Need tripod recommendation

[Marcus Slade]

Lots of great suggestions here and I'll add another one too: the Algonquin by Jobu Design. I have been using this for almost five years now. Almost the only lens that lives atop it is my Nikon 600mm f4G which is heavy. Gripped D500/D850 and now D6 are varyingly attached and with TCs. Legs are carbon fibre, fittings aluminum. Spiked feet too with rubber caps. Superbly engineered and built and great value too. FWIW I have Jobu's HD MK IV gimbal too. I would buy both again in a heartbeat.

 

[Bill G.]

Based on Thom Hogan's test of tripods, I bought a Robus RC-5570 tripod two months ago, and got a chance to really try it out last week on the Oregon coast. I've been using an RRS TVC 24 but there are times it's overwhelmed in windy conditions causing vibration and therefore soft shots. And there are times when need a bit more height.
The Robus acquitted itself well--no strong winds but when photographing in shallow water on the beach shooting sea stacks, small waves that I know would have caused vibration on the RRS didn't affect the Robus, so the sea stacks were sharp during long exposures.
The Robus's max height (70") is so tall that I only needed to extend the top and middle leg sections (the bottom leg section remained fully retracted) to be able to bring the camera view finder to eye level (I'm 5'9", and there's a leveling base on the tripod). The tripod is extremely sturdy and stable and it probably could handle any long heavy glass you put on it. But that sturdiness means it's heavy (about 5.5lbs), folded up it's really long (over 25") and the apex is huge, much bigger than my RRS, so it's not exactly travel friendly. I'll need to use my biggest duffel when I fly with it (I always carry my tripod in a checked bag). There are many situations where the Robus would be impractical (ex. I'd never strap it to my camera backpack if I have to do any hiking), which is why I'll always keep my RRS tripod.
EDIT: Ron, I was composing this post and didn't see your comment about weight or cost. Given those two things, I would also point you toward a series 3 or 4 RRS tripod. The Robus is nice, and less than $600, but after owning and using an RRS tripod, and from experience with their great service, RRS is hard to beat.

I have had fantastic luck with my Robus tripod.

 

[MartyD]

I am always a little shocked when I look at the prices of good tripods. However, I purchased a Gitzo tripod in 1978 when I was in college and working part time at a local camera shop. It is not carbon fiber and I have replaced the head a few times but the tripod works as well now as it did when it was new. I remember it was a big investment at the time but when stretched out over 43 years I would say it was a good decision. I look at carbon fiber tripods from time to time but I just can't part with my Gitzo just to save a pound or two.

 

[EricBowles]

Thank you all for your replies. I'm 6'4" with a neck injury that prevents me from bending down. I need something that is SOLID. I've budgeted around $1,200, but I'll spend more if I have to. Weight is not a concern for me. I want a solid platform for my camera, especially when I'm using my 600mm lens.

Thanks again.

If you have a 600 f/4 lens and you are 6'4", I'd go with the RRS TVC-34L. The RRS series 3 is the largest tripod they recommend for a regular camera, and the next step up is for big video cameras. It's perfectly capable of handling my 600 f/4. If you needed anything taller, they can supply an additional set of leg sections to add another foot or more of height, but I expect that is not necessary. RRS is located in Salt Lake City and has great service. The gear holds it's value well and you could probably get 90% of the cost in five years or more if you sell it.

 

[Drbobcameraguy]

I have several very good travel tripods (Manfroto, Phopik, etc), but I want to get a sturdier tripod for use with bigger glass. While I'm not looking for a bargain, I also don't want to spend unnessarily. Suggestions?

If you are looking for a sturdy tripod for big glass I have a Gitzo systematic series 5 tripod. I bought it used for 950.00 to my door. It is heavy but I mount my camera and lens on my Gimbal head tighten everything down put it on my shoulder and hike through the woods. One must use care but when I set it up it is awesome. I have the gigantic size for the extra height because I shoot on the sides of hills and ravines a lot. Yes it's heavy but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

 

[Garfield]

These days there are almost too many good tripod options. Having owned more than a dozen tripods over the years including Gitzo and RRS, my overall favourite and still most used tripod is the RRS 24L. It was also the most expensive photo tripod. BUT there so many excellent and much less expensive options available today that all of my most recent purchases (with the exception of a heavy duty dedicated video tripod) have been less expensive options. Of particular note is the ridiculously inexpensive Innorel RT90C, a class 5 tripod available on Amazon that I use for astronomy. I'm also impressed with the portable Leofoto LS-284CEX with integrated levelling bowl. But there are so many others it's really hard choose. Good luck!

