What tripod should i go for?

[TordFuglstad]

It's between this:

(I realize the page is in Norwegian, but some google translate will help.)
Benro A550FHD2 kit

And this:

SLIK 700DX Pro

+
Velbon PH-157Q 3-Way pan head

I'm open to suggestions on other tripods, but NO ballheads please. Seen as I'm doing a lot of video as well.
Price range between: $180-$280 (This price should include shipping to Norway, approx. $80)

Gear:
Nikon D40 W/ grip
Nikon D7000 (Soon to have.)
Nikon 19-55 Kit lens
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8
Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 Macro


FLICKR
Flickr: TordFuglstad's Photostream

 

[chaosrealm93]

try manfrotto.. i think their 190XPROB is around 200 with a pan tilt head.

 

[Pgeobc]

The best, easiest to use, tripod that I own is a Gitzo. It is an older all-aluminum model and I have used it immersed in water and beat it around. I have an older Bogen that is good, too. I think that would now be a Manfrotto, if I have that relationship straight. The second one is a huge thing, meant for 4x5 and is a pain to carry around, but it is good.

 

[TordFuglstad]

After a lot of looking about and trying out different tripods (Including manfrotto) i did ho for the last opinion in the OP.
It just seems that much more rigid and stable than the manfrottos. It also seems to me like the Slik 700DX Pro, is better buildt.

 

[Ginu]

I have the Velbon Sherpa head on my tripod and I cant say I like the combo... when I use 300mm lens, the head shakes a bit (perhaps I need a better tripod). Also since you will be controlling the up and down and left and right movement with a single knob, you will find that panoramic shots are not easy to come by...

I much prefer a ball head for a monopod use and a proper tilt and pan head with individual controls on a tripod... also the better heads are numbered so you will know how much you tilt or pan

With that being said, perhaps the Velbon head would work just fine as you're planning to do some video as well, I just haven't used it with that purpose.

 

[timbearden]

I love Manfroto! Best tripod I've ever owned.

 

[MWG]

I have an aluminum ravelli tripod....but went with a giottos ballhead. I love my ballhead.....ALOT.

 

[TordFuglstad]

After having this tripod setup for nearly a week now i can say that this is such an awesome tripod!! The head is silky smooth and it can hold my camera with a 300 mm completely stable!
The tripod legs are by far the best quality and best built legs i've ever tried! (I've tried some manfrottos as well)
The legs are made of AMT (Aluminum-Magnesium-Titanium alloy) so they're a bit heavy, but that just adds stability!
They seem very durable and i love them. The tripod can extend to 1.9 meters without head and over 2 meters with a head.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

 

[Joshonator]

Get a Gitzo. You can get an older one for under 200$ and it will last you for life.

 

[table1349]

Good read on buying tripods: Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan