two monopods, a Bogen 3006 and a Bogen 3016, both with Bogen 3229 tilting heads.
The 3021 is a bit heavy and bulky to be carting around all the time so I got the 3001 for its size and weight. (One consideration for the purchase of the 3001 and 3006 monopod was that they were small enough to fit in the trunk of my touring motorcycle.) The 3001 Pro is very versatile for its size. It can go completely flat and the center post can be converted to a horizontal arm very quickly and it's light and compact enough to be reasonably portable.
Edited by John Wright on Jul 12, 2004 at 05:15 PM GMT