[$_$]

So right now I'm looking around at tripods, but I have no idea what to look for (other than what material the frame is made out of and how tall it folds and extends out to). I made a look around @ future shop and best buy but found all their tripods to be WAYY too short. I did a search and found an extensive thread about some high end pods, but thought I would start a new one and learn from the ground up. What are you guys suggestions?

[ddr]

budget?

they can range from 20bux to 2g's man

try manfrotto, gitzo, feisol (online)

aside from the legs, decide if you want a ball or pan head. something like the manfrotto 488 (498 now) is a ball head with panoramic swivel for landscapes.

[Mashimaro]

I sprung for the Gitzo GT2541 myself. i have a Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head on it now.

It's a LOT of money for a tripod, but i feel that it's a lifetime investment whereas cameras and lenses will be upgraded/replaced.

i love my tripod:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v466/Mashimaro9/IMG_9311.jpg

[J____]

i bought a benro TRAB as i was looking for a full sized tripod that was compact and easy to back when shortened. Lots of debate on the quality of the tripod but mostly people said it was a rippoff of Gitzo and Arca Swiss head and refused to suppose rippoffs. I have no problems with that so i bought one as it provided the same functionality and so far, same quality. Im sure it wont last forever like the gitzo but it is also 1/4 of the price ($250 usd shipped from amazon for the metal) I have a short review half way down the blog. check it out and see if i thelps in ur decision.

http://jacksonzhao.com/blog/2009/12/update/

[keitaro]

i think the first thing you should do is figure out what type of photography you would be using the tripod for. landscape, portrait, nature, video, etc. What type of lenses and weights would be placed on the tripod.

[SSM_DC5]

.

[vietfx]

A popular setup from what i've been reading is the Manfrotto 055XPROB + 488RC2.
I want the 055XPROB, but i'm split on 2 ball heads.. the Manfrotto 488RC2 or Giottos MH 1301-656. Similar ball head design, except the Giottos has friction control. I believe the Giottos is also able to handle more weight.

[keitaro]

I'd go for the manfrotto, since its a tried and proven choice for generations. The Giottos isn't well known for their heads, but their rocket blower.

[Senna4ever]

Giottos uses a weaker metal alloy than either Manfrotto & Gitzo. I've had two clients who have had (admittedly heavy) lenses crash to the ground after the screws failed whilst carrying their lenses over their shoulders. Giottos products are blatant knkock-offs of both Manfrotto & Gitzo - the name is a combination of both names. The founder of Giottos has even admitted it herself.

[vietfx]

Thanks for the clarification! I trust your guys' response.

[$_$]

budget?

they can range from 20bux to 2g's man

try manfrotto, gitzo, feisol (online)

aside from the legs, decide if you want a ball or pan head. something like the manfrotto 488 (498 now) is a ball head with panoramic swivel for landscapes.

First of all, thanks for all the responses. I had quiet a lower budget, but after reading the responses I might have to up it a bit as it seems like this is a bigger investment since it lasts? And people even pointed out that it'll last longer than lens and body? I just don't know if I can shell that much out right now just for the pod (but I always feel pissed when I can't get good shots in low light conditions). Plus, if I invest 100-500 into this, than I'm missing out on a potential lens :(. Man, photography is an EXPENSIVE hobby that I have picked up :cry:. But back on topic, what is the difference between a ball and pan head? I'm assuming(and as you pointed out) it allows you to swivel more. What kind of angles does panning allow you to have?

I sprung for the Gitzo GT2541 myself. i have a Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head on it now.

