tripod recommendation

[lxmike]

The Bronica SQ-A is much akin to my Hasselblad 500CM in size, weight, and vibration characteristics. You need a good sturdy tripod for these cameras... I consider it an essential.

I have 85, 120, and 150mm lenses for the 'Blad, and a 45 degree prism finder, so I needed something that can comfortably handle about a 4-6 lb camera assembly at least. I have a Kirk Photo Arca-Swiss camera plate semi-permanently bolted to the body. I don't need a huge amount of elevation since I use the camera mostly at chest to waist level heights.

My light duty field tripod is a set of Manfrotto 190CXpro3 carbon-fibre legs fitted with an Arca-Swiss Monoball P0 and Really Right Stuff lever action quick-release clamp. This is a very sturdy middle-size tripod that can handle up to 10-13 lbs without strain and folds compactly, weighs about 3.2 lbs total.

My "heavyweight" tripod is a set of Feisol CT3442 Tournament legs with the same head. It weighs in at about 1.2 lbs heavier, folds to a similar size, and gains about 18" in elevation. It can handle up to 20lbs worth of camera gear.

There are plenty of other similar quality legs on the market, Benro and Gitzo also made similar legs of high quality. The RRS legs are beautiful but very pricey, just like the FLM legs.

To me, the head is the critical part ... it's relatively easy to find legs that are sturdy enough and work well, but the head is what I have to fuss with all the time. I bought the Monoball P0 recently and I'm very glad I did: it's a delight to use and amazingly sturdy for its weight and size.

None of this stuff is cheap, but I've learned over the years that buying on price in tripod gear costs you more in the long run. Better to buy high quality and use it a lot to get the value out of it.

G

thanks for a very in depth reply I better start saving for my new tripod

 

[Vics]

I have two. A Manfrotto/Bogen 3021pro, big and heavy and steady as a rock. It looks beautiful sitting in a corner of the bedroom. The one I use with 35mm cameras and Rolleiflex is a Slik F630 that I got on sale for $39.00 US. Very light so I hang my bag under it to make it steady. I can't use it in a big breeze, but that's OK since I don't like shooting in lot's of wind.

 

[Richard G]

New, Slik or Sirui ought to be within budget. I have a light Sirui which was very cheap but very stable. A lot bought Sirui here on RFF. Very compact. I am going to get a heavier one myself.

 

[Baby of Macon]

Three Legged Thing is worth checking out - much better ergonomics than the Manfrotto 190 - but not a budget choice in respect of the higher end models. Excellent tripod though - both the pod itself and the ball head.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

... Cash is limited ...

Same here.
We could speak to each other same language.


I have Slik Pro "something", paid slightly above $100 for new.
Sold head from it and purchased Vanguard ball head on-line. Around $100 new, comes with two plates.

Here is Mamiya C33 Professional sitting on my kit:

Yashica Mat 124 and flash on it:

DSLR and heavy tele zoom on it:

It isn't heavy, compact, even more compact with head removed. If sand gets to its legs... noting happens, because it is not made from carbon fiber

 

[Scrambler]

A different view: I have found charity shops end up with tripods reasonably frequently. Ignore the disposable stuff and you still get older quality tripods which held up someone's pride and joy but that their grand kids can't imagine using for an iPhone.

The head will probably be trashed but that wants replacing anyway.

Weight: more is better unless you are carrying long distances so for 90 % go for solid metals over composites and grow some muscles for the 10%.

Use your money on the head where there is more to gain or lose functionally.

 

[lxmike]

Same here.
We could speak to each other same language.


I have Slik Pro "something", paid slightly above $100 for new.
Sold head from it and purchased Vanguard ball head on-line. Around $100 new, comes with two plates.

Here is Mamiya C33 Professional sitting on my kit:

Yashica Mat 124 and flash on it:

DSLR and heavy tele zoom on it:

It isn't heavy, compact, even more compact with head removed. If sand gets to its legs... noting happens, because it is not made from carbon fiber

now that looks a very capable tripod