 

[Woodpecker]

I use a Gitzo 3532LS with a FlexShooter Pro for my big combo, i.e. D4s or D850 gripped plus 500 f4G plus TC14.
For the smaller "things" I followed a recommendation of my friend and got a Feisol CT-3441 with long and short centre pole plus the Feisol CB-30D.

Would I change something ? Yes !

After the wonderful experience with the FlexShooter Pro, I regret to have spent the money for the ball head. Now I would prefer to have the "small" FelxShooter on the Feisol tripod.

Why ?

I found out that I am not missing anything when using the ball head function on the FlexShooter compared to a normal ball head, but then I discovered that the tripod is stable enough to take my D850 with the 500PF in situations where I have to or want to go out light and still work more or less stationary, sitting there and waiting for a particular target. This way I can position the camera and leave it without fixing it by turning a knob or holding it allthe time. If the moment comes everything is on the spot inclucing the chance to follow immediately with the gimbal-like safety during panning and tilting, without having worry about opening and closing the ball head or tipping over sideways.
Unfortunately these things are even more expensive than the Feisol ball head

The little Feisol travel tripod is pretty amazing in tems of stability and vibration damping.

 

[Calson]

Can't beat the build quality and features of the Feisol CT-3472 legs with the options for using a quick level base or a center column with conversions that take only seconds. I replaced the RRS TVC-34L with the Feisol and it was a big improvement overall for my wildlife and landscape photography.

I have purchased many tripods over the years and with the carbon fiber ones they often did not truly support anything close to their payload rating but would have leg flexing or problems with the torsional rigidity of the spider where the legs are held in place. Gitzo, RRS, and Feisol specifications can be relied upon. A concern I would have with Gitzo is that they have cut corners with their tripods and have not had a good reputation with regard to customer support and at this time getting spare parts even if an item is under warranty is a very big problem everywhere.

 

[Marco74]

Another interesting alternative will arrive from UniqueBall.
https://ubphotovideo.com/

My best friend are testing for them the new tripod series. I have the chance to take a look on them and they look great if not better than Gitzo.

I have several tripod.
One Manfrotto, One Leofoto and a Gitzo 3 series xls type.
I don't use them often, sometimes the Leofoto for landscape and night photography.
When I bought the Gitzo for use with my big glass, was the best on the market but now I agree that it very expensive and there are other good if not better alternative.

 

[rcurrietn]

Check our Feisol. Good sturdy, carbon fiber tripods at a reasonable price.

 

[Michelelabelle]

Do you want a tripod to carry long distances, or just very short ones?

I have two old Bogen/Manfrotto that i only use around the house due to their weight an condition. I also have a Gitzo GT5543XLS that is my travel tripod. Yes, it was expensive, even used, but it was worth every penny I paid for it. It's a sturdy as a boulder in flat bedrock, even with my heaviest gear stacked on it! I'd buy it all over again!

Do you have a travel weight gimbal head you'd recommend to go with that tripod?

 

[Roy]

I have several very good travel tripods (Manfroto, Phopik, etc), but I want to get a sturdier tripod for use with bigger glass. While I'm not looking for a bargain, I also don't want to spend unnessarily. Suggestions?

Dont go too cheap - you will end up having to upgrade it later.
Gitzo isn't as good as it used to be - I had quality control problems with my systematic last year.
Manfrotto is not cheap but is very well made - make sure you pick the right model for your usage.
The tripod head choice is more of a dilemma - although popular I hate ball heads.
Good legs can usually have the head upgraded later.

 

[Abinoone]

Thank you all for your replies. I'm 6'4" with a neck injury that prevents me from bending down. I need something that is SOLID. I've budgeted around $1,200, but I'll spend more if I have to. Weight is not a concern for me. I want a solid platform for my camera, especially when I'm using my 600mm lens.

Thanks again.

If I were to buy another tripod, I'd go with either a long/tall RRS or Gitzo, probably the RRS because the legs have O-rings, which helps keep out moisture. Currently, I use a Gitzo 5543 and love it. I think it's hard to do better than these two brands at your budget level.