It's a LOT of money for a tripod, but i feel that it's a lifetime investment whereas cameras and lenses will be upgraded/replaced.

i love my tripod:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v466/Mashimaro9/IMG_9311.jpg

How much did that run you? And whats the height once its extended? What is a GOOD height? The ones I have checked out so far are SO short! I want one where I just have to bend over and be able to look at.

i bought a benro TRAB as i was looking for a full sized tripod that was compact and easy to back when shortened. Lots of debate on the quality of the tripod but mostly people said it was a rippoff of Gitzo and Arca Swiss head and refused to suppose rippoffs. I have no problems with that so i bought one as it provided the same functionality and so far, same quality. Im sure it wont last forever like the gitzo but it is also 1/4 of the price ($250 usd shipped from amazon for the metal) I have a short review half way down the blog. check it out and see if i thelps in ur decision.

http://jacksonzhao.com/blog/2009/12/update/
Thanks for this. I'm one for good quality knockoffs when the prices are pushing over 500. How's the weight? And the height?

Edit: I just read your review, and seems like you really liked it. This seems like somewhat of an option for me!



i think the first thing you should do is figure out what type of photography you would be using the tripod for. landscape, portrait, nature, video, etc. What type of lenses and weights would be placed on the tripod.

I just started, so right now just have a D5000 with a 18-55 lens, really light stuff. I'm looking to get into some telephoto stuff, but that's probably farther down the line since I simply cannot afford the lens right now. I would probably use it for both landscape and portrait (or just as an everyday pod... I'm thinking I'll just keep it handy in my trunk, but it should still be something I can carry around when I need it to).


i'm not the one selling this, but there is this for sale

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/pho/1569227425.html

You need to come up with a budget, if u don't have a budget, then u need to know what ur needs are. Then narrow it down.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say ... 100-300 ? Wow... I was gonna start out with like... 100....

A popular setup from what i've been reading is the Manfrotto 055XPROB + 488RC2.
I want the 055XPROB, but i'm split on 2 ball heads.. the Manfrotto 488RC2 or Giottos MH 1301-656. Similar ball head design, except the Giottos has friction control. I believe the Giottos is also able to handle more weight.

So this is like two device setup? What are the advantages of this? How much would the setup cost?

I'd go for the manfrotto, since its a tried and proven choice for generations. The Giottos isn't well known for their heads, but their rocket blower.

Thanks :). At least i know what direction to look in.

[ddr]

usually, people select and/or buy the tripod legs and the tripod head seperately. as you might know, the stronger, more durable, and lighter the legs are, the better, and probably more expensive. as for the head, a ball head when loose is free to rotate in all directions, where as a pan head typically lets you rotate in... x,y,z axis. i suggested the 488 because it lets you do both.

the cheapest decent combo imo would be a manfrotto 190 (tripod legs) + 486rc2 (ball head) for about $250. check all the local places to compare the prices.

Here's a useful website to help you pick:
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/4482

also think about how many times you're going to use this. I'm glad I only spent 300 bux since I haven't used it much

[vietfx]

So this is like two device setup? What are the advantages of this? How much would the setup cost?

This is the setup I am going for, when the cash frees up. It's a head + leg combo as they aren't sold together.
Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod legs - $199.99 http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=286_288&products_id=3374&zenid=l4p1fc720m0od2krs5kvi0fbd1
Manfrotto 488RC2 tripod head - $149.99 http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=286_288&products_id=3332&zenid=3mj094l5ct43o65c7ovin4rf82

[Mashimaro]

How much did that run you? And whats the height once its extended? What is a GOOD height? The ones I have checked out so far are SO short! I want one where I just have to bend over and be able to look at.

The legs ran me approximately $800.

I'm 5'10" and combined with the 488RC2 ballhead, it's maybe 1" shorter than my eye level for the viewfinder when my camera is mounted.

this is with the center column down and only the legs extended.

my gf originally bought me a manfrotto 190 pro but it was too short when extended as i don't like to stoop over to see the viewfinder.

the 055 manfrotto is approximately the same height as my Gitzo.

i would recommend the Manfrotto 055 legs and 488 ball head if you want a really good setup that isn't too expensive.

just keep in mind, would you trust your nice body and lens on a cheap tripod?

