need a new tripod ...

bc_steve · Feb 12, 2013

Sorry to start another tripod thread, but I have a couple specific ones in mind I wanted to ask about.

I got a tripod a couple of years ago as a gift for my birthday or for Christmas. It was an Optex DPT175 (http://www.londondrugs.com/Optex Digital Travel Tripod - DPT175/L1263417,default,pd.html). Not perfect, but it did the trick for me for a while and it was handy for travel.

I see it is covered by warranty still, but finding documentation of when and where it was purchased seems near impossible. It is probably time to upgrade to something better anyways since it did have a few shortcomings.

- I would be using it for landscape shots mostly (nighttime shots as well) but I would also use it for wildlife shots with a telephoto and macro shots.
- 50" (127cm) height seemed adequate to me.
- it has to accommodate landscape or portrait orientation
- my camera (Nikon D7000) + my heaviest lens (70-300mm) weigh less than 2kg (4lbs), though some leeway for future expansion might be a good idea
- Aluminum should be just fine for me, but that said I don't want anything too heavy since I would take it on some hikes and backpacking
- my old tripod was just under 50" when collapsed and that was small enough for me to put on the outside of my backpack hiking or in my bag while traveling
- and I want something quality that will last a long time.

I've more or less narrowed it down to two:

Manfrotto 055XPROB (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...o_055XPROB_055XPROB_Aluminum_Tripod_Legs.html)
Benro Versatile A1980F (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...980F_Versatile_A1980F_4_Section_Aluminum.html)

There are almost identical in price, costing $196 with shipping, taxes, and duty from B&H. I cannot find a better price in Canada (they make us pay more for everything!). I assume they are both great. I am leaning towards the Benro since it packs up a bit smaller and weighs less, but I do wonder if I would find it useful to have a tripod that is a little taller.

Anyways, does anyone have any experience with these tripods? Is there any reason I should be choosing one over the other? and is there anything similar from another manufacturer that I should be considering? I was a little overwhelmed by the selection out there and didn't look at absolutely everything.

I guess now it's time to start looking at tripod heads ...

Mike_E · Feb 12, 2013

I have the 3021 pro (Manfrotto's 055XPROB predecessor).

If something happened to it I'd most likely get another.

I have the 488 RC0 ball head (I really like the hexagonal quick release -more area to hold a heavy camera) that I can recomend. This model has been updated as well but whatever they call it, it works great!

Look for one used or get the new one, they are tough enough that you are unlikely to find a bad one.

Big Mike · Feb 13, 2013

I don't have any experience or really any info on the Benro brand....but Manfrotto is a very popular brand name with a lot of credibility. I've got several tripods and stands by Manfrotto and I do like them. The 055 is probably the one I'd recommend in that price range.

You haven't mentioned a head. Both of the tripods you've linked to, are just legs. You will need a head to go along with it...and I'd suggest that your choice of head will be just as (or more) important than your choice of legs. And it can be just as expensive (but doesn't have to be).

Check this kit out....Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod Legs (Black) w/ 804RC2 055XPROB,804RC2
or this...http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/718590-REG/Manfrotto_055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Kit.html

Choosing a head is a pretty personal decision. Just about any type can work for you, but you might prefer one type over another.
Pan & tilt heads are usually preferable for video, but not for still photography. A standard 3-way is often a good choice. Ball heads are also a very good choice and come in a few different styles, pistol grip ball head for example.

Tripods are like most any other type of gear. The more you learn about them and get into the 'gear head' zone...the more money you may want to sink into it. A professional landscape photographer may have legs that cost $700 or more, a head that is $500 or more. Then several quick release plates and probably an L bracket. Maybe a leveling base and maybe a head or plate specifically for creating pano photos. It goes on and on....

bc_steve · Feb 16, 2013

Thanks for the advice ...

Done lots of research this week. Benro doesn't sound like it's quite as durable as I would like and while the Manfrotto's sound quite solid and people really like them, even the smaller 190-series is still a little bigger than I would like.

Came across Feisol in my searching, and unlike the other brands they don't jack up the price to sell them in Canada so if I ordered one of those I could take advantage of free shipping and avoid having to pay duty. Of course as it usually happens when I am buying things for my camera I always end up spending more than I had planned! But it does have just about everything I am looking for. It is strong, light, and it will pack up quite small for traveling or hiking and it makes sense to put that shipping/duty money towards a better tripod rather than losing it at the border. I think I will order one of their ballheads as well.