Tripod (not too expensive please) recommendation for D90 + max 70-300

<p>I did do search on this forum and did not find any recent discussions on this.</p>

<p>I have D90 and the longest/heaviest of my lenses is 70-300 VR and I don't expect to get anything bigger than that anytime soon.</p>

<p>I would like to get some inexpensive recommendations for a tripod for me. Many thanks in advance.</p>

<p>You should first read <a href="http://www.bythom.com/support.htm">http://www.bythom.com/support.htm</a> before purchasing a tripod. After that, head to <a href="http://reallyrightstuff.com/tripods/index.html">http://reallyrightstuff.com/tripods/index.html</a> to read up on your options. RRS is a great resource for information (they also have great products). When I bought my tripod and ball head, I called their 800 number to talk to a rep about what would work for me. He ended up recommending a tripod model that they didn't have in stock and even suggested a couple of places that might have the model in stock. I really got the feeling that they had my best interest at heart.<br>

Good luck.<br>

--Wade</p>

<p>Feisol CT 3402 + Manfrotto 486RC2 carbonfiber and too expensive and only 1.7kg.</p>

<p>Wade - thanks for the links... looks like I need to shell out >US$600 Anything inexpensive ?</p>

<p>Hans - thanks for the pointers... Feisol doesn't look to be easily available</p>

<p>Try this forum instead.</p>

<p>http://www.photo.net/filters-bags-tripods-accessories-forum/</p>

<p> </p>

<p>This is what I purchased <a href="http://www.adorama.com/FPTPF1228.html">http://www.adorama.com/FPTPF1228.html</a> Works great with my D80 and 70-200.</p>

<p>An old Tilt-All or it's identical Japanese copy, a Star-D, can be had for around $100 or less and work perfectly for you. You do *not* need to spend $600 for a good camera stand unless you want the latest carbon fiber technology, and anyone who says you do is incorrect.</p>

<p>kikas, there are other options other than a $600 feisol. for instance the manfrotto 190 series, which starts at under $100 for the legs. (http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-190XDB-Section-Aluminum-Tripod/dp/B000N81BXO)</p>

<p>holds 11 lbs, weighs 3.5 lbs. just add a ballhead and you're good to go. if you dont have long/heavy lenses, and/or dont need an ultralight tripod for hiking, a carbon fiber 'pod may be a luxury you dont need.</p>

<p>I use a Manfrotto 055XPROB and 846RC2 ball head for my D90 and 70-300 VR. Price was an issue when choosing for me and I think this was a decent compromise - but definitely read the Thom Hogan article that Wade posted.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.henrys.ca/9863-MANFROTTO-055XPROB-TRIPOD-HORIZONTAL.aspx">http://www.henrys.ca/9863-MANFROTTO-055XPROB-TRIPOD-HORIZONTAL.aspx</a><br /><a href="http://www.henrys.ca/10355-MANFROTTO-486RC2-COMPACT-BALL-HEAD.aspx">http://www.henrys.ca/10355-MANFROTTO-486RC2-COMPACT-BALL-HEAD.aspx</a></p>

<p>Go for the $175 Flashpoint tripod, as mentioned above. You will have no regrets. I use it, along with a Manfrotto 322RC2, with my D90/70-300 combo, and it works perfectly well.</p>

<p>If you have $600, of course go for something else. But if you can afford to spend about $300 on a tripod and head, go for the Flashpoint and a Manfrotto head.</p>

<p>I like it... Thanks Wade, Hans, Bob, Gerald, Dave, Eric, Jay and Dane</p>

<p>I was trying to get something around $200, but reading Thom and other advanced opinions I was getting depressed to see that what they recommend was close to $600.</p>

<p>I would definitely appreciate if others could suggest some good alternatives.</p>

 

<p>Hey , i have the Manfrotto 190xproB and im thrilled with it, i also have the 222 handle grip as well as the 498RC2 head, both work well.<br>

The 70-300 is a light lens compared to my 70-200vr, 24-70 and my soon to be 14-24mm.<br>

i can tell you it supports them quite well.<br>

Now if your getting paid large cash for your pics, go with the Gitzo or really Right Stuff, they will also run you a cool G for a good one.</p>

<p>Kikas -<br>

After 4 lower level tripods spread out over 30 years, I finally bought a proper Manfrotto one. As an amateur I repeatedly told myself not to spend big dollars. So, I lived with shakey and sloppy legs, etc.<br>

I had a bit higher weight needs than you, so I went with the 055 model..<br>

<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480322-REG/Manfrotto__190XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480322-REG/Manfrotto__190XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html</a><br>

This one and the next model up are fantastic. This is but one choice from many manufacturers.<br>