[Matsuda]

a good tripod will last you a long long time and its worth investing in. I recently replaced a old tripod that was given to me by my brother. It did the job but it was so cumbersome to use. I bought a manfrotto 190xprob with a 486rc2 ball head and I love it. I can setup my shots a lot quicker with the ball head and the tripod lets me get down really low.

[Boostslut]

If you are interested i have a Manfrotto 190CX3 with a Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head that i would let go of if your interested. Selling because i have a heavy setup thats not suited for this lens. I'm going to buy a stronger tripod and gimbal head combo for my support. Lemme know if your interested :) Google the combo! It's awesome and pretty light! Supported my 5D MKII and 70-200 F2.8 super stable! Bought in Dec 09, used maybe 4 times.

[Matsuda]

you could still use it in combo with a new tripod. just use the manfrotto to support your 500mm!!!

[Boostslut]

Naw, i'm planning on a 3 series Gitzo and a Jobu gimbal head :)

[keitaro]

^ markins m20 :)

[Senna4ever]

^^ LoL..that's overkill! :)

[Boostslut]

^^^ yeah!

[Senna4ever]

I have the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 carbon fibre legs and the 468RC2 hydrostatic ballhead. Total cost was just over $800.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Senna4ever/Photos%20II/DSC02421.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Senna4ever/Photos%20II/DSC02423.jpg

[roastpuff]

a good tripod will last you a long long time and its worth investing in. I recently replaced a old tripod that was given to me by my brother. It did the job but it was so cumbersome to use. I bought a manfrotto 190xprob with a 486rc2 ball head and I love it. I can setup my shots a lot quicker with the ball head and the tripod lets me get down really low.

This is what I run as well. It's a very good setup for general camera work, and quite versatile.

I got mine super cheap in Singapore... picked it up second hand less than $150CAD. :D

The heaviest combination I run on it is 5D2 + 70-200 f2.8IS + 580EX2 and it's been stable if you mount using the lens mount instead of body mount.

[keitaro]

I have the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 carbon fibre legs and the 468RC2 hydrostatic ballhead. Total cost was just over $800.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Senna4ever/Photos%20II/DSC02421.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Senna4ever/Photos%20II/DSC02423.jpg

that hydrostatic ballhead that you were showing us the other day. I looked it up on manfrotto's site, and it's made of magnesium.

[SSM_DC5]

.

[$_$]

If you are interested i have a Manfrotto 190CX3 with a Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head that i would let go of if your interested. Selling because i have a heavy setup thats not suited for this lens. I'm going to buy a stronger tripod and gimbal head combo for my support. Lemme know if your interested :) Google the combo! It's awesome and pretty light! Supported my 5D MKII and 70-200 F2.8 super stable! Bought in Dec 09, used maybe 4 times.



What do you guys think of Boostslut's combo for my needs?

[vietfx]

488RC2 exceeds your needs as of now. I would go for it as it will last you quite some time.. until you get a birding lens like boostslut.

[implode]

A popular setup from what i've been reading is the Manfrotto 055XPROB + 488RC2.
I want the 055XPROB, but i'm split on 2 ball heads.. the Manfrotto 488RC2 or Giottos MH 1301-656. Similar ball head design, except the Giottos has friction control. I believe the Giottos is also able to handle more weight.

That's the setup I've been reading up upon too. I ordered the 055xprob and instead of the 488rc2, I went for its successor, the 498rc2.

[vietfx]

That's the setup I've been reading up upon too. I ordered the 055xprob and instead of the 488rc2, I went for its successor, the 498rc2.

where did you find the 498rc2?

[MikesJo]

$800 on a tripod, ouch. Nice rig though. How much does 055CL legs and a 322RC2 grip go for now a days Jason? I can't remember how much I spent on mine back in the day :S.

[Senna4ever]

$800 on a tripod, ouch. Nice rig though. How much does 055CL legs and a 322RC2 grip go for now a days Jason? I can't remember how much I spent on mine back in the day :S.