 

[fcotterill]

I used a Gitzo LS 5 series. At 3+ kg it's heavy to lug about, so switched to the 1.6kg Leofoto 3 series (LM-323C) to support gimbals. I also have the even lighter Gitzo Traveller (newer version), which is too gracile for a telephoto rig although it's ideal in many respects for landscape photography 'out there'.

As for a lighter Gimbal of 'travel-weight' See comparisons of gimbals on first page. A ProMediaGear Katana Junior or Jobu Jnr 3 are good choices. The Leofoto PG1 is a clone of the former, and I have one pending, which the local agent has asked me to review. I have used the Jobu for 3 years with no problems. It's sturdy yet one of the lightest options, but I replaced the lens plate/clamp with the Quick-release RRS PG-CC.

I recently received a Fotopro E6H Eagle, which ticks many boxes as this review suggested. It can certainly work for landscapes as well as wildlife. The core elements of this E6H are robust and in fact provide a unique solution in what is a hybrid gimbal. Its secondary clamp with tilting options is designed to function for panoramas and macro (obviating a ballhead).

However, I am in the middle of modifying both its clamps. The main lens-plate is being swopped to a stronger QR plate using a shortened Gimpro clamp. The clamp on the top spindle is too flimsy for my standards (lacks enough 'meat' at key places). It is being replaced with a sturdier clamp secured with stronger SS316 capscrews. I find it's the rare gimbal that ticks all the boxes. My custom modifications push up the net cost of such gadgets, but improving the haptics and reliability is worth much more than the costs of new capscrews and bench time with a dremel etc.

Do you have a travel weight gimbal head you'd recommend to go with that tripod?

 

[fcotterill]

I have learnt the hard way the alloy used in the standard 1/4" and 3/8" , and other bolts are an insightful proxy - quick indicator of the quality of a tripod or head. Firstly these should be capscrews (ie require an allenkey, not just a s'driver slot). As importantly, the alloy must not be some softer cheaper cr*p. I first test the bolts supplied with the arca-swiss plates. The quick test is to apply a firm torque tightening the capscrew with the correct size of allenkey/socket drive. Does the 6-sided drive distort the metal within the screwhead (usually in the corners)? RRS, Gitzo, Jobu, Leofoto all work fine IME, as the engineering fasteners are of a hardened grade of stainless steel. Sirui, Fotopro and some other brands?

This photo speaks for itself. Rejected.... Reviewers do not consider this critical factor, or rarely if ever.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Marco74]

There are different type of light alloy, and the 7000 series is the best.
The big problems now are that all the raw materials are difficult to buy. In confront to the last year the price increase the double as a minimum.
So for the tripod manufacturer, there are only two solutions or increase the cost drastically or reduce the quality of the products.

I'm drawing a new gimbal head just for fun and personal use, and I'm using a different bearing and the new generative design technology to reduce the total weight.
I'm waiting for the stabilization of the raw material price to send it in production.

Here a sketch of the preliminary optimization of one piece.

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[Charles Loy]

I have several very good travel tripods (Manfroto, Phopik, etc), but I want to get a sturdier tripod for use with bigger glass. While I'm not looking for a bargain, I also don't want to spend unnessarily. Suggestions?

Curious or nosey - have you made a decision yet?

 

[Ron G]

Curious or nosey - have you made a decision yet?

Not yet. I'm going to visit some camera stores to kick the tires.

 

[fulltimewanderer]

Problem that I’ve seen, pretty much all camera store’s that I’ve been in really don’t stock tripods that can handle the weight of say a 600f4 with a flagship body and gimbal head. Ordered a RRS and haven’t looked back, for 15 years.

 

[nmoens]

One brand that seems to fly under the radar but in my opinion produces great quality gear at a decent price is "Jobu design"
I do use their algonquin tripod with the gimball heavy duty mk IV for a 500 prime and have not regretted my investment at all... it is sturdy, lightweight, tall and the gimball is smooth and locks well.

 

[Ron G]

Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions. I purchased a Really Right Stuff TVC-34 Versa Series 3 Mk2 Carbon Fiber Tripod.

 

[fulltimewanderer]

Congratulations ! Excellent choice that will give you years of reliable service !