robert_landis Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 Well, I need a tripod and I am getting addicted to buying (and using) quality equipment. It sure seems like a lot of money to spend on something like a Gitzo tripod and an Arca-Swiss ballhead (or similar gear). Is this worth it? Do you really need to spend $400 or $500 on a tripod? Why? Think about it- you could buy a quality point and shoot or a new lens to play with at those prices. Thanks for any advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay ott Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 For about $100.00, you can't beat the Slik U212 deluxe. It's 6.6 lbs so it won't blow away. It's been in production nearly 20 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phyrpowr Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 Check the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro, horizontal adjustment for the center post, very sturdy with my Canon 10D and EOS1n plus 300mm f/4 lens I've hefted the carbon fiber tripods, and they're not THAT much lighter than aluminum, not $300 worth to me I'm probably missing something, but I also don't see the need for a $200 ballhead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
._._z Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 Robert, you should at least have noted what gear you intend to put on a tripod, and what you need a tripod for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_kaplan1 Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 Gitzo tripods are worth the money! And thirty years later they're worth a lot more than I paid for them new. Why would anybody want to put a lens and camera costing a couple grand on a wobbly piece of junk? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_landis Posted December 12, 2003 Author Share Posted December 12, 2003 Sorry- I mostly will be using a Contax G2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
._._z Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 The G2 is a small camera, with small lenses, which don't have the mirror-slap that SLRs need to have absorbed. You could <b>easily</b> get away with a $90 Bogen 3001B tripod for your uses and it will last you for many productive years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klix Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 With a G2, at the very least, you'll need a Gitzo 1548 and a Wimberley gimbal head to support all that bulk!!! :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpursley Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 I'd second the 3001 recommendation if you're looking for something light. Just don't make the same newbie mistake I made and assume the "long column" version is better - the extra height ability is more than offset by the long column always getting in the way for shots close to the ground. Get the standard length column. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klix Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 Seriously though... the 3001 (or anything in its class or even heavier) will be fine. Also, get a sturdy ballhead. I would aslo recommend is that you do NOT extend the center column. Or alternatively, remove the column, and pop out the small mount on the opposite end of the column, and insert that mount directly onto the top portion of the legs. Then mount the ballhead directly on that. Extending the center column makes the rig vulnerable to shake with a slight gust of wind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_mutchler Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 I have used a Gitzo for almost 40 years...don't know which model... It finally wore out a couple of years ago and I replaced it with another Gitzo...I'm 60 now, so I suspect I'll be dead before this new one wears out...:) Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron c sunshine coast,qld,a Posted December 13, 2003 Share Posted December 13, 2003 I have one of the normal manfrotto models(called bogan/manfrotto in the states?) <br>It is a very well made stiff metal tripod that is light years better than the alloy/plastic ones in the camera shops. <br>but i can see not alot of point getting anything more expensive than one of these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david arnold eugene, oreg Posted December 14, 2003 Share Posted December 14, 2003 I'll add my vote to the Gitzo contingent. You can buy cheaper, but you can't buy better. As for "an Arca-Swiss ballhead (or similar gear)," there are several quality heads for around half the price that will do the job as well. I'm happy with my <a href="http://www.acratech.net/PRODUCTS.HTM">Acratech Ultimate Ballhead</a>, but Linhoff, Leica, and a couple of others also make heads that would serve you well. Search the photo.net tripod threads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gilles amalkik Posted December 14, 2003 Share Posted December 14, 2003 Robert, I have a Manfrotto 190CL w/ a 486RC2 ball head. It's very steady and rapid to setup.... As I do a lot of night photography, I wouldn't trade it for anything less... The combinaison is not that expansive for the quality... I've paid about 200$(Canadian) for it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cham_saranasuriya Posted December 15, 2003 Share Posted December 15, 2003 Hi, Manfrotto or Bogen tripods are good value for money. I have used Manfrotto 190CL extensively and still have it. But now I have purchased a Gitzo 1348 tripod and a Arca B1, which I tend to use frequently now. I think they are well worth. According to bythom.com he mentions the person who is stingy end up paying more at the end. I think I have to accept this fact reluctantly. Get the best tripod you can afford. Also consider the portability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skmoss Posted December 15, 2003 Share Posted December 15, 2003 Quote <i>I'd second the 3001 recommendation if you're looking for something light. Just don't make the same newbie mistake I made and assume the "long column" version is better - the extra height ability is more than offset by the long column always getting in the way for shots close to the ground. Get the standard length column.</i> There's a used Bogen at the local camera repair shop here. The center column is adjustable and can be removed and replaced upside down. Allowing the camara to suspend below the tripod for shots very close to the ground. I don't have the model number on it. Didn't have the cash for it on Saturday, will pick it up to night and then send you the model number. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin conville Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 Go for the Manfrotto (Bogen) 3001. The Giotto 1001 Ballhead is very complimentary with this pod. Add a RRS Quick Release and plate and you'll have a fast, stable, quick to set up, and affordable setup. I have this that I use with both a Contax G2 system and a Canon SLR system and it's great. The only caveat is that it doesn't get very tall. I also have a Gitzo but prefer the Manfrotto. The Gitzo's are very well built but so what, it doesn't do anything more for you. Gitzo's leg locks and angle adjustments stops are far more cumbersome to me and I don't care for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sk_arts Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 I second the 3001, i like mine a lot, but i don't like ball heads, so I'd opt for a traditional pan/tilt or better yet a gear head... they're so cool! Mine with a basic 3030 head costed about $180 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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