gdanmitchell
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mehrdad sadat wrote:
to me a tripod is like a camera bag, never satisfied and have many. for travel. I like the peakdesign carbon, there is also gitzo, manfado, and.....
Same here — the analogy to camera bags is perfect.
I use three tripods:
1. A big, heavy old school Induro model with the RRS BH-55. (My wife has the BH-40 on her's) When weight doesn't matter (as much) and I want something solid (but read on), I prefer this system. Note: I do NOT recommend Induro tripods, at least not based on my experience with this early model. I continue to use it because it remains sufficiently functional, but the design of teh leg logs was quite poor — they tend to let the sections rotate in a way that makes it hard to correctly lock them in place. Every time I am about to replace it I decide I can make it work a bit longer... but when I do replace, it will likely be Gitzo or possibly RRS.
2. A long version of the Gitzo Mountaineer tripod that is actually quite solid. It is not really that light, but it is more manageable than the honking big Induro for travel and for carrying on the trail. I'm still using the iconclastic Acratech Ultimate Bullhead, an older model retrofitted with a quick-release mechanism I originally got it because it is pretty solid for its rather light weight and small size, making it good for trail use. It is an "acquired taste."
3. A small but reasonably solid "travel tripod" from Induro, outfitted with the tiny RRS GH-25 head. This setup is just solid enough for use with light gear for travel when I mostly will not use a tripod but realize that I might occasionally want one. It fits inside carry-on luggage. It goes just barely high enough with the column extended, and the head surrenders solidity and adjustability for a very minimal design. (I doubt that this would work for the larger GFX system, and I don't even use it with my FF Canon gear.)
One thing: While I love working with a big, solid tripod... over the years I've had to admit that in almost all situations somewhat lighter tripods can actually work really well. My #2 system with the lighter mountaineer tripod is actually pretty capable...
Dan
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