Help me decide advise Manfrotto or Dolica Tripod

<p><br /> Hello all,</p>

<p>I recently got back into photography and have owned a heavy<strong> </strong> duty Bogen #3233 for the last 10 years or so.<br>

I am enjoying more urban street photography and some in HDR and looking to get a <strong>light</strong> / <strong>Portable</strong> tripod to go with my Pentax k200d slr and wide angle lenses. No huge telephotos.I just want to travel quick and light and be able to set up quick and then keep movin'.<br>

So here are my choices <br /> <br /> <strong>Manfrotto-7302YB</strong> <strong >$124.90</strong> <br /> http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-7302YB-M-Y-Tripod-Ball/dp/B001TK3EJE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top<br /> <img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31B%2BNeW27%2BL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" alt="" width="280" height="280" /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Dolica-AX620B100-62-Inch</strong> <strong>$44.89</strong> <br /> http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-AX620B100-62-Inch-Proline-Tripod/dp/B001D60LG8/ref=pd_cp_p_1<br /> <img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31xiVVXdQ1L._SL500_AA280_.jpg" alt="" width="280" height="280" /> <br /> <br /> <br /> For the price the Dolica looks very tempting and it looks to have some good features.<br>

For name brand and known quality the Manfrotto is great too.<br>

I was leaning for the Dolica since I already have a heavy pro tripod at home for more stable use - but for portability and price the Dolica seems like a great deal...<br>

What do you all think?<br>

Thanks!<br /> <br /> Robert</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I think the price on the Dolica -- which I've never heard of -- tells you everything. You get what you pay for. If your current Manfrotto is too large/heavy, look at their other models.</p>

<p>The Manfrotto looks like a better tripod, however, beware of the itty bitty ballhead. Also the four section legs a likely to be problematic. You might look at the 190 series (replaces the 3001) and get a decent ballhead in the $150 range, Giottos makes a nice one with an Arca Swiss QR system for around $160.</p>

<p>manfrotto definitely. they are quite durable and very good quality. get a different head for them though. ball heads are the worst to deal with.</p>

<p>I never had a ball head Tripod before. They seem pretty versatile though. Well so far Manfrotto looks to be the choice. But to be honest I am tempted by the features and price of the Dolica.<br /> Its a big difference of 80 dollars. lol.<br>

But then if I do get the Dolica my hope is that the head does not goof up on me.<br>

As for Manfrotto I would not have any doubts quality wise.<br /> <br /> Thanks for the opinions and keep them coming if you have anymore. :)<br>

I have about a week or so to decide. Either way will let you know how it goes.</p>

<p>You can't replace the ballhead on that Manfrotto. It's essentially an integrated 484rc2. I use the model it replaced, the 725b. The newer version apparently allows a second adjustment angle for leg spread. While there are some Sliks and Velbons in the similar price range, I'd be hesitant to consider the Dolica sight unseen. At that price point, it seems likely to be subject to too many compromises to be a long term good idea. I'd expect that with the fairly comparable Sliks, manfrottos and Velbons, etc., that it's kind of a good spot but not great - to get better performance and lighter weight, one is going to have to look to substantially more expensive models. </p>

<p>Bogen/Manfrotto do make it as a digicam tripod, not a dslr tripod, although I've had good results with shorter/lighter lenses on dslrs with it.</p>

<p>Thanks all for the suggestions and well I ended up getting the Dolica. I just simply did not have the cash for a more name brand light weight tripod with a decent head.<br>

But I tell you it is pretty good for what it is and have used it a few times and went on a trip to the forest and it served me well. Light weight and easy to carry around. The ball head works great.<br /> And I am not planning on using long telephotos on it. So overall it seems pretty good and I am very happy with the purchase! :) <br /> <br /> I will post back if any issues.<br /> <br /> P.S. Photo.net is awesome. Thanks to folks like you as well!</p>