Need New Tripod

[Mr Yuck]

I'm in the market for a new tripod <=$120 for head+legs.

I'd like a ball head to use it with a video camera when I get one.

Something that gets really short preferred, it must also have a removable head because I will buy a panoramic head eventually.

Experience based suggestions preferred.

For now, this is to be used with the Rebel XTi + Lenses in my sig. (Sigma 10-20mm, Canon 50mm, Canon 100-300mm)

Thanks in advance.

[photophorous]

I would recommend Bogen/Manfrotto, but that's probably a little outside your price range. I have the 3001 legs and a 486RC2 head, and I like them a lot. Very sturdy.

But, I also have a tiny little Slik tripod that I use for backpacking...the Sprint Pro. It's probably too small for your needs, but I've used it for landscape work with a small 35mm SLR and a rangefinder. I'm very impressed by the quality and stability, considering that only weighs 2 lbs and cost $80. So, based on that experience, I suggest you look at one of the bigger Slik tripods. They seem to be very good for the price.

Paul

[Mr Yuck]

I think Slik is the same as Sunpak, I like my $30 Sunpak, but it's a little light for use with a 300mm lens....that and I forgot it at a friend's house on the other side of the state, so it's now an excuse for an upgrade rather than simple replacement.

[photophorous]

I looked at the Slik heads, but they were actually more expensive than Bogen...so, I would get a Bogen head like this one (which is the one I have) : http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...d_w_Rapid.html

...and I would get some Slik legs, like these:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ipod_Legs.html

This adds up to about $150, but it's a nice set up. You could cut the price by getting a non quick-release head and maybe by shoping around some. ...Just an example.

Paul

[gryphonslair99]

Mr. Yuck,
I am going to make four suggestions to you on getting a tripod . First suggestion: Read this article. You do not have to spend the kind of money that Throm Hogan spends, but the idea behind what he writes is quite valid.
http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

Second, Bogen Manfrotto makes quality gear that a lot of people use. I would however suggest that for a head you look at the 488RC2 ball head instead of the 486. The 486 is just a bit light for the kind of application you seem to need. An additional advantage to the 488 is that it has an independent panning function to it that the 486 does not. This would be my choice now for a general field tripod.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...gs_Black_.html

Third: a cheaper solution might be this particular model. Same head but lighter legs.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...gs_Black_.html

Forth, If those are still too expensive then check out Amvona. They make Manfrotto knock off stuff that a lot of people like quite well. This is their web page to get an idea of what they have.
http://www.amvona.com/?page=shop/cat...8b66d5d8831a53

If you choose to buy from them I would go to their e-bay site and get it from there. Same folks, but you should be able to get it cheaper. You might want to consider just getting legs from them and picking up a head some where else. All of their QR plates are specific to only their stuff. Manfrotto RC2 plates can be purchased almost anywhere. Good luck.

[freygr]

I don't care but a good tripod and head is going to be much more costly the lighter you go, and the ball heads I saw and looked at are close to $500 just by them selfes!! for the top of the line. If I was to replace my tripod it would cost between $300 and $500, I only paid $150 for it in 2000.

[Mr Yuck]

I don't think I want light, but I do want something that will have a minimum height of 1 foot or less.

I use cable release and mirror lockup, the big things about the $30 Sunpak I have are that it doesn't get short and it gets really cold carrying it at night.

I think I'll go to Huppins (the B&M version of Onecall.com) and check out what they've got.

Edit: I'm only 5'8'' so one with an operating height of 63" would be more than enough to comfortably reach eye level with a viewfinder, if the tripod doesn't have padding for carrying it, I can wrap road bike handlebar cork around it.

[readingr]

Mr. Yuck,

Just been through this experience of getting a new tripod, because the last one I bought was too light for the 5D and lens.

I ended up getting one that would cope with the 1D's as well as the 5D, which is the manfrotto 190XPROB with a 486RC2 head can't give you the US prices, but got it all in the UK for £160, so over your budget me thinks.

I have used it quite a bit and trekked it over 3 miles with the full back pack with camera gear with no problems. It works brilliantly with hand holds on the 2 legs to make sure your hands are warm and the ball head is smooth and easy to use. I bought three plates for the two cameras' and one for the zoom lens, so attaching things is now easy,

I believe that I will not need to buy another tripod. Very sturdy and very strong. Save up and buy decent kit and it will be with you for a very long time. My recommendation.

Roger

[freygr]

I don't think I want light, but I do want something that will have a minimum height of 1 foot or less.

I use cable release and mirror lockup, the big things about the $30 Sunpak I have are that it doesn't get short and it gets really cold carrying it at night.

I think I'll go to Huppins (the B&M version of Onecall.com) and check out what they've got.

Edit: I'm only 5'8'' so one with an operating height of 63" would be more than enough to comfortably reach eye level with a viewfinder, if the tripod doesn't have padding for carrying it, I can wrap road bike handlebar cork around it.

My gut feeling is that you will need a tripod with a reversible column to get a hight of 12". Most tripods have a three or four section leg. I would be surprised if you will be able to keep with in your cost range and get a rigid tripod. Note the tripod may be rigid but may be subject to vibrations.

[readingr]

Forgot to mention that the legs can either go almost flat so achieving height or reverse the centre column or set it horizontal.

It's worth saving up for.

Roger

[JamesV]

I don't know if you purchased anything yet but this is what I got a few months ago, to go with my XTi.
Legs. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ripod_Leg.html.
Ball Head. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...d_w_Rapid.html
The center of the legs does invert so you can get right to the ground if you want. It also comes with a carry bag for the legs and the legs are padded. I am only 2" taller then you and this is great for eye level.
If you would like any pictures of the setup just ask and I can shoot some off to you.
I forgot to mention, this setup is about $5-$10 over you list budget, then plus shipping.

Good Luck,
James