I'm quite sure I spent somewhat less $$$ as Hogan wrote about over the last 30 years. I'm the poster-boy for foolish tripod expenditures. I did notice a big boost in sharpness of my photos with this last purchase.<br>

5 tripods = 15 legs! :o) ... and I kick myself with the 12 I no longer use.<br>

Jim</p>

<p>I think the cheapest way to go is the 190 series Manfrotto aluminum legs (or the earlier 3001) and an three way pan head. You can find 3001s used for around $100 US and they're reasonably light and quite tough.</p>

<p>If you go with Arca Swiss compatible plates, you have a wider range of high end heads to choose from. You also can add a Arca Swiss compatible clamp to various Manfrotto heads (my monopod clamp cost twice what the monopod head cost). Really Right Stuff's web page goes into detail with this, but other clamps will also work: Acratech, Kirk, Wimberley, among others.</p>

<p>Wimberley and RRS plates have wonderful add ons that can be attached to them.</p>

<p>I have a D70s and 70-300 VR that I use with a Slik U212, appx. $120, with a Chinese ball head, $60, I bought at Samy's camera in L.A. that works very well. The ball head seems to be the equivalent to others of around $150.</p>

<p>I don't know anything about the feisol tripods, but if you think you might want one they are sold in the US by http://reallybigcameras.com/</p>

<p>I use a Manfrotto 055 XPROB and 486 RC2 ball head for my Nikon D200 and lenses about the same weight as 70-300 VR (you can substitute 488 RC2 instead for more support). The only downside is a little sag after you tighten it at a certain position. This starts with lenses about 1 lb; there will likley be more sag with heavier lenses. There is no sag with light primes, though. I have learned to compensate for it. If expense is an issue, this combo will do. If you listen to Thom Hogan you need to spend a grand (and get the best, of course). </p>

<p>I've only had it for a short while, but so far I'm happy with my Vangaurd Alta-Pro 263AT and Vanguard ball head. Less money than Manfrotto equivalent, and sturdy! Worth a look...</p>

<p>I agree with Jim (above).</p>

<p>Don't bother with ballheads for under $200. I've tried 5 of them including some Gitzo's, Manfrotto's and Giotto's and all of them eventually will not hold setting even with load at less than half of their ratings.<br>

I suggest getting a pan head if you are on a budget.<br>

A Manfrotto 055XDB and a 3047 will cost you just over $200 and provide sufficient stability but it will weight a lot.<br>

Note that I prefer Manfrotto with wing nut locks instead of the flip locks because they are more durable and can provide tighter lock without wear unlike the plastic flip locks.<br>

If money is not object I will suggest Gitzo GT2541 and Markins M10 combo (4.25lb) which will cost you a cool $950.</p>

 

<p>There are a bunch of threads about buying tripods. At least you didn't say you wanted it cheap and light and sturdy (which is pretty much impossible). Sturdy and cheap might describe my first tripod, an old Bogen 3021. Hard on your shoulder though, even with foam padded legs. Aluminum is plenty cold in winter too. I eventually paid much more (several hundred) for a Gitzo 1228 carbon fiber and a good ballhead. Not sold anymore but there are current versions.</p>

<p>If you have the strength you can buy something like the 3021 and later on when you have more money and a weaker body, you can get the carbon fiber one.</p>

<p>i recommend the hahnel triad 100, ballhead, using one for 2yrs now with a mamiya rb67, no complaints. definately did not cost $600</p>

<p>I'm with Jay, in a way. I also have the 055XPROB and that's a very nice sturdy unit. We use it at every wedding, typically when shooting formals. Many times we need to stand on a step ladder and this baby can reach the heights. I use it also with a 40D body and 70-200mm f/2.8 IS, and it's as sturdy as the floor that's supporting me. Amazon has them for well under $200, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UMX7FI/ref=oss_product">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UMX7FI/ref=oss_product</a>.<br /><br />For the head I used the Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head. That is a lot easier to maneuver quickly during a wedding shoot. Amazon has those currently at $129, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000184N22/ref=oss_product">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000184N22/ref=oss_product</a>. That said I've only had this for about 4 months and I've already had to tighten the head because it was starting to slip with the 70-200. Cearly there will come a time when no further tightening will be allowed and it will slip anyway, so maybe you should take Adam Kuan's advise and invest more heavily in the head. <br /><br />Yeah, there are lighter ones for a SIGNIFICANTLY higher price, in the carbon fiber series. But us wedding photographers typically don't drag these things to the top of a mountain so it's no big deal. And you made it clear you were looking for inexpensive. </p>

<p>Manfrotto 190 series and the 055 series are both very nice options ... Ray.</p>

<p>Do a search for "Tiltall" on ebay and you'll find one for less than $100 shipped, has a three-way head included. You really don't need anything more than this for your camera and lens unless you want something for traveling or hiking.</p>