Tripod Recommendation for D70s/Nature Photography

[jean melissa]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a tripod.

Equipment - D70s, 18-70mm, 50mm, 18-200mm (ordered).

Nature photography. Some landscape, mostly macro.

 

Thank you!

Jeannie

[klix]

Since you don't have a large tele, I would recommend one of the Vebon Carmagne tripods (at least that's what I would buy if I were in the market today) -- they come in a couple of heights, and in a couple of locking systems (twist lock a la Gitzo or flip lock a la Bogen) -- personally, I prefer the flip lock system, but that's a personal choice; others may prefer the twist lock.

 

Also, get a lightweight ballhead like the Acratech (what I have) or one of the Kirk or Arca Swiss ballheads.

 

KL

[joseph_smith3]

You did not tell us about your height, travel requirements, weight restrictions and budget, all of which can affect a recommendation. Here are mine: 1.Bogen 3011BN or the more robust Bogen 3021BN, Kirk BH-3 ball head that accepts arca swiss system camera and lens plates from Kirk, Really Right Stiff or Wimberley. I now use the Wimberley universal camera plate and lens plates from Kirk or Wimberley. 2. Same as 1 except a Gitzo Explorer G2220 tripod which is designed for general use and macro use. When each leg is locked into its angled position, it is done with a noticeable click. That could be a drawback for you. If you are going to be hiking, and weight is a consideration, you can get a carbon fiber tripod made by Gitzo or Bogen. The Gitzo model numbers are 1257 or 1258 or 2257 or 2258 for the Explorer version. Joe Smith

[arnabdas]

You didn't say if you have a budget. If "mostly macro" - I highly recommend Gitzo Explorer 2220 + Acratech V1 ballhead. It should be perfect for your height too.

 

If you think 4.9 lbs a bit heavy for you, the CF versions are slightly lighter, though almost twice as much expensive. If you must have a cheaper+lighter tripod, you can look at Velbon EL Carmagne 530 or various Feisol (CT 3301/3402), Slik (713CF/714CF), Manfrotto (190MF3/MF4, 055MF3/MF4) tripods. But IMX only the Gitzo Explorers seem to have been designed for macrophotography purpose - Benbo and Uniloc are nowhere near as stable.. I have no exterience with the new Giottos designs which are very similar.

 

You can see lots of explorer G2227 pictures here http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/accessories/gitzo-2227.shtml I use the G2220 and G2228 legs, very similar to G2227.

[arnabdas]

<p>Here are some recommendations from hands-on experience (either

tried or own(ed)) or based on dependable sources</p>

 

<p> </p>

 

<p><u>Tripods</u>:</p>

 

<p><strong>Ultra lightweight: </strong>Velbon Luxi SF5, Slik

613CF Pro (have it, great)</p>

 

<p><strong>Lightweight: </strong>Velbon EL Carmagne 530/40, Slik

713CF Pro, Manfrotto 190MF4 Magfiber (have it, good)</p>

 

<p><strong>Mediumweight: </strong>Manfrotto 190B (had it, best

value for money), Manfrotto 055MF Pro, Gitzo Explorer G2228 (have

it, great), Feisol CT 3301/3402, Slik 813/814CF</p>

 

<p><strong>Medium heavyweight:</strong> Explorer G2220 (have it,

awesome), various Velbon Neo Carmagne</p>

 

<p><strong>Heavyweight: </strong>Gitzo 1325, 1348</p>

 

<p><u>Heads</u></p>

 

<p><strong>Lightweight: </strong>RRS BH25 (have it, amazing),

Slik SBH280 Pro (have it, awesome), various FLM (had one, was OK,

lost it)</p>

 

<p><strong>Mediumweight: </strong>Kirk BH3, Acratech V1 (have 2,

great), RRS BH40, Markins M10</p>

 

<p><strong>Heavyweight: </strong>Arca Swiss B1 (have it, very

good), Kirk BH1, RRS BH55</p>

 

<p>Having so much support gear isn't indicative of a confused

mind or mindless expenditure. It just goes to show that like most

things in life majority of folks will never be satisfied with a

single camera support because there isn't one perfect

all-rounder. You need to make an informed decision and start

somewhere, then add better ones as/when you see fit.</p>

 

<p> </p>

[douglas_green1]

I'd get an Amvona AT-858 leg set, and a good ball head. The Amvona legs can be gotten for around $50 including shipping on their ebay site, and they are basically a good copy of the Manfrotto 3021N, for 1/3 the price. I used to use the Manfrotto in a studio I worked with, and the Amvona's are extremely comparable. Amvona also makes decent ball heads such as the ATH-H93 that can be had for under $20, and the ATH-H96 Magnesium alloy head that can be gotten for under $50. These heads don't compete with $300-400 top tier pro ball heads, but they are comparable to Manfrotto stuff that costs over twice what the Amvonas do on ebay.

 

IMHO, there's nothing else close to $100 than an Amvona AT-858 and one of these two ball heads. The comparable Manfrotto outfit will cost at least twice as much, possibly 3X as much.

 

If your budget will stretch a bit, I'd spend a couple of hundred on a really nice Feisol ball head, like their CB-50H but I'd still get the Amvona AT-858 aluminum legs - they're the best deal out there.

[jordan2240]

Jeannie,

 

I don't know anything about the Gitzo explorer, but I do have a Benbo Standar 1, already alluded to, and there isn't a position you can't put it in, so it's great for macro work as far as my experience has been. mine just has a Benbo ballhead as well, and though it locks up on occasion when I haven't used it much, generally works fine. I'd at least give the Benbos a look.

[rob_murray]

my vote is for the Bogen/Manfrotto 3011Pro, just about the perfect tripod. Add a decent ball head to it and your done. Has the center column that can be used horizontally to get hard to shoot macro shots.