TriPod Suggestion

mostlysunny · Jan 6, 2015

I used a tri pod last night. I didn't like it.. I felt like the thing was so light it was going to tip over. The one I used was a Sunpak 5858D- I really thought my camera was going to fall into the sad.

Can anyone suggest a sturdy, tripod? I use a Canon 7D.. It seems heavy, but the weight seems to be in the lens. I have the 28-135 lens.. (something like that)

Thanks in advance.

tirediron · Jan 6, 2015

Tripods are one of the best deals on the used market. Look for names like Manfrotto, Benbo, and Gitzo... also look for one that will hold at least TWICE the weight of your heaviest lens/body combination. You should expect to spend $100 - 150 on the used market for a good set of legs and head.

Buckster · Jan 6, 2015

In the meantime, try weighing down your current tripod to give it more stability. You can use sandbags, milk jugs filled with sand, gravel or water, a gear bag with stuff in it, or anything else handy. I've even used bricks or rocks in a pinch. Just hang stuff with some weight on it.

Designer · Jan 6, 2015

I have Gitzo legs that I bought used. They will hold my weight.

Zen1300 · Jan 6, 2015

Any thoughts on the Benro A2970F?

Benro Versatile A2970F 3-Section Aluminum Tripod A2970F B&H

I'm intrigued by the ability to tilt the column 180%.

Also, a head with a quick-release would be good.

tirediron · Jan 6, 2015

Looks like a clone of the Manfrotto 055; I've not seen that particular one, but I have seen that line, and they look like decent legs for the money. I have that feature on one of my newer Manfrottos, and it's very handy for macro work.

TCampbell · Jan 7, 2015

I have an Induro, a Benro, and a Manfrotto and I like them all. But all of these guys make tripods in a LOT of different sizes & configurations. You'll need to get one configured to the way you like it.

My first Induro tripod was built like a tank. It had the rotating cuffs to snug the legs once extended and that was a bit more time-consuming to setup and take down.

My next tripod was a Benro Travel Angel -- carbon fiber and VERY light. The good news was it was so light I could clip it on my belt on an all day walk and not really feel the weight. The bad news is the carbon fiber legs on a tripod that light were a bit "springy" so I had to watch it when shooting (remote release or 2-second delay). It had the same rotating cuffs to lock the legs in place.

I also picked up a couple of monopods... one of which was a Benro with the flip-lever leg locks. I really liked how quickly I could extend and retract the legs.

SO... my next tripod was a Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod with the flip-lever leg locks. To my SHOCK (because this is a very high-end tripod... NOT cheap) the center column is not replaceable (at least I couldn't find a replacement center column, wrote to Manfrotto and they told me there isn't one. It shocks me that an $800 tripod doesn't have an option for a short center column.

I bought a short center post for my original Induro (the tank) and use that whenever I need the camera low to the ground.

Big Mike · Jan 9, 2015

Like other aspects of photography (and most hobbies), you can find yourself falling down the rabbit hole when you look for what is the best tripod setup.

If cost wasn't an issue, and I could have all the tripod & support gear that I wanted, I'm sure it would be somewhere in the $5000 range.

Here is an article, a bit old but it promotes the idea of buying quality gear the first time, rather than buying cheap gear that you'll want or need to replace anyway.
Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan

As mentioned, buying used is great when it comes to high quality tripods. The good ones are usually very robust and so being used isn't such a bad thing and it saves you lots of money.