Tripod Upgrade

If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).

B

BiggDogg

New member
Member's gallery
I'm looking to upgrade my tripod (cheap piece of junk). What would be the suggestions of the next step down from Gitzo and Really Right Stuff (both a bit beyond my budget). I would prefer one with a ball head. I shoot a Nikon D7500 with the heaviest lens being a Nikon 500mm. I also have a Wimberly gimble head that I would like for it to be compatible with. My budget is $500-$600. I noticed some used Gitzos and Really Right Stuff tripods on B&H but the max weight support was only 26lbs and I am not familiar with the model numbers and nor the difference between them. Suggestions? Please include model numbers.
 
Member's gallery
I recently bought a Leofoto 284 with an Acratech Long Lens head for a backpacking tripod. Love it, and the quality seems very good. It is carbon fiber and rated for 22 lbs. The LH-30 ballhead that came with it is very nice as well. Comparable to my older Markin head. Bought the tripod and head for less than $300. The next size up, 324 is around $400.
 
Member's gallery
Pablo said:
Definitely look into the Robus RC-8880 Vantage Series 5. Nice tripod for $600. If not this one, Robus makes other nice carbon fibers in your budget range
Click to expand...
Pablo. Thank you for that suggestion. I liked the tripod but with the ball head for that model it jumps up to $899. That would work and it is currently on sale from $1049. It may be a better choice for me especially with a load capacity 55lbs and height of 85.5" (I'm tall), carbon fiber, etc. I'm on a wait list! If, when it comes in it is still on sale, I think I will go with that one. The lower models have much lower load capacities and height. Many thanks for your suggestion!!
 
Member's gallery
jcgamble said:
I recently bought a Leofoto 284 with an Acratech Long Lens head for a backpacking tripod. Love it, and the quality seems very good. It is carbon fiber and rated for 22 lbs. The LH-30 ballhead that came with it is very nice as well. Comparable to my older Markin head. Bought the tripod and head for less than $300. The next size up, 324 is around $400.
Click to expand...
Hi jc. I took a look but the heights on the Leofotos are way too short for me. However, I certainly appreciate your suggestion.
 
Member's gallery
Feisol tripods used to be a better value quality tripod that a lot of folks considered when Gitzo was out of budget. For an affordable ballhead, Sirui is one option.

Good luck,

--Ken
 
Member's gallery
Look at "Jobu design" as well, the algonquin is a very sturdy tripod (950CAD). they also have great gimball head for reasonable price... I have been very happy with the quality of their products and their medium price range... it is also in canadian dollars
they don't have ballheads...
 
Member's gallery
Induro has a line of carbon fiber tripods that are well regarded and many within your budget. Load weights 30-60# I use one of the GT304L models with a RRS BH-40 and Wimberley Sidekick for my D500+200-500mm and sometimes a Sirui G-20KX These are legs only - no head.

Indurogear.com

indurogear.com indurogear.com
 
Member's gallery
Check out the Induro Grand Series. Series 3 tripods like the GIT 304 or GIT 304L. Even better would be the series four GIT 404 or similar model. The series fopur might be out of your budget range.
 
Member's gallery
BiggDogg said:
I'm looking to upgrade my tripod (cheap piece of junk). What would be the suggestions of the next step down from Gitzo and Really Right Stuff (both a bit beyond my budget). I would prefer one with a ball head. I shoot a Nikon D7500 with the heaviest lens being a Nikon 500mm. I also have a Wimberly gimble head that I would like for it to be compatible with. My budget is $500-$600.
Click to expand...

I’m 6’ 2” and looking for a reasonably priced tripod, also.
I had put a Robus RC-5570 Vantage on a wish list at B&H. I recieved an email yesterday that the price had dropped $100 to $450. I hear many compliments on different sites as well as here.
I’m close to pulling the trigger on this; I currently use my gimbal on a 80’s vintage Gitzo (really sturdy, but a bit heavy and not quite head height).
Good luck on your search.
 
