In the market for a new tripod since I misplaced mine

[jdong217]

Left it on a bus in China to be exact.

I had an Induro AKB1 and it was around $130. I really liked it and it was 10 steps up from those cheap plastic ones. Before I go ahead and replace it with a new one, I'm going to consider other options. My budget is still more or less the same and I need a ballhead too (the previous one I had came with the ballhead included in the price).

 

[fsquare]

How were you using the tripod? What do you usually shoot as a subject?

 

[jdong217]

oops, guess that's important. Usually use it on flat surfaces, definitely nothing too intense. And 99% of the time I use it for landscapes and cityscapes

 

[ann]

there is a thead discussing options that has been going on for days. Try the search function above and you should find some interesting options.

 

[fsquare]

I use a Giottos Vitruvian. Cost me about $180. It is light and compact so easy to travel with which was my #1 priority. Folds up to measure 15" and weighs only 3lbs. I believe you can load up about 8-9lbs of weight on that ball head. I'm usually using a gripped d300s and wide angle lens so say about 5-6lbs without issue. Best part is that one leg comes off and can be used as a monopod.

 

[jdong217]

Definitely willing to go the extra $50 for that. I have a gripped D7000 with a wide angle as well so should be close to the same weight, probably a little lighter. which model is it though? everyone i've found so far is about $250 + at least

 

[fsquare]

Weird! I got it from $189.99 here https://shop.camtecphoto.com/shop.php?IDC=100&IDSC=105 but that is in Canada. Anywhere i check in the US it is listed at like $259.99!

 

[blessedbawan]

The amazon has lesser price the last time I check...

 

[ann]

check on Vanguard"s.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

carbon manfrotto

bhphoto.com

 

[DiskoJoe]

yeah, go manfrotto. You really cant beat them until you get to the gitzo level.

 

[jdong217]

Okay so upon doing further research, I've narrowed it down to these 2:

1. Manfrotto 190XPROB Pro Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black) - 190XPROB (i'll need to buy a decent ballhead too)

2. Benro A-2691 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod A2691TB1 B&H Photo Video

I'll check out prices in a few days since I'm in Hong Kong and they're obnoxious about giving prices over the phone.

The main thing going for the benro for me is that it's so collapsible. I forgot to mention that I'm traveling a lot and traveling light too so the fact that this could fit in my backpack is huge for me. My old tripod was pretty sturdy but it was really annoying carrying it around even though it came with a case that had a shoulder strap. Even though it's more than double, it has really great reviews and the monopod doubling seems interesting. Anyone have experience with this one?

 

[vipgraphx]

I purchased the vanguard Alta Pro 263AT with vanguard SBH-250 ball head. Thats what camera shops had locally and when doing research they seem to be very good quality equipment comparable to manfrotto.

 

[mjhoward]

SLIK is good bang for the buck. I have the 580DX and really like it.