What tripod to buy

[Mats_A]

I have an old SLIK aluminium tripod that I purchased more than 20 years ago. It's functioning but not very convenient. No quick release, no separate head, extension is by cumbersome screw locks etc etc.
Since my half century birthday is coming up this year I might consider trading up a bit.
I have been googling this and can honestly say that "I'm still confused, but at a higher level". Could this mighty blog brain please give me some advice on this.
My parameters are:

- price range < 600€ ($800) including head
- should work with my (future) Mamiya RB
- should work with my (future) 4x5
- quick release

What should I choose. Wood, metal, carbon fiber? Ball head or 3 axis? Geared? Manufacturer?

Can I find a good tripod in my price range or must I pay more? I'm looking for one that will last me 20 years+.

Please advice.

r

Mats

[Rick A]

Dang, you can buy a heap-o-tripods for that much moolah. FWIW, I think I have the same model Slik tripod as you. Had mine for probably twenty-five years, my daughter thinks it's great. I think I'd go to a shop where I could put my hands on several different ones to make that decision.

[Mats_A]

Dang, you can buy a heap-o-tripods for that much moolah. FWIW, I think I have the same model Slik tripod as you. Had mine for probably twenty-five years, my daughter thinks it's great. I think I'd go to a shop where I could put my hands on several different ones to make that decision.

I hope so Rick. I have seen some tripods (on the net) that were more than $1400 + head!
I think it was an American "Really Right Stuff". If I can find a good one for less money I will be very,very happy. More money for film and cameras

Problem is, in my small burg, there is no really good camera shop available any more. They have a very tiny collection of tripods. Mostly intended for digi-snappers. So advice IS needed.

r

Mats

[Ian Grant]

My latest tripod a Slick was about 100 euro new, but it's light, small fits inside my backpack yet carries my 5x4's, it's marketed as Digital yet can carry a large HD Video camera (5-6 kg).

However that's my backup, it can be sneaked in where tripods aren't permitted

I wouldn't & haven't bought a new heavier weight tripod in over 30 years, instead I've watched carefully for good second hand models and had some real bargains, I keep tripods in the UK & Turkey because of weight restrictions when flying, but I've paid £50/60 euro or less for some superb tripods in that last 4 or 5 years. My favourite is a Manfrotto 074, it'll carry my 10x8 cameras as well, another is a Majestic.

My older Slik Prototype bought around 1980 and second-hand then is only just showing significant wear & tear and had very heavy use, and thats why I bought replacements.

As to heads, I don't like quick release as I had one fail dropping and splitting my Wista. I've ball head, pan tilt and 3 way, all have their advantages and disadvantages but I prefer the Pan & Tilt it's faster & easier.

Ian

[degruyl]

How big? I am a fan of the Induro tripods, and if you are going for 4x5 as your largest the 2xx series would work fine and dandy. Either aluminum or carbon, 3 or 4 sections I have three of these tripods in three sizes, my medium is brand new and and A214. It is not tiny, but not the monster that holds up my 8x10.

For heads, I'd decide whether I wanted a ball head, pan / tilt or geared. I like the acratech ultimate ballhead, but this is one of those personal issues. I'd be interested in a small geared head (mostly because it is easier to use with a field camera), but not interested in the manfrotto quick release.

[jp498]

That's a pretty healthy budget that will get you lots of choices.

I'd probably get two.

Find a Leitz Tiltall for a small/medium tripod, and a bigger one. I have used the Leitz for everything up to and including 4x5 and it's <$100, but isn't a substitute for a big tripod for when you are using big lenses or need some mass. It is a step up from Slik. I use a survey tripod right now for a big tripod and I like it, but if you've got money to spend, it's not as nice as some of the options.

I can't personally recommend it as I havent bought it yet, but the berlebach with leveling ball looks pretty nice and are available in a variety of heights and have various quick release accessories for extra $. The next step up pricewise is a ries which I have used other peoples and they are good.

[Mats_A]

I must not be so good at googling as I thought. I figured a quality tripod was running into the 500+ range. I'm glad to be wrong. I would prefer to buy only one as I will keep the Slik also. So more advice is appreciated.

r

Mats

[Jeff Kubach]

Could you look up KEH or B&H?

Jeff

[Mats_A]

Could you look up KEH or B&H?

Jeff

Yes I could, and I have. Problem is they are out to sell things, not giving advice.

r

Mats

[Paul VanAudenhove]

Mats

I have a couple of Manfrotto tripods that I like. My choice was mostly made for me - in the pre-internet days, that was what my favorite camera store carried. I would think you might be able to find a good used one fairly cheap, but shipping might be expensive.

I haven't found a head that I really like, but I haven't tried the high end gear like Wemberly, RRS or Kirk. If buying one new, the cost can easily exceed the cost of the tripod. I would suggest that, if you can, you try out the different kinds of heads available to see which kind you like - geared, pan and tilt or ball-head. Don't forget to look for quick release plates and brackets - those things can really add to the price.