Member's gallery
Here is a good website with some data comparing tripods.
thecentercolumn.com

Rankings

The reasoning behind the rankings page and calculation of the score can be found here. The reported stiffness is the harmonic mean of the stiffness measured at full height in the pitch and yaw dir…
thecentercolumn.com thecentercolumn.com

The catch is, I felt they did not place enough emphasis on taller tripods or optimum weight. I like a taller tripod and all tripods are measured at maximum height rather than a standard height. A short tripod imay have less vibration but may also miss my needs. Lighter tripods are only an advantage to a point, and then there are likely tradeoffs. So I changed the weightings and developed my own ranking. Here is my ranking of the full sized tripods:

FLM CP38-L4 II
RRS TVC-34L
RRS TVC-24L
Feisol Elite CT-3472 M2
Gitzo GT3533LS Sytematic
RRS TVC-33
Gitzo GT4533LS Systematic
RRS TVC-33S
ProMediaGear TR343L
RRS TVC-23
RRS TFC-33S
 
Member's gallery
Check out the Jobu Design Algonquin, solid as a rock, prices are in Canadian dollars and if you subscribe to their newsletter you get 10% off your first order.
I have one and highly recommend it.
 
Member's gallery
For me the working height without a center column extended is important as is the collapsed length when I am traveling by air. I sold my RRS TVC-34L as at 23 inches when collapsed it was too long to go on the plane with me. I replaced it with a Feisol CT-3472 that collapses to less than 21 inches in length and has a working heigt of 57 inches. When I add a gimbal I gain 3 inches and if I take 30 seconds and install the Feisol center column kit for this tripod I gain another 3 inches in height before extending the center column. I have found that even with the center column extended 3 inches for a total gain in working height of 9 inches with the gimbal head attached, I have a solid platform for my 600mm lens with teleconverter.

I have owned multiple Gitzo tripods over the years as well as two RRS ones and the Feisol are as well made as the RRS and better made than the current Gitzo tripods. What is special about the Feisol CT-3472 is that in literally seconds I can remove the base plate for the head and install a quick level base or the center column kit and so I have 3 tripods in effect and at half the cost of the RRS TVC-34L and with Feisol I got a very good carry case as compared to a cardboard box with the RRS tripod. No other tripod provides this versatility. I use the tripod with gimbal for wildlife in the states and with the center column kit in places like Costa Rica and with the quick level base when shooting video or doing landscape photography.
 
Member's gallery
I have the Feisol Elite CT-3372 and I cannot recommend it enough! I did a ton of research before buying mine 2 years ago....and it seemed to be one of the best values on the market. It is an absolute tank of a tripod.

www.bhphotovideo.com

FEISOL Elite Tripod CT-3372 M2 Rapid

Buy FEISOL Elite Tripod CT-3372 M2 Rapid featuring Load Capacity: 66 lb, Maximum Height: 58.9", Minimum Height: 4.1", Folded Length: 24.8", Leg Sections: 3, Weight: 3.9 lb, Reverse-Folding Carbon Fiber Legs, Twist Locking, Rapid System Legs. Review FEISOL Elite
www.bhphotovideo.com www.bhphotovideo.com
 
Member's gallery
First of all, thanks to all that took time to give me your opinions and suggestions. Valuable information indeed. After considering all of the ups and downs, ins and outs and costs I decided to bite the bullet and I purchased a Robus 8880 Series 5. A few more dollars but I would rather go with the best quality I can afford. It is built like a tank, rock solid. I've yet to do a test run but that's coming soon. Interestingly, B&H was "out of stock but coming soon". I waited a couple of weeks and then decided to take a look at Amazon. They had them in stock, for $100 less! Even if my photos aren't up there with the pros, I'll look good with this fine piece of gear. I'll have everyone fooled into thinking that I actually know what I'm doing. :) Once again, thanks all!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top