055CL? It's not in the current catalogue, so it's probably discontinued. The 055XB is $226.95. The 322RC2 is $198.95. Sub-total: $425.90. Total with taxes & RS Photo Forum member discount: $429.31. Manfrotto/Gitzo raised their prices quite a bit in early 2009, so they did go up by about 20% in some cases.

[MikesJo]

Well good thing I bought mine several years ago, lol.

[keitaro]

055CL? It's not in the current catalogue, so it's probably discontinued. The 055XB is $226.95. The 322RC2 is $198.95. Sub-total: $425.90. Total with taxes & RS Photo Forum member discount: $429.31. Manfrotto/Gitzo raised their prices quite a bit in early 2009, so they did go up by about 20% in some cases.

wait what? we have discounts @ beau? wahhh! :D

[Mashimaro]

Naw, i'm planning on a 3 series Gitzo and a Jobu gimbal head :)

OH MY!!!!! :thumbsup:

[freesole]

Thanks guys, this thread has been helpful. I've been feeling a little left out with all those night shots being posted on the daily thread. I think I'm going to go with the 190XBpro with a 486R2 head

[lilaznviper]

since im lazy to start a new thread is this tripod any good

http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3750

it falls in my price range

[Hehe]

Slik is what I had before moving onto Manfrotto. They are pretty good for the gear you listed on your sig.

As long as you don't mount some 2lbs+ lenses with full camera (5DII or more) you should be fine.

And I can't remember the model exactly, but there's a Slik model that comes with a good hook (read metal) at the bottom of center. I used to just hang my camera bag on it to provide some extra weight. You might want to do just that because the very reason I moved to Manfro was because at the time I was crazy shooting on hills like Xmas hill, Mt. Tolmie in Victoria. And with the wind on top of the hill, the Slik was shaking quite a bit to provide good stable shots.

[lilaznviper]

i went to take a look at the slik and it was really light

http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=286_287&products_id=1664

http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=286_287&products_id=1899

are those any good?

or should i stick with manfrotto

http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=286_288&products_id=3693
http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=286_288&products_id=3692
http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=286_288&products_id=3694

[!genesis]

 

[Senna4ever]

i went to take a look at the slik and it was really light

http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=286_287&products_id=1664

http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=286_287&products_id=1899

are those any good?

or should i stick with manfrotto

http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=286_288&products_id=3693
http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=286_288&products_id=3692
http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=286_288&products_id=3694
I'd go with Manfrotto, as it's easy to get parts if something breaks. Most likely higher quality too.

How do the 488RC 2 / 4s compare to something like an Acratech GV2 / Gitzo GH2780QR? Any recommendations for something in-between?

Specifically, Jason - what does your store carry & how much? Would rather do local instead of Vistek, etc.

Thanks! =)
The 488 has been discontinued and replaced by the 498. I think we have the 488RC4 still. Not sure how much it was, but we generally try to match or undercut Vistek by 5-10%. We also are having a "Cool sporting event in Vancouver in 2010" sale - just about everything is 10% off.

[!genesis]

 

[lilaznviper]

whats the difference in 3 way head vs the ball head?

[Senna4ever]

We've got the Manfrotto and Gitzo carbon fibre monopods & tripods, as well as the Gitzo Basalt Series 3 tripod.

[Mashimaro]

hmmm, Gitzo CF monopod is tempting... :)

[Hehe]

My Manfro just got stolen today... :cry:

Went out for a coffee with my buddy's CR-V and was trying to make my way to English Bay for some night shots. And his car got broken into while we were talking in the coffee shop.

I might be paying senna soon at Beau.

Just a question, do Beau carry any Benro/Feisol CF pods? I've heard many great thing about them, and since I have to get a new tripod now, I might as well go CF, but Manfro/Gitzo is way too much.

[Senna4ever]

My Manfro just got stolen today... :cry:

Went out for a coffee with my buddy's CR-V and was trying to make my way to English Bay for some night shots. And his car got broken into while we were talking in the coffee shop.

I might be paying senna soon at Beau.

