I am trying to retake my product pictures. I got the camera part nailed down, but the cheapo tripod I got broke, so now I need a new one. I saw some from $20 to well over $500. I just need one that is capable of holding my camera upright and will not break after a few uses. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Looking for some advice on picking a tripod
- Thread starter mretzloff
- Start date
Look at Manfrottos range. I've had mine for years, it has been heavily used and abused, still works fine.
For a model recommendation look at this one...
http://www.manfrotto.us/190xprob-tripod-with-804rc2-head
The ability to turn the centre column horizontal can be very handy.
For a model recommendation look at this one...
http://www.manfrotto.us/190xprob-tripod-with-804rc2-head
The ability to turn the centre column horizontal can be very handy.
I'm a big fan of Gitzo tripods. I've owned and used mine for over a decade and it has never failed me. That being said, they are expensive. As legion mentioned Manfrotto makes some really nice tripods. I use an old Bogen, now Manfrotto, as my backup. It has a geared center column that comes in handy when doing tabletop work.
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Gitzo are great, and I used to use them for work. They will last a lifetime, but it is hard to justify the price unless you are a pro, using it all day every day. Or maybe not, it depends on your budget.
Gitzo, Manfroto, and Bogen are all owned by the Vitec group company.
Gitzo is the high end range, Manfroto is the "pro-sumer" and mid level range, and Bogen is the studio range.
I own maybe a dozen or more tripods from all three lines (and others).
I don't care for inexpensive tripods that have built in heads (Slick for example), but if you are not going to use it more than a few times a year that's the route I would go.
Unless you are carrying it around every day, there is no real need for carbon legs. A set of aluminum Manfrotto legs and a ~$60-$80 ball head will service one well for decades. There is no need to spend more than $200 on a set of legs and head unless you are supporting a heavy camera on a regular basis and for work.
Gitzo is the high end range, Manfroto is the "pro-sumer" and mid level range, and Bogen is the studio range.
I own maybe a dozen or more tripods from all three lines (and others).
I don't care for inexpensive tripods that have built in heads (Slick for example), but if you are not going to use it more than a few times a year that's the route I would go.
Unless you are carrying it around every day, there is no real need for carbon legs. A set of aluminum Manfrotto legs and a ~$60-$80 ball head will service one well for decades. There is no need to spend more than $200 on a set of legs and head unless you are supporting a heavy camera on a regular basis and for work.
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Manfrotto definitely. I also use a Velbon that's nearly thirty years old and still going strong. Agree that you don't need anything over the top for most applications, but if you run large telephotos or are constantly using the tripod I'd look at something heavier (cheaper than replacing a housing and lens if something goes south).
Anyone have any experience with the Manfrotto 394? I too need a tripod, but I'm not willing to spend several hundred dollars on one for hobby photography. My current set up is a Nikon D5100 with a Nikon 24-70mm/Nikon 60mm/Nikon 35mm. I want something that will support the weight of the 24-70 beast, yet not be ridiculous in terms of weight or price...
Most amateurs waste money on tripods by buying (1) new ones (2) with "professional" features that are (3) too flimsy to be much use. Go to a camera shop with a second-hand department and look for a simple professional model that is sturdier than you think you need and much heavier than you want it to be. Unless you spend an enormous amount of money for carbon fibre, a tripod that weighs less than three kilograms is not likely to be worth carrying--I say this not as a young man but as a senior citizen with a cranky shoulder--and cranks and quick-releases tend to be more a nuisance than a help for still cameras, especially when implemented cheaply. The only features you need are a simple elevating column and either a ball head (my personal preference) or a pan/tilt head that tilts in two directions. A good tripod is expensive to buy new but there is no earthly reason to buy one new. Tripods do not wear out and broken parts are obvious.
Note, by the way, that "professional" companies like Gitzo, Linhof, and Manfrotto sell flimsy amateur products too. The brand means nothing, the structure is all that matters. And no matter whether you buy a used or new tripod, make sure that the head does not move when you tighten it.
Note, by the way, that "professional" companies like Gitzo, Linhof, and Manfrotto sell flimsy amateur products too. The brand means nothing, the structure is all that matters. And no matter whether you buy a used or new tripod, make sure that the head does not move when you tighten it.
I myself have a Manfrotto. Which model escapes me, but it is extremely sturdy. It has a quick release for the camera as well, but it was a bit expensive.
I have a Joby Gorillapod and like it immensely!
Here is what I have
For the Head : 488RC2
Tripod: 055XPR0B
It seems the head isnt made anymore, but you can still see pictures of it online. THis tripod is heavy duty and im sure will stand the test of time.
For the Head : 488RC2
Tripod: 055XPR0B
It seems the head isnt made anymore, but you can still see pictures of it online. THis tripod is heavy duty and im sure will stand the test of time.
I'm looking at purchasing a decent tripod for my D200 with MB-D200 battery pack in the next month or so and the Manfrotto 055XPROB is at the top of the list right now. Heavy? Yes. But with our average wind speed of 16mph here heavy is something I need. My main problem is picking a head that will work with the camera and a 300mm lens. Right now my main choices for heads are these (used of course):
Kirk BH-3
Arca B1
Acratech Ultimate
Markins Q3
Kirk BH-3
Arca B1
Acratech Ultimate
Markins Q3
The best value in tripods for the past decade has been the Slik 700DX. It is dirt cheap, not too heavy (a titanium/aluminum alloy), can lift a camera to my eyeball with very little center column extension (I'm 6' 5" tall), and the standard tilt/pan head with two bubble levels is stout enough to hold over 20 pounds of gear like the rock of Gibralter....
I have been a professional photographer for over 40 years. The 700DX is not perfect, but it is so close.... It is bulletproof. It holds RZ67 bodies with tele lenses. It holds view cameras. It is easy to use, can accept any standard head you choose (I have three, with three different heads), it holds 35mm cameras like concrete. Even if you chase the lightest, strongest carbon fiber tripod made as a personal dream, you should have at least one 700DX!
You can afford it. You cannot break it. It simply rocks.....
I have been a professional photographer for over 40 years. The 700DX is not perfect, but it is so close.... It is bulletproof. It holds RZ67 bodies with tele lenses. It holds view cameras. It is easy to use, can accept any standard head you choose (I have three, with three different heads), it holds 35mm cameras like concrete. Even if you chase the lightest, strongest carbon fiber tripod made as a personal dream, you should have at least one 700DX!
You can afford it. You cannot break it. It simply rocks.....
Essential reading for anybody in the market for a tripod. Thom Hogan's article.
To that list I would add RRS. They are fantastic ballheads.
To that list I would add RRS. They are fantastic ballheads.
I used this set up for years and it is great bang for your buck. Two years ago I changed to carbon fibre for the weight, but the manfrotto will serve you well for a long time.
You have chosen well.
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