If you had 400 dollars..

[ranmyaku]

to spend on a tripod + head, what would you buy?

I know there are numerous tripod threads and I have read them all, but I can't seem to gather all of the collective wisdom I have read to make a decision. I really like the Gitzo's carbon fiber, but at the present time, I can't justify spending double my budget on a tripod.

I'm also planning on getting the Nikon 12-24, which is about 900...so i'd like to stay around 400 (give or take) for the tripod at the moment. I currently use a cheap one that I got at best buy.

As for what I will be using it for, I mostly shoot landscape and in cities. I like to walk around big cities and shoot interesting things in the day and night. I extremely rarely do portrait type stuff, and even when i do, i shoot handheld b/c lighting is generally a non issue.

Also, should I skimp a little on the legs and go for a better head? What draws me to the Gitzo's is the light weight. I can see myself carrying that around with me all day..on and off buses, subways, walking around the park, downtown, etc.

 

[soylentgreen]

Hmmm. I would say get what you desire, since that is what I would do, even if it's a little more because that nagging in the back of my head will knaw at me. Don't skimp on the legs, its what's holding your $900 lens up!!! Those light Gitzo's are nice though. What model were you looking at? I wavered on the Explorer but am perfectly happy with my Manfrotto 190XPROB. Still light at 5 lbs w/ head. The carbon-fiber models were actually heavier but more rigid.

 

[kundalini]

I got these Manfroto legs and they are sturdy, but heavy at the end of the day. I also got my first ball head, a Manfrotto as well, but really like it. For landscapes you may want to consider a panhead, but did I mention I like my ball head?

 

[ranmyaku]

Here are some of the legs I was looking at:

Bogen / Manfrotto 055MF3 Magfiber Pro Carbon Fiber 3-Section Tripod Legs - Supports 15.5 lb (7 kg) $312.95

Giottos MT-8250 MT II Classic Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 15 lbs (6.8 kg) $269.99, 3.1lbs

Giottos MT-8260 MT II Classic Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 22 lbs (10 kg) $309.95, 4.2lbs

 

[soylentgreen]

For compactness, I actually prefer the 055MF4 version. Extends higher also. Not the lightest thing in the world, but rock solid.

 

[ranmyaku]

Well. At 4.4 pounds, it is only 1.3 pounds heavier then the Gitzo I was looking at (Gitzo GT2530, weighs in at 3.1 pounds).

 

[bytch_mynickname]

Have you looked at Amvona legs and heads? That way would keep you way under budget but get you a decent setup, heavy but sturdy.

 

[Holy Ghosted]

Have you looked at Amvona legs and heads? That way would keep you way under budget but get you a decent setup, heavy but sturdy.

I would look at Amvona's Reseller Ratings before I bought from them http://www.resellerratings.com/store/amvona

 

[ranmyaku]

I'm thinking of going with the Markins Q-ball Q3 and the Giottos MT-8250 MT II Classic Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs. That puts me at only about 140 bucks over my price i wanted to pay. lol.