Tripod help needed... M cameras and smaller

jsrockit

jsrockit

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I'm looking for a high quality tripod to use with the cameras in my signature. I've always been a cheap tripod guy, but those tripods always break (i.e legs, latches, etc). I would love to have a nice wooden one or a well designed metal one. However, I haven't looked in a long time and don't even know where to start anymore. I don't mind the tripod being overkill for my camera size. It'll mostly be used inside my apartment or around my neighborhood i.e. I will not be travelling with it. Since it'll be set-up in my apartment, I'd like it to look good too. I know, kind of corny, but oh well... :)
 
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Bogen/Manfrotto 3021Pro with the 32620R ball head. The smaller your camera, the bigger your tripod should be.
 
Oops...I should have mentioned I wanted a full size tripod that I can use while standing.
 
Anything that says Bogen/Manfrotto onit should work for you, or Gitzo for that matter...
 
The best (i.e. most rigid) tripods come without center columns. Gitzo series-3 systematics fit the bill. Complete overkill for your kit but I use one and to be honest, that's what you want in a tripod; overkill. You also need a ballhead; Arca-Swiss, Markins and RRS make good ones. I can get into details if you like.
 
I second the Bogen—I have a 3221, used much for over twenty years, with never a complaint. I like the three-way pan head 3030 (for a small camera.)
 
I dare say my Manfrotto 055MF4 (carbon fibre) with Acratech ball head would fit the bill. Overkill, but works excellently, stable, reasonably light, and full height.

For elegance and ultimate goodness I'd go for a Ries wooden tripod (http://riestripod.com/tripod.htm).
 
Uni-Loc Major 1600. It won't just take your camera's weight - it'll take yours too.

Mine cost me £99, used but in good nick and with standard 60 ball head and canvas carry bag.
 
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Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 with 486H
and it was available as a "kit" at a fair discount

I don't have a car, and move by walking, bicycle, and train so weight and size was a factor in my selection process...

Also have a SLIK Grand Master II with three way pan head for days with little travel ;-)

Casey
 
This is a no-brainer if you have patience.
Bogen/Manfrotto are ok, Gitzo better, all very serviceable BUT
If you really want something beautifully designed and practical and inexpensive look for one of the original Tiltall tripods made in New Jersey. Second choice would be a Leitz Tiltall, which was after Leitz bought the design and took it over. More recent Tiltalls have been made by a variety of manufacturers but vary in the quality of the machining. However, if you can be patient and wait until a nice one comes up on eBay or here you won't be sorry. I've had mine since 1979.
 
Leitz built Tilt-all or even a Chinese made one if you can't find a Leitz.

Frank Petronio had one for sale for a song ($80-100). Built like a tank, built in three way head and typically cost less than just a decent head.
 
I have had a Leitz Tiltall, and much prefer the Bogen—so what one prefers is much a matter of taste, rather than an absolute.
 
Hmmm, the Tiltall looks very nice. How are they in use? It seems all of the wooden ones are crazy expensive huh?
 
The pan head on the Tiltall is smooth, and the lock-down handles work great.

The overall build of the Tiltall is to tight tolerances, so I found that I had to pull the legs out to the length I wanted—with the Bogen, I hold the head where I want it, turn the leg locks, and they drop into position.

The Tiltall that I had had one-position leg angle stops, where the Bogen has several. On uneven terrain I often found the spread of the Tiltall too narrow for best stability. On hard surfaces such as concrete or wood floor, the Tiltall works great.
 
as jmcd says, it depends on what works for you.
He likes the Bogen, I much prefer the Tiltall over the Bogen.
I have both. I can use the Tiltall instinctively without looking, all the controls just fall into place where I expect them. I like the leg locks, everything about it. The Bogen is not intuitive - for me.
 
jmcd said:
The overall build of the Tiltall is to tight tolerances, so I found that I had to pull the legs out to the length I wanted—with the Bogen, I hold the head where I want it, turn the leg locks, and they drop into position.
Click to expand...

Just goes to show it's a matter of personal taste. I like the Tiltall precisely for the reason he does not like it. I like pulling the legs out, not having them drop freely. I find it give me more precise control. And the leg locks on the Bogen feel flimsy to me. I was always afraid they would break from the pressure of locking and unlocking (they never did). I prefer the twist-type collar leg locks of the Tiltall. Less likely to get caught on something, they don't protrude at all. Simpler.
 
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