Help me spend a couple $

[rbiemer]

I just filed my taxes and --I'm getting a bigger refund than I first thought 😀 --and I need a better tripod than the POS store brand one I'm using.
I think I have limited my options to two:
either one of the Velbon maxi(the slightly larger one w/pan head) OR a manfrotto 2001 and 3047 head.
I know they are VERY different and my thinking is--the velbon is probably not as rigid but for my 35mm cameras should be OK and lighter/smaller means I'll be more likely to have it with me....BUT.. the manfrotto is probably stiffer and should suffice for my MF gear as well and I can get a plate for the head that has a 3/8" screw so I won't need the adaptor on my cameras(just have to make sure I've got the correct plate with me) it is heavier/larger which might be a concern.
As things are now, I take the one I have with me if I think I'll use it and most of the time I have it with me I do use it. I have not missed it often when I didn't have it.
When I'm shooting MF I always take it along even though it's just barely sturdy enough for my MF kit.
The ideal thing would be to get both but I cant afford to do that right now.
Any other models/brands that maybe fall inbetween these two?
Carbon fiber would be good but the prices aren't.
If you folks have gone through this issue before point me to the thread,please.
Thanks, Rob

 

[GeneW]

I'm not fond of tripods, but I use them. Most of the time I leave them at home, especially if I'm shooting faster film in 35mm format.

However, I'd rather have a good solid tripod than a lightweight somewhat flimsy one when I DO use one. And especially if this will also be used for your MF cams, I'd say get a good sturdy, solid one. I tote around a Manfrotto when I'm using my Hassy and I like its solidity.

Gene

 

[DougK]

I don't use a tripod as often as I should and the high-end Wal-Mart special (hey, it has a quick-release and bubble levels at least) works fine for me as the largest gear I have is my Seagull TLR. It's definitely bottom-feeding gear but it seems to go nicely with the overall theme of my camera collection. It even works pretty well 🙂

 

[felipe]

I don't know what your budget is but you might also consider the Velbon Sherpa series
I still have a Velbon Sherpa Pro CF 540 (paid about 150$ for it) and Velbon PH 350 head that I was using with the hassy then.
It's relatively small and lightweight while being sturdy enough to carry a Hassy w/ CF planar, never had any stability problems, even with strong wind. Mine came with a bag you fill with stones/lenses/whatever and strap it to the tripods legs to stabilize it further, and also a hook you attach to the end of the middle section, so you can hang your bag or small kids on it, I used this quite often. Keeps your bag/kids clean and makes the tripod really solid. 🙂

Only thing I dislike is the 3way head, it is way too bulky. I guess I'd replace it with a Manfrotto ballhead with quickchange plates if the tripod ever sees some use again.. 🙄

Hope this helps,

cheers
phil

 

[JohnM]

I use a Velbon Max i 343 - often.

It's very light and inexpensive - works very well for what I use it for; light duty with a Bessa L w/ a wide angle or the occasional trip with a digital Rebel. (A lightweight DSLR). Perfect for hiking and trekking and that's why I have it.

It's not up to heavy duty use, though. If you're looking for it to handle light-duty SLR and rangefinder work, it's fine. It's not up to medium format or heavy zoom lenses.

 

[doubs43]

I purchased a SunPak Platinum Plus 7500 Pro from Best Buy for under $90 and it's a nice tripod for the money. It's 6.5 pounds and very sturdy with a rating of 11.5 pounds load weight. It has a bubble level for the head and another for the main body. It comes with two quick detachable heads and a European 3/8" adapter fitting.

It has a pan head that's adjustable for tilt and elevation. The center column is crank elevated and the legs are braced. The legs are "D" channel and have quick locks.

After working with an older Slik 410M (IIRC) tripod that weighs in at 8.5 pounds, the SunPak is nicer for mobile use. The Slik will hold larger 4x5 view cameras but I haven't used a view camera in years.

Walker