Heavy duty, quick set-up field tripods

[steven_d._johnson]

<p>Any suggestions for a tripod that can handle rough field service under inclement weather, fast set-up and take down and will support ten pounds? </p>

[leicaglow]

<p>I love my Bogen 3021 (it's now a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UMX7FI?ie=UTF8&tag=credify&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000UMX7FI">Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black)</a> <img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=credify&l=as2&o=1&a=B000UMX7FI" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> ) and the hex quick release tripod (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009R6DB?ie=UTF8&tag=credify&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00009R6DB">Bogen - 3-Way Head - Pro Head - with Quick Release Plate #3049</a> <img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=credify&l=as2&o=1&a=B00009R6DB" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> ).</p>

<p>I had an interesting experience about a month ago when I went to photograph some wild horses. I heard a thundering sound when I got near an area where I knew they hung out. Realizing what it was, I jumped out of my car, set up my tripod and attached my Hasselblad to the tripod in time to get the shot. It took less than 20 seconds. You simply unclick the levers on each legs, extend them and lock them down, and snap the camera onto the tripod head. It takes no more time than that. It is heavy enough to hold my 4x5 cameras in the field without any trouble.</p>

[Matt Laur]

<p>I agree. I use a Manfrotto 055MF3 when knocking around in the mud and ice and dust, and need to deploy and collapse it in a real hurry all the time. The leg release/clamp hardware is a lot faster than the twist-collar variety. Anyway, I like it. Solid, fast, light, tough. I use the 488RC2 ballhead/quick release.</p>

[akajohndoe]

<p>I keep my Bogen 3221 for just this purpose. Same thing as the silver 3021, but black as the 3221</p>

 

[Matthew Currie]

<p>Another vote for the 3221, which is basically a 3021 set up for all-weather use, with spiked feet, padded legs, and if I remember the specs right (can't seem to find now), stainless steel hardware on the leg locks. I don't know whether that last feature is present on current versions or all earlier ones, or just the "tracker" version.</p>

[steven_f1]

<p>I also have the Bogen 3221. However Bogen changed all the model numbers a couple of years ago so I don't know the current equivelent model number. I would request catologs from several companies and compare load capacity, height, and weight before deciding on one. Almost any Bogen will handle bad weather since they are generally made with aluminum and stainless steel</p>

[steven_f1]

<p>Sorry, double post.</p>

[brucecahn]

<p>I had a Bogen in the 1960s. It pretty much fell apart after some years. I have avoided the brand since. The best tripods I have used are Linhof and Ries, and after that, Gitzo. The Ries might be the best in bad weather & mud.</p>

[Ed_Ingold]

<p>Carbon fiber tripods are lighter and stronger than comparable aluminum tripods. They also feel cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather, due to their low thermal conductivity. Legs with collars are intrinsically self-adjusting and quiet to operate, whereas snap joints are noisy and must be periodically tightened. Gitzo 6x tripods have non-rotating legs, and are no slower to operate than Manfrotto tripods, at half the weight and twice the load capacity. If you want a tripod that will last a lifetime and are willing to spend the money, Gitzo is a good choice.</p>

<p>Ries tripods are among the best 18 pound tripods you can lug into the field ;-)</p>

[steven_d._johnson]

<p>Thanks, all! I was looking around at some of your recommendations, and I also found a tripod made by Giottos, model MT9360. Anyone know anything about this?</p>

[mike_booth2]

<p>Anybody used this with something as heavy and unwieldy as a d200+battery grip and a Tokina 300mm f2.8 with a teleconverter?</p>

[mt4x4]

<p>Your three choices are</p>

<ol>

<li>Gitzo</li>

<li>Gitzo</li>

<li>Gitzo</li>

</ol>

<p>Yes, they are a bit pricy, however you can't beat them for durability and stability. I have an old series two that I have not been very nice to, and it is still going strong. Not to mention, they have a lifetime warranty, so you shouldn't be worried about replacing it.<br /> <br /> As far as time setting up, once you get used to the Gitzo style locks, they are quicker. Also, you can completely take a Gitzo apart (easily) and clean it.</p>

<p>The only thing I recommend against are the Gitzo heads. I have never liked Gitzo's ballheads.</p>