Help me choose a tripod

[sarakh]

Hi all,

I want to buy a Carbon Fiber Tripod for my boyfriend. But it is a surprise, so I can not ask him anything.

Currently he has a Manfrotto 190XPROB Tripod: (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/726...k_without_Head)
and a Manfrotto 486RC2 Head: (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/0/4...Connect_System)
He has a Canon EOS 50D camera: (http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/p...ameras/eos_50d)
His big lens is EF 70-200mm: (http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/p...s_usm#Overview)
The lens also has has a Canon Tripod Mount Ring: (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...II-Review.aspx)
The whole camera weights about 2.7 kg

I have done some research and I think Gitzo is one the very good brands in tripods. But they have so very many types of tripod that I really don't know which one to choose.
I also have no idea if I have to buy him a new head or if he can use his Manfrotto 486RC2 Head would be OK.
I am willing to spend about 700-750 $.
He is a quality freak. So I wanna buy something really long lasting and high quality.
We go out to the nature for hiking/biking a lot and we are always dragging this heavy tripod around! So the new tripod should not easily get damaged in nature.

Can you please give me some professional ideas on what to buy?

Thank you in advance and may all of you get cool Christmas gifts

,
Sara

 

[table1349]

This would be a good place to start. Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs GT3541LS He would have to work to outgrow it. B&H is also a very reputable place to order from.
Or a nice middle ground between support and weight: Gitzo GT2541 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - GT2541
Good quality light weight tripod that supports less weight Gitzo GT1542T Series 1 Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber GT1542T B&H It is the cheapest of the traveler series in you price range and a good pod.

 

[mjhoward]

^ of those, I think the GT1542T is going to be your winner. Only 2.2lbs and folds to 16.7" long, this will be a noticeable difference over what he already has. It might 'only' support 15.6lb's but thats about 5lbs more than the current tripod, and I'm assuming that has been plenty up till now.

 

[Big Mike]

I also have no idea if I have to buy him a new head or if he can use his Manfrotto 496RC2 Head would be OK.

The tripod to head mounting stud/screw is pretty standard. So yes, in all likelihood, you he will be able to use his current head on a new tripod, whether it's Gitzo, Manfrotto or whatever.

b.t.w. You sound like an awesome girlfriend. He's a lucky guy.

 

[sarakh]

Thank you for the advice guys.

I updated my post with more exact information on the camera and tripod he already has.

Someone suggested to me to buy a Manfrotto Neotec 458B Manfrotto Neotec Pro Photo Tripod - Neotec, I really like the idea that the tripod opens so fast. But the suggested tripod is way too heavy. Does Gitzo have something with the same Neotec opening technology but lighter?

Thank you,
Sara

 

[Big Mike]

It sounds light weight is more of an issue that speed...so I don't think it's necessary to go with something like the Neotec.

My recommendation would for something like the Manfrotto 055, 4 section in Carbon Fiber. Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod - Q90 - 4 Section - 055 Series
The Carbon Fiber material means it's low weight, the 4 sections means that it collapses smaller for easier transport. The 055 series is a nice size tripod and they have the centre column that can slide out and be mounted horizontally.

We go out to the nature for hiking/biking a lot and we are always dragging this heavy tripod around! So the new tripod should not easily get damaged in nature.

You might consider getting a padded tripod bag for him as well. Manfrotto TRIPOD BAG PADDED 100CM - Carrying Solutions For Tripods

Also, if he shoots with his 70-200mm lens, while on a tripod...does he have a tripod collar for that lens? The Canon 70-200mm F2.8 does come with the tripod collar, which allows you to mount the lens to the tripod, rather than the camera, making for a more balanced (thus more stable) set up. The lens you linked to, is the 70-200mm F4, which (I think) does not come with the collar. Canon Tripod Mount Ring A-2 for 70-200mm f/4L 1694B001 B&H Photo

 

[sarakh]

Hi Big Mike,

Thank you for the advice. I will look into the padded bad and also Manfrotto 055, 4 section.

He already have a Mount Ring for his big lens. I tried to update my original post and include this info as well.

Have a good time,
Sara