Tripod Recommendations for Large Format to Ultra Large Format Cameras?

[ted_stoddard]

Can anyone recommend a tripod that can handle from 4x5 all the way to

20x24 cameras for location to studio work? I also want to know what

types of heads and etc... Plus for all sizes in between 4x5 to

20x24... Thanks Happy New Year !!!!!!!!!! What are the best tripods

for hiking that can also handle 4x5...8x10... and 11x14....out in the

field....

[tracy_storer1]

This has been asked and answered many times here and at

www.largeformatphotography.info. Many (myself included) will recommend

the Ries A-100 with A-250 head. Ries also makes a heavier duty version

called the A-100-2, or something like that. I have used the 20x24 Wisner on a

regular A-100(I cut the legs to lower the camera since we always use this

tripod on a dolly which limits the legspread). I use the A-100 as my main

tripod for 14x17.(I also have an old shorty Ries)

This tripod is probably a little heavy for 4x5, but if you want to use the same

tripod for all formats, you need to buy to support the biggest camera you

expect to put on it.

[ryan_mcintosh]

I too, would recommend a Ries Tripod and head. Not only are they the finest crafted wooden tripods in the WORLD, they are also very light and have a lifetime warrenty. Ries tripods were used by both Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, so they MUST be good! I currenly use a old Ries tripod from around the 50's, and it still is my strongest, lightest and most easy to use tripod I own.

 

www.riestripod.com

[capocheny]

Ted,

 

Don't dismiss the old Majestic tripods with the geared heads... they're heavy and very

sturdy.

 

Lastly, they're usually available and you can buy them for a very reasonable price on

*bay.

 

Cheers

[lars ake vinberg]

I recently upgraded to a Toyo 810G monorail and a Gitzo G1548, for field use. For increased stability I am not using a tripod head but instead a leveling base (Gitzo 1321). I find this combination to be quite stable and practical for backpacking with 8x10, and I would not hesitate to mount an 11x14 woodfield on this setup, unless very long extension (900+ mm) were used. The Toyo monorail is not light at approx 20 pounds plus lens, and it sits rock solid on this tripod.

 

For windy conditions, I also have a tripod apron (from Bogen) tied between the tripod legs which can be loaded with rocks or sand to lower the center of gravity.

 

BTW, there is a wooden tripod manufacturer named Stabil in Sweden. I have seen some Stabil tripods and they are well made, but have not had the opportunity to compare to Ries or other brands.

[harry_martin]

The Gitzo G1549 was the best buy I've ever made. I carry my tripod (without a head) like a rifle sling, diagonal, across my back. The 8x10 and lenses are carried in separate cases with handles. Ake, how do you wear yours for backpacking?

Harry

[c_p_goerz]

My 2 cents also for the Majestic, the gear head is excellent and you'll use it more than you think. Davis and Sanfords are also handy though I would give the edge to the Majestic for a smoother(though a lot heavier) head. Another one to look out for is/are the old wooden movie tripods. I have a big French one that can even take my weight which shows how strong it is!

 

CP Goerz

[daniel_smith6]

A Jeep Wagoneer, Range Rover or similar 4x4 with a tripod head welded to the roof.

[c4-contemporary-art]

actually I don't recommend the 4x4 with a tripod head mounted on the roof

thing! You'd be SURPRISED how little wind it takes to screw up your picture!

I have a wagoneer myself - and the only way I could get around this was to

put the vehicle up on jackstands while shooting - still not SUPER solid...