Best tripod for the money?

[forzaF1]

I have realized that I really need a new tripod as an upgrade to my current tripod that I bought on sale at Wolf Camera. What do you guys think is the best tripod for the money(head included)?

Thanks a lot,

John

 

[jemmy]

go Manfrotto!

 

[coastietech]

I don't know what your budget is, but I just bought Manfrotto tripod kit at B&H for $150. It came with the 3001D tripod and the 486RC2 ball head. It is a little heavy but it is opens up and stands about level with my nose. So it is about 65-66" with the head attached. It is very solid and I really like the fact that there is only one knob to lock down your camera position. It also has a really nice and smooth pan motion built in to the bottom of the head.

 

[jtice]

I got this one just recently, for $80, and LOVE it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=200093746321&rd=1&rd=1

It is very sturdy, very adjustable and versatile.
You can make it take just about any shape, its made it alot easier to get odd angles.
The squeeze grip on the top is amazing,
just squeeze it and move the cam where you want it, let go, and it locks right in place.

The mount for your camera locks in place really neat also.
You dont need any hands, you can just place it on the tripod, push down and it locks into position.

~John

 

[Kingpatzer]

Best for the money?

Probably the Giotto MT-8160 Carbon Fiber -- can be had for $300

Holds 22 lbs, extends to 63", is rock solid stable and comes in at 5.5 lbs.

I also like the new Indiro carbon fiber, for about the same amount and with similar stats (although it's shorter).

Both compare well to a Gitzo at twice the price.

If you are going to carry it places with any regularity, you need carbon fiber.

The best buy in non-carbon fiber would be whatever's on-sale. Because at that point you're compromising between weight and stability and price so much anyway, that you'll basically get exactly what you pay for.

Which isn't necessarily bad -- and for a studio may be the absolute correct choice -- but at that point "best" is which set of compromises you can live with easiest.

 

[forzaF1]

Which Manfrotto head would go well with the Manfrotto 190x?

 

[uberben]

I too have the bogen/manfrotto 486RC2 ballhead and really like it. It holds my 20d+grip and 70-200 2.8 IS with ease. Plus the quick release plate is very nice to have.

 

[Ihaveaquestion]

Calumet!

 

[PhilosophyAskew]

I use a Benro tripod with a Benro KS-2 ballhead. It's strong enough to hold a person.