Tripod suggestions please

[DR8099]

Ok here is the story. For graduation my parents are buying me a new tripod of my choosing. Previous tripod was an old hand-me down, nothing special. I am thinking a Bogen-Manfrotto system. I have pretty much decided on the 3021 BPRO legs and now am looking at tripod heads. I am mostly a nature photographer. Lots of landscape, macro and wildlife. Does anyone have reccomendations on tripod heads? I was looking at the 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead. Any thoughts? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[Jaedon]

I have a grip action ball head and I love it. But I have to say that it recently took a backseat to a Gimbal head tripod mount from Jobu designs. Complete freedom of movement as well as stability. It also allows you to pan across sideways... vertically and in an arc because of the design.

[Loupey]

I can only give advice on equipment that I've used/owned - the only tripod I've had for the last 20+ years is my Benbo.

You might want to look into it if your primary use will be nature/wildlife. I don't recommend it for anything over 300mm, but for macros and landscape, it would be tough to beat. Imagine trying to set up a tripod right next to a cliff or tree - you can raise the 3rd leg straight out against it. A contortionist extraordinaire.

[Canon_Bob]

It all depends on budget, of course. I used to use the 488RC0 head on my Manfrotto 55MF, but found that I was unable to control vibration when supporting the 1DsMII and 100-400L (fully extended). that camera/lens configuration only weighs about 8 pounds, but with the lens extended, there is a substantial abount of torque on on the head. That grip head (while convenient) is not rated to support much weight. Even the 488RC0 (rated at about 12 pounds) couldn't handle the job adequately. I switched to the Acra-Swiss Z1 DP (rated at 120lbs - and about the same size as the 488RC0), and the vibration issues are long gone. The aspherical ball heads are the way to go.

Nature photography, with it's demand for long lenses, demands rock solid support. Using a setup rated at 25 pounds or less will probably prove disappointing. Right now, I'm preparing to purchase the 600mm f/4 L. I can guarantee you that I'll be buying a Gitzo tripod with a full Wimberly head tandem right along with it.

[Lava Lamp]

Ok here is the story. For graduation my parents are buying me a new tripod of my choosing. Previous tripod was an old hand-me down, nothing special. I am thinking a Bogen-Manfrotto system. I have pretty much decided on the 3021 BPRO legs and now am looking at tripod heads. I am mostly a nature photographer. Lots of landscape, macro and wildlife. Does anyone have reccomendations on tripod heads? I was looking at the 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead. Any thoughts? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

I have that same combo. The tripod is nice and stable. You can put the center mount on horizontally, which is nice for macros of still objects. The drawback is that if you go out very far horizontally, it's not very stable. The grip ballhead is nice and easy to use. The quick release works pretty well and is secure.

I have to say, though, that I hardly ever use the tripod for wildlife. For that, I prefer a Bogen 679B monopod.

[drg]

The grip heads are fine in a studio but in the field on anything less than level ground they can cause stability problems.

I also never found the grip heads to be sturdy enough to use to support a lens. They are fine for a body with a 50-90mm as for portraiture, other than that I'd avoid them.

This weekend I got to play with a new Manfrotto 190x. It held my Mark II with the venerable 70-200 f/2.8L, and 180 f/3.5L just fine. It had some three axial head on it (I'm not sure which, I'll find out if you're interested). This is a tripod like Loupey's Benbo that does THINGS and will go from very flat to swiveling head at various extensions. Further, it doesn't require disassembly, you just pull it into various configurations.

I have a couple of different variations of Graphite and Basalt tripods which are MF sized and have either Acra-S or custom ball heads. I've got machinist friends who will make items to order. For field work it is a tradeoff between weight a durability for many people. That's where the Basalt and/or Graphites come in hand in saving that lb. or two.

If you are going to shoot macros or really want stability be sure that what you choose allows the center column to be reversed or has an invert feature. Just be sure the column won't just fall out! I've dropped a camera when the column wasn't locked properly and it just rolled out all the way to the ground.

Best wishes!

[DR8099]

Thank you for the advice so far.

Answers to comments/questions:
Price - has to be kept under 300. the parents are buying the tripod for me for graduation. (master's degree wohoo). If you have an amzing suggestion thats over 300 let me know and I can scrape up some cash to make up the difference.

I have a mono pod that I take backpacking. I am looking for a good tripod that I can use for landscape and macros and the occasional wildlife shot. My last tripod was a shacky thing that was really limited on what it could do.

I am pretty sure that the 3021 BPRO allows you to reverse the center column, but I will double check.

I like the bogen-manfrontto systems. From the research I have done they look like good solid tripods. If you have other suggestions that keep it around $250 or a little more please let me know.

Also, if not the grip ball head, what would you suggest? I just want to find a good solid tripod that will work well and can last me for a while.

Thanks.

[Canon_Bob]

One thing I've learned the hard way in photography is that you get what you pay for. The Manfrotto 3021 is an "OK" tripod, but if you're serious about photography, and plan on doing this a long time, you'll probably wind up replacing it later. I have a closet full of gear (that I never use anymore) that I bought with the "this is all I can afford right now" thought process....including a 3021!!! Frankly, I wish I would have saved my money longer and bought a Gitzo to begin with. I'd have saved a bunch of money in the long run. If you're looking for a great place to buy top-notch gear at reasonable prices, try www.reallyrightstuff.com.

If you're sold on the 3021, then I recommend looking at the Manfrotto 488RC2 head for it. They work OK. Just not as well as the premium stuff.