Recommendation for a good tripod

I have my Pentax PZ-1P mounted on a Stroboframe Pro-RL bracket with a

handle-mount Pentax flash. The whole package is fairly tall and heavy

and I would like to know what type of tripod you recommend for

wedding photography that could handle my rig and yet it should be

affordable, not too heavy and easy to set up. The tripod should have

a quick release mechanism so that I can easily remove my rig from the

tripod when I don't want to use it. I don't have much experience with

tripod, and not sure whether to buy one with or without heads (what

kind of head do you recommend?). I need some good advice from the

professionals. Please help me. Thanks.

Hi Hoang,

please have a look at www.berlebach.de (English as well) These are excellent finished, not to heavy with very good damping characteristics. For a head it is up to your choice: Ball head (fast)or 3 way (more accurate). Novoflex makes excellent ball heads (www.novoflex.de), a good gear 3 way head is made by Manfrotto No. 410(I think they are sold under Bogen in the USA, probably with different article number - don't ask me why)

Best regards

Robert

A "Tiltall": These were manufacturered under Leitz and there was a Asian

copy. It doesn't have any odd latches or springs or unusual shapes hanging

off of it. It is as simple and a direct solution as you can get in tripods. They

come in black or silver. However, it only has a 1/4" thread on top. But my

experience with it is that you can attach your Stroboframe in about 12-15

seconds. The 1/4" bolt is spring loaded so it practically "finds" the

Stroboframe screw hole. I think you can find these used for about $50 on the

auctions. "TILTALL" is the name. It already comes with a head. There are

quick release adapters that will generically adapt your Stroboframe. Look for

them on the auctions because i think Stroboframe, owned by Tiffen, is going

into bankruptcy. That doesn't mean Stroboframe is disappearing.

Other brands like Manofrotto look very good. However, their design seems to

demand that the tripod be heavier than TILTALL. I would go with Manofrotto

if i wanted a special tallness or heaviness for large format. The tiny problem

with quick releases is that they make the tripod alittle heavier and the adapter

that attaches to your Stroboframe makes your bracket heavier. I only use a

tripod about 3 times during a wedding so a quick release is not much of a time

saving. For the price of a head on other tripods, you can get the whole (used)

TILTALL with head. Look for pictures of them on the auctions.

The newer copy of the Tiltall is not very well made. I had one bust in half where the head

connects. Unlike the original Leitz Tiltall, it was made of cheap metal. My original Tiltall is

over 25 years old and still working fine.

Modern Tripods are worth looking at. They often are smaller when collapsed, but still

extend high enough. Many have hooks on the bottom of the center column that let you

hang your gear bag from it to steady the tripod. Modern quick release legs are a nice

feature for wedding photographers on the go.

Check the base of your Stroboframe bracket. Many already have the Quick Release plate

built in (which allows you to sit the camera down upright yet still will snap into a

Stroboframe QR mounted on your Tripod head.)<div></div>