emh
TPF Noob!
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2010
- Messages
- 181
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- Location
- CA
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I've been using a cheapy Velbon I bought for $50 or so years ago but it's time to get a decent tripod. The legs first...
I'm looking for something that has good stability but is also relatively light (ideally under 4lb) and compact (ideally ~20" when folded) -- I want to be able to take this on moderate hikes and when traveling. I'm mostly going to be using this for landscapes, (low) ambient light outdoor stuff, and the occasional portrait etc. Will be used with a D90 (currently my heaviest lens is a 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6). Hobby use only. My budget for the whole tripod is about $400 (less is better!), and I think that means the legs need to be $275ish or less.
I really like these two:
Both have good reviews, are structurally similar (CF, 4-section legs) and are within $10 in price (the Vanguard requires a $50 mail-in rebate to get there, but assuming that comes through...)
The Manfrotto is lighter (by 1/2lb) and folds slightly smaller (1.2" difference).
The Vanguard is a bit taller when fully extended (61" vs. 57.5"; yes, they are both short) and has a higher load rating (15.4lb vs. 11lb)
On paper, I'm drawn to the Vanguard. The greater load rating and increased height are nice. But I'm mostly intrigued by a feature that lets the center column to be set at any angle. The Manfrotto only supports vertical and horizontal.
But my gut says Manfrotto -- I just trust them more. As interesting as the center column thing on the Vanguard is, it's an improvement on a feature (non-vertical settings) I'm not going to use all that much to begin with. Plus I'm worried that the pivoting center column on the Vanguard will result in reduced damping of vibrations.
I'm particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has compared these or have experience to share on the Vanguard. If I can convince myself that vibrations and reliability won't be an issue, I would lean towards the Vanguard. But I'm also interested in input on other tripods I should consider*, things I should watch out for etc.
Sorry if this has been addressed before but very little showed up on this Vanguard on a search here.
* I've skimmed Thom Hogan's classic piece on the subject but can't justify Gitzo, RRS and the like. Please don't tempt me
. Plus I don't need the gear to last a lifetime; getting new stuff from time to time is fun! 
I'm looking for something that has good stability but is also relatively light (ideally under 4lb) and compact (ideally ~20" when folded) -- I want to be able to take this on moderate hikes and when traveling. I'm mostly going to be using this for landscapes, (low) ambient light outdoor stuff, and the occasional portrait etc. Will be used with a D90 (currently my heaviest lens is a 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6). Hobby use only. My budget for the whole tripod is about $400 (less is better!), and I think that means the legs need to be $275ish or less.
I really like these two:
Both have good reviews, are structurally similar (CF, 4-section legs) and are within $10 in price (the Vanguard requires a $50 mail-in rebate to get there, but assuming that comes through...)
The Manfrotto is lighter (by 1/2lb) and folds slightly smaller (1.2" difference).
The Vanguard is a bit taller when fully extended (61" vs. 57.5"; yes, they are both short) and has a higher load rating (15.4lb vs. 11lb)
On paper, I'm drawn to the Vanguard. The greater load rating and increased height are nice. But I'm mostly intrigued by a feature that lets the center column to be set at any angle. The Manfrotto only supports vertical and horizontal.
But my gut says Manfrotto -- I just trust them more. As interesting as the center column thing on the Vanguard is, it's an improvement on a feature (non-vertical settings) I'm not going to use all that much to begin with. Plus I'm worried that the pivoting center column on the Vanguard will result in reduced damping of vibrations.
I'm particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has compared these or have experience to share on the Vanguard. If I can convince myself that vibrations and reliability won't be an issue, I would lean towards the Vanguard. But I'm also interested in input on other tripods I should consider*, things I should watch out for etc.
Sorry if this has been addressed before but very little showed up on this Vanguard on a search here.
* I've skimmed Thom Hogan's classic piece on the subject but can't justify Gitzo, RRS and the like. Please don't tempt me
. Plus I don't need the gear to last a lifetime; getting new stuff from time to time is fun! 