Just a question, do Beau carry any Benro/Feisol CF pods? I've heard many great thing about them, and since I have to get a new tripod now, I might as well go CF, but Manfro/Gitzo is way too much.
Oh, fuck....sorry to hear about your tripod. Beau is a professional supplies store so we don't carry any of the lower end brands, unfortunately. We sell far more 1DmkIV & 5DmkII than Rebels for example. I have heard that Feisol is a decent brand though, but none of our clientele would buy it. PM me your tripod and head details, and I'll see what I can do.

[Alatar]

Old thread revival, but, Senna, what's the pricing like on the 055CXPRO3 at the moment? I'm looking to buy in the next month or two.

[Senna4ever]

$554, but for you $510 - but I'm leaving this position next week, so I won't have any jurisdiction over pricing after that.

[keitaro]

^what position are you moving to?

[LiquidTurbo]

Any good?:

Amazon.com: Dolica AX620B100 62-Inch Proline Tripod and Ball Head: Electronics@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31xiVVXdQ1L.@@AMEPARAM@@31xiVVXdQ1L

$40, if weight isn't a concern..?

[Senna4ever]

^what position are you moving to?
Rentals! :D

[Senna4ever]

Any good?:

Amazon.com: Dolica AX620B100 62-Inch Proline Tripod and Ball Head: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-AX620B100-62-Inch-Proline-Tripod/dp/B001D60LG8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1275637787&sr=8-1)

$40, if weight isn't a concern..?

You get what you pay for.

[Alatar]

Any good?:

Amazon.com: Dolica AX620B100 62-Inch Proline Tripod and Ball Head: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-AX620B100-62-Inch-Proline-Tripod/dp/B001D60LG8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1275637787&sr=8-1)

$40, if weight isn't a concern..?
You get what you pay for.
:lol :lol :lol
I can just picture Senna's face when he read that post and made that reply.

I ended up buying a set of legs off fahimster. Not quite the 055CXPro, but the 190CXPro4 was what I was looking for/needed.

[keitaro]

the 190cxpro4 is a very good choice, what head are you paring it with?

[Alatar]

the 190cxpro4 is a very good choice, what head are you paring it with?

I'll be seeing Senna later today to get a Manfrotto 486RC2. I thought about the 496RC2, but can't seem to find it anywhere in stock. The only place that does have it locally wants $10 more than anywhere else.

[keitaro]

Rentals! :D

Does this mean we get discounts on rentals now? :D



On another note, does anyone know where locally I can get the Gitzo Glevel2?

http://images.gitzo.com/imageservlet/image?sysid=12544910298901530&format=gitzo_product_detail&refresh=

Thanks!

[moky]

just thought i'd post here instead of making a new thread.

anyone familiar with INDURO tripods?
how's their quality? the pricing seems to be close to manfrotto's CF tripods, gitzo etc.
i was just browsing thru them and thought it's about time i upgraded tripods/heads.

[Senna4ever]

I looked at the Induro tripods when I was at WPPI, and they're not bad. The Induros do feel cheap compared to similar Gitzo or Manfrotto tripods though. The leg-lock mechanism isn't as well built or smooth as Gitzo or Manfrotto, and the metal alloy used in the screw where the head attaches is probably not as strong as Manfrotto or Gitzo, but as long as you're not slinging any really long lenses (300mm f2.8+) over your shoulder, it should be OK.

[moky]

bump from the dead!

im ordering a new tripod set soon and was thinking of this combo

manfrotto 055xprob + 498rc4
it was coming to about 306USD from b&h. does this seem like a good deal?
i checked on adorama, jr and amazon and this seems to be the lowest price, plus free shipping too!

the heaviest i'll do on it is a 70-200 + gripped 5d2 for now, until i get a hold of a 300mm :D

[m3thods]

sounds like a good deal! (at least cheaper than anything you can find here for that combo).

and weight wise that combo should be sufficient (here I am hoping my 190proxb+vanguard sbh 250) can hold my future 70-200 2.8 hahhaa

[moky]

if i have it shipped here via ups will i get taxed for duties etc?

