Tripod purchase imminent...

[Jason.Teets]

Sorry to post a new topic on this, but there seems to be so many different tripods out there, and very few recent posts for me to gather info from.

I'm looking to purchase a tripod in the range of $500 - $1250.

To sum it up, I'm looking for the most bang for my buck. I'd prefer to keep it under 1k.

Currently, I'm using an older Cartoni Action-Pro which is not a true-fluid head. I'm looking for true-fluid now, with just a standard leg system (though shooting over people's heads would be a plus). What are some of the top brands to look for? The only brand that really comes to mind is Miller.

Any help and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

- Jason

www.ikonicweddings.com

[HankCastello]

Once you buy a good tripod/head pair, you won't be in the tripod market again unless adding more cameras or needing a tripod for a different purpose.  Because of that, I haven't shopped since buying my Manfrotto 503 head and heavy, tall (7'+) quick-release Manfrotto tripod, several years back.

The 501 is pretty good and considerably cheaper, but not quite as smooth (perhaps 95% of the 503 in smoothness) and, from what I've heard, it gets rougher over time due to the way it is built.

There are more expensive sets by other manufacturers, but mine has served me well with heavy and fairly rough useage.  I think it cost about $800, six years ago.

Those quick-release things are great - tripod goes up or down in an instant.  Seven feet plus, means you can shoot over photographers' heads.  But I pay the price in weight.  It gets tough to lug around in the field, but fine for weddings.

For travel and hiking, etc., I like the Sunpaks (under $100).  Use our forums search feature and you'll find some posts where I give more details on the Sunpaks and Manfrottos.  We've got about a dozen tripods, representing half as many brands and we consistently reach for either the Manfrottos or Sunpaks, depending on the job at hand.

[Jason.Teets]

Thanks Hank. Actually the one thread I did peek at in these forums was the one on the Manfrotto 503 head. I haven't taken a look at their site yet, but I assume there are several full tripods I can purchase with the 503 head. I'll probably be taking that route.

The Sunpacks sound interesting. I'll definitely check into those, too. So... just so I can get my bearings straight here, how does Manfrotto rate in comparison to Miller? Does Manfrotto only do heads?

Thanks!

- Jason

[HankCastello]

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto

Manfrotto is big in tripods and heads, but they sell other accessory items as well.

I have owned Velbon, and some other lesser quality tripods, but have only briefly held and inspected the more expensive brands (like $5k+ tripods!).

IMHO, Manfrotto is "good enough", cheaper brands can't hold a candle to them and more expensive brands are overkill.

Keep in mind though, that Manfrotto also makes items that are not up to what I would call "professional quality", so it pays to check feedback on the items you're interested in.  If you buy from B&H, you could probably return a tripod you didn't like, if you did so within a few days.

Sunpaks are cheap "almost-junk" tripods, but for "junk" they are surprisingly good!  I'd as soon have a Sunpak as a Velbon.

[Cole]

The ad should read- "Sunpak Tripods- Great for those Static Shots!"

I have Vinten Legs and a Sachtler head. I also own a Davis & Sanford FM18 for the B-Cam.

[HankCastello]

Well, they sure don't compare with Satchler, but when the rental company we had lined up in Seattle bombed out on us, we bought Sunpaks and used them for ceremony and Jean continued to use hers during the reception - pans, tilts and all.  With some care, those pans and tilts were quite usable, which surprised me greatly, because my Velbon heads were not as good!

[DavidPartington]

Don't mean to hi-jack the thread but I think the time has finally come to replace my el-cheapo tripods & heads, so I am planning to buy (multiple) Manfrotto 058B + 503 heads.   If any one has better alternatives at this price point please shout now.    I've chosen the 058B because it can go much higher than most of the other offerings - something I need to see over people's heads in crowded places!

I've read both god and bad reports on the 503 head - so again - feedback would be appreciated!     I'm using a camera that weights about 2.5Kg with mic & big battery.

[HankCastello]

I'm using a camera that weights about 2.5Kg with mic & big battery.

I think that's about five and a half pounds, for us in the States.  (BTW, it's about time we got with the program and went metric!)

[k_shipsides]

Miller and Sachtler make great tripods.  They have different lines that vary in price.  There should be one in your price range.  The miller compass 15 is nice but I believe it is $1200

[HankCastello]

I like the 503 heads.  They are the lowest-priced, professional quality heads that I was able to find back when I was tripod-shopping.

[BillGrant]

buy used... you can get 3 tripods used for $500... I've used $1200 ones and I am no more impressed than with mine... I use the 3221 legs and 3063 head... from bogen.
Bill

[osbornes5]

This: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/504853-REG/Manfrotto_755XB_755XB_MDeVe_Aluminum_Video.html#features
is the set of legs that I us and I love them. There is a built in swivel that allows you to level it in seconds. If it is tall enough and solid enough for you it is great! I also use and reccomend the 503 head. Very smooth and a reasonable price. That is what you are looking for.

[HankCastello]

A bowl leveller is an accessory you can add to most tripod/head assemblies.  I use one and it saves a lot of time, being able to level the camera in seconds without having to play with legs.