How often you use your tripod?
 

seems that could be a very general topic, but i'm debating how much i should spend on the tripod.

thank you

I use it in about 10~20% of all the shots I do, but I do mostly street photography in the day time where tripod isn't needed most of the time. (I do carry the pod out when I go out for shooting)

Having said that, tripod is crucial to improve the range of your photography. Furthermore, if you are into landscape, tripod will be your best friend, you don't want a tiny little shake to ruin a perfectly composed shot. And a good tripod will virtually last forever...

As for how much to invest on tripod, I'd say as much as you can afford because as said before, they last forever. My recommendation is Manfrotto for both alloy/carbon fiber, Gitzo for the best carbon fiber pod money can buy and Slik if you are looking to start with something sturdy and relatively inexpensive.

Slik tripods are certainly not sturdy.

I keep my tripods in the car and I use them quite a bit. I generally take pics for everything but mostly night time and with out my tripods I'll be lost.
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This is a really nice tripod/head package; I think it's a factory bundle, so most stores should have the same thing for around the same price: http://tinyurl.com/2cbm9pl

I have the older version of this same package (same 'pod model, but in silver, and the previous 486RC2 head). It's been serving me well for years, and seen a lot of abuse.

I borrowed an used a Slik 700 Pro on a trip to hold my D700 along with 28-70 and it wasn't bad, under windy situations, it might not be as good as my old 055 setup, but it wasn't too bad. Maybe Senna you are referring to when mounting heavy tele lenses like 300mm+?

Just used mine today after 2-3 months.

Usually night time or when doing a group shot (with me in it)

to the op, it would depend on your shooting style, field, etc
if you are a nature/landscape hobbyist, investing in a tripod is a good idea.
-something like manfrotto 190xprob with a ballhead that would support like 10kg or something.

casual daytime/night time photographer, maybe the smaller manfrottos like 190xb or even the smaller one (i forgot what those were) (also depends what camera/lens combo you plan on supporting with the tripod)

- hardcore nature photographer with lots of hiking etc, you'll want the CF ones since 30% weight savings may not be much to you when i attempt to carry it in the store, but when you are doing 7 hour hikes with a ton of food and camera stuff, you'll need all the weight savings u can get.

u just need to know at what point in your hobby you are in. if u are going to be snapping photos for the next ten years or so, getting a good tripod to reach that ten years will be a good idea. if you see yourself getting out of the hobby in a span of few months, then why splurge so much?

even for portrait shots or product shots i shoot with a tripod to be able to control lighting and maintain everything else

Oddly enough, I mostly use mine when I hike it in 7-10+ km on hikes carrying 45lbs.

Landscape tends to be the primary use for my tripod, though, I do use it for shots I want to be in, too.

I have the 190CXPRO4 + 486RC2, if curious.

I wouldn't mind getting a gitzo in the future, simply for being more compact/travel appropriate. Hiking up a full-size tripod on hikes can be a bit bothersome. ;)

The legs aren't very stiff on Slik tripods - too much flex for me. The 700 is decent, and for the price you can't really complain, but vibration dampening is not their strong suit. For the gear you described it should be okay though as long as the air is calm and you're not shooting on a busy bridge.

Acquiring spare parts is an issue with the lower-end brands though. With Gitzo or Manfrotto, they will have spare parts 10+ years after production ceases for any given model and are readily available, as Manfrotto & Gitzo have an entire warehouse in Toronto full of spare parts.

Not often enough

i take mine with me everything i go out shooting at night or when it's needed for the most steady shot.

i also decided to spring for the nicer stuff so i went with the Gitzo GT2541.

i love my tripod....

when i went traveling, i usually bring my tripod with me, whether it was for group shots, night shot, or just overall steady shot... my shoulder was always sore from carrying both my camera gear + my tripod... that doesn't always mean I use it.

i have a velbon sherpa 200R which is pretty nice and stable but sucks shit for panning. and the head doesnt seem to be replaceable. I use it all the time when shooting interiors

Like Mashimaro, I bought a Gitzo GT2541 as well, and just paired it recently with the Markin's Q10 Ball head.

It's an amazing setup, and using the tripod is a charm. I just love shooting with my tripod.

Thank you for all your opinion. For some reason, the server didn't notify me there is response until now.
I don't think I'm a crazy hiker or camper so I don't think I will scarfice another $hundreds of $$$ for couple lbs saving..
Originally, I was looking @ feisol 3342 and a manfrotto head. However I found myself overbudget. Therefore I'm stepping back to manfrotto 190 xpro with 498 head or 190CX3(CF) plus same head. Anyone can tell me besides the weight. Is the CF will more sturdy than the 190xpro(aluminum leg). I know their weight saving is approx 1 lbs.

Thx in advance.
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I use mine all the time.

It's about 30-40 years old and I got it for free. Sturdy as hell.

The 190CF is stiffer than the aluminum 190 tripods. Also, CF absorbs vibration better than aluminum, is lighter and will not freeze your hands when you pick it up in winter. As you've noticed, the CF is about twice the cost though.

Senna. it's new to me about the vibration concern. will Gitzo CF will absorb better than Manfrotto CF due to the quality or CF just better in general?

btw, thx for all your opinion.

to be exact, i'm paying $100 US extra to go from XPRO to CX3. not sure why the XPRO3 cost another $50 more except the material on the centre column is different.