[m3thods]

i would imagine since BH would definitely declare the full value. just taxes no duties though as most photography equipment is duty free.


also, i can't imagine it being free shipping to canada? if there's a shipping charge the difference in price may be small enough to get it here (say from senna :thumbsup:)

[!MiKrofT]

It's free shipping only to US. You're better having it shipped to point roberts and declaring it when you come back. Shipping can be outrageous.

[LiquidTurbo]

You get what you pay for.

Any good?:

Amazon.com: Dolica AX620B100 62-Inch Proline Tripod and Ball Head: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-AX620B100-62-Inch-Proline-Tripod/dp/B001D60LG8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1275637787&sr=8-1)

$40, if weight isn't a concern..?


After owning this tripod for a while, I must say, one of the best bang for buck tripods. It really is quite incredible for a $40 pod.

[moky]

yeah its only free shipping to the US. with shipping, it would amount to 349 or something, where as over here, the closest i found was 400 (roughly) plus tax.

i might just pick it up in portland since i am going down there soon. i can still contemplate on getting the 055xprob, or a 190cxpro3

[m3thods]

personally get the one that you don't have to fuss around with to get the right height. Since the heaviest setup you'll run now is a 70-200 2.8 on a gripped 5d, the 190cxpro should handle that stability-wise. it's also much lighter, so you'll be more inclined to take it around with you.

I run at about 5'7, and the 190xprob (not the cf version) is absolutely perfect with the ball head I have. That means i just extend all the legs out max and I don't have to move around to get eye-level with the camera. however when i tried out the 055, I either had to tippy toe to get close to eye level, or play around with the legs. if I didn't extend one of the sections it'd be too low and uncomfortable to use. if you're taller than me (especially > 5'10) then take a real good look at the 055s, as they are more sturdy.

hope that helps. (as an aside, i got my gf to pick up my 190 legs when she went down to portland with a friend. no tax there and no tax coming up, so you might get lucky! :thumbsup:)

[moky]

thanks for the input m3thods, im also 5'7 thats why i contemplated on getting the 190. the only reason i wanted to get the 055 was because i see myself getting a bigger lens in the future like a 300 or so, and was worried the 190 might not fully be able to support it.

it's just that i had ideas for having a taller tripod when shooting people or cars, and a ledge is not always there for me to stand on to get that elevated stand point.

yeah i've brought up quite a few lenses from portland and have been lucky :)

[m3thods]

ah haha lucky you i'm still debating about running a 70-200 2.8 from the states but at current prices i'd rather get it here.

yeah you're in tough. to be honest i think anything more than your suggested max setup will be pushing the tripod a bit on 190s. I'm getting my tele before xmas, so if you don't get the tripod until then i can tell you how my 190xprob+vanguard sbh250 hold up with the L. otherwise you're on your own :D

[moky]

i remember someone telling me before to not worry about what the legs would support, but more of what the head can support more...? i cant remember who told me that tho.

how does the vanguard ballhead compare to the 498rc2/4? vanguard has some pretty sweet tripods too. maybe we should meet up and il bring my gear to test with your tripod setup!

[m3thods]

sure that sounds pretty cool.. although I'm crazy busy with school atm.. you wouldn't happen to go to ubc would you? hahhaha


I think it's a good idea to match the weights properly on both. if your setup is too top heavy then your legs could wobble or worse, tip over.

i've read some really good reviews with the vanguard system. tbh i was going to get the 498rc2 until a friend showed me his sbh-300. i was shocked! much so that I even "downgraded" to the 250 since the 300 seemed a bit hardcore lol

i think the two main differences between the manfrotto and the vanguard are capacity and price. the vanguard allegedly holds more (40lbs or something :rofl::bullshit:), while also being $50 cheaper.

Actually holding the two, they both feel VERY solid, and tbh I prefer the vanguard's "ball neck", as it's a bit thicker and seems more robust. both have sliding plates which is a god send, especially if you're dumb like me and sometimes forget to put the camera on properly.

the manfrotto is definitely smoother to operate though (but same adjustments on both).

two quirky things though which may affect your purchase- the manfrotto should be compatible with other plates (arca swiss, l-plates, etc) while the vanguard is NOT. if you plan on getting l-plates or other plate systems in the future, get the manfrotto. if not, the vanguard comes with 2 QR plates :thumbsup:


dang that was a long post lol hope that helps! :thumbsup:

[moky]

il just see what i can get down in portland. i think i'd prefer the smoother operation on the manfrotto, except when i do use a tripod, i do take my time, so a thicker ball neck with a less smoother operation would suffice as well. i did check the vanguard ballheads on line and yeah they definitely look sturdy, and that it's 50bucks cheaper is nice too :D

can u go into more detail as to what u mean by a smoother operation?

[m3thods]

sure it's more of a personal preference thing. it really has to do with the pan function. the vanguard is a bit tight, but can still pan properly. it just takes a bit more effort compared to the manfrotto. the positions seem to lock "just a bit" looser than on the vanguard- i didn't test it on a huge lens like the 70-200, but with the weight of my gripped 50d, the vanguard seems to droop about a mm, but i live with it. it definitely wasn't something that got in the way of framing a shot. I haven't tried on the manfrotto, but i'd imagine it's a bit better in that respect, nor did i come across anyone complaining online back in april when i was doing some comparison shopping.

[moky]

cool. those are some things for me to keep in mind then. il just try out the vanguard and manfrotto heads to see which i like better, but i sort of right now am leaning towards the manfrotto still just because i like the knobs a tad bit better.

[m3thods]

definitely can't go wrong there! :thumbsup:

[moky]

i pre-ordered the 055xprob + 498rc4 from a store i usually frequent down at portland and will pick it up this weekend! :D
he wasn't too familiar with the vanguard tripods, but did mention induro.

[m3thods]

nice you definitely won't be disappointed!

[Speed2K]

I want to buy a light travel tripod to use with my XSi, I see Benro came out with a new model just recently.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/717667-REG/Benro_453_150_A_150EXU_Digital_Tripod_Kit.html

Has anyone seen or have any experiences with it. Anyone know how much this would cost locally?

[m3thods]

Just a bit of an update:

Played with my Manfrotto 190proxb+ vanguard sbh-250 and my new 70-200 2.8.

Just in case anyone is looking into a similar combo- it feels like the legs are the weak link. It doesn't feel as stable with the heavy glass on there, even though the legs are rated to 11lbs. The 055's should remedy that if anyone out there is debating between the two. That said, the Vanguard held positions like a champ, so no complaints there.

[FerrariEnzo]

whats a good tripod under $50? if any

[Senna4ever]

None. If you have a light kit, a $50 tripod may be ok, but the legs will not be very stable.

[moky]

Just a bit of an update:

Played with my Manfrotto 190proxb+ vanguard sbh-250 and my new 70-200 2.8.

Just in case anyone is looking into a similar combo- it feels like the legs are the weak link. It doesn't feel as stable with the heavy glass on there, even though the legs are rated to 11lbs. The 055's should remedy that if anyone out there is debating between the two. That said, the Vanguard held positions like a champ, so no complaints there.

thought i'd post an update as well. got the 055xprob and 498rc4 and it held the 5d2 and 70-200 2.8IS no probs :thumbsup: it takes a little time to get used to setting up since the tripod is heavier.

the 498's panning and ballhead movement was very smooth and the friction knob certainly helped in controlling movement. i definitely don't regret getting the 055 over the 190 :)

[Speed2K]

whats a good tripod under $50? if any

Lol, no real good ones under $50, although liquidturbo has good experience with the dolica from Amazon. It's on sale right now for $25.

I wanted something small and light for travelling and ended up ordering a Slik Sprint Mini II.