Tripods

[MikeInMI]

So after acquiring 4 tripods that seemed right at the time, I took BIF, needed a gimbal head and a much better tripod. I watched a lot of YouTube videos reviews and found one by Henry Hudson that was excellent but isn’t out there any more. Anyway, ended up buying a Leofoto LM-324-CL (current model is LM-324CLX). A little bit lighter (most important) and cheaper (less important but a nice bonus) than some of the others but still a very top notch tripod. Have done a ton of BIF with this and never regretted the purchase.

I also bough the Benro GH5C gimbal head which I’ve been very happy with. But I will add that when I am traveling on a plane I take the Flex Shooter Pro instead of my gimbal head. Smaller and lighter and does the job of a gimbal and ball head all in one. Used it for 10 days in Costa Rica and was very happy.

 

[Patty]

While I don't use the tripod a lot because I mostly do pet photography when I have used it I love it. Yes, I splurged on it as I had a cheaper tripod and that saying of buying twice versus once is real. I use the FLM, FLM CP30-S4 II 4-Section Compact carbon fiber tripod. I paired it with a Sirui ball head. I also have a decent gimbal head. It's not a top of the line gimbal but it's okay. I do really love that tripod. It was worth every penny. Used it when doing the solar eclipse. I think FLM is based in Canada.

 

[BobK]

I have a 3-legged Thing Windston 2.0 that I am very happy with. I put a Wimberly 200 on it for the long lenses...

 

[Roy]

In Canada. I am using Z8 and 180-600mm lose. I bought a new Monfrotto tripod with head 7 months ago in July '24. It's terrible: top screw to plate comes loose and the wobbles after about 3 months; the levelling eye dropped out after 3 months; one leg is loose when spreading (LOL) compared to the others legs; the safety catch holding Lense to rig BROKE. I have had enough Monfrotto says sendit in for warranty but I no longer have the time of day for them.
I need a recommendation for a new tripod and head. I do have a reasonable gimble head. Thankyou

Manfrotto and Gitzo are not the companies that they used to be ..

 

[AlanB313]

I have 2 tripods. One is intended for my spotting scope and to be easy to carry. It's a PD carbon fiber travel tripod. It breaks down to a size I can hike with easily and I expect to use it for botany and flower work in good light. It's working well for its purpose.

The other is a sturdier Sirui. I bought it originally also for the spotting scope with a fluid head. I'll use it for landscape, botany and Wildlife, but as my skills grow, I expect it to not be sturdy enough. I'll use it in windier conditions for the scope.

These will suffice for now, I have a lot of learning to do. But I can already see something like a RRS in my future.

I'm researching heads at this point. I hope to jump straight to a good quality one rather than taking a roundabout approach. I'm using the fluid head I got for the scope for now. Not terribly happy with it.

I'm looking at Wimberley, Jobu and Flexshooter as options. The Flexshooter could serve double duty and be good with my spotting scope. I expect to get a gimbal and a ballhead like an RRS or acratech. I may get a Flexshooter mini at first and see how it works for my mostly lighter weight teles (500mm pf, 300mm pf with tc, 150-600mm g2,) . Maybe it will work better for a good macro and standard size lenses than the Pro. I'm still shooting dslr, but will move to a z8. The heaviest lens i could see getting is a now more affordable 500mm f4 E.

I actually came to the conclusion that a decent tripod and head(s) were/are more important than upgrading to a z8 from a d500. These things have to be spread out due to clearances necessary from the home Finance Minister.

 

[O]

Selecting Tripods Mono pods and heads are like selecting a car, the selection is often very personal.
Just avoid the generic gear with fancy brand names.
I buy high end Gitzo stuff for $300-$400 hardly used, Wemberly 200 Gimbal for 1/3rd the new price in as new condition.
You can buy privately owned high end gear used really well, so many people try and buy their way into getting a good photo, some have more money than sense, that's where you get the killer deals.
Top quality gear at a fraction of the cost, you just have to be on point.

Only an opinion

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$65 USD,

$200 USD is to much, you could offer $125 somebody years ago paid $2000.

 

[Terps]

I went through the steps in Thom Hogans article that Eric Bowles linked to above of buying progressively better tripods before I ended up with what I should have bought in the first place. I would have saved money.

I did buy a good Gitzo, but it was too short when using a 600mm lens. For flight shots and birds perched in trees I was hunched over with my knees bent to the point of barely being able to stand. While setting up on slopes the downhill legs simply weren’t long enough to be able to have the camera at eye level.

I ended up buying a RRS TVC-34L Versa Series 3 Tripod and love it. It’s very tall when needed and very stable. I’ve been using it for 12 years and only had one small problem. Last year one of the two bronze/alloy washers broke at one of the swivel joints where the legs attach to the spider. I think it was probably my fault as I had overtightened the two Allen screws that attach the legs to the spider and also control the resistance of the leg angle movement and it stressed the washed over the years until it finally split. I called RRS and they said they could send me a pair of new washers for $1.50 each. They were also going to throw in a couple of little “Pull Tab Return Springs” for free that they said were easy to loose when replacing the washer. I ended up not needing them so I now have spares.

The only issue was that the cost of shipping to Canada was $24.95. For the price of the washers I just ordered six of them for a total of $9.00. There are two washers per leg so now I would have enough to replace any of the other washers that might break over the coming years. They threw in four springs for free and the shipping price stayed the same.

Knowing that you can get parts for older tripods at very reasonable prices is a comforting thought. I am totally happy with the service.

A saying I try to live by is: “Only rich men can afford to buy cheap tools.” The reason is because you end up buying replacements over and over again.

Another quote I like is from the movie “Gucci” where one of the brothers says in response to the high price they charge for their handbags: “They will remember the quality long after they forget the price.”

Buy once, cry once.

 

[EricBowles]

Center Column has data on stiffness that is not generally available. But shorter tripods are always stiffer than taller tripods - even if functionality is worse. I also found their ratings always suggested lighter tripods were better - which is only true to a point and beyond that point lighter tripods give up mass that reduces stability. In my mind, I wanted "Optimum" weight and height - not the values in their rankings. So I developed a methodology for weighting the scores based on my optimum values.

Here are the top tripods in rank order using their data and my optimum weights. This is from about four years ago so models may change - but you get the idea. Also prices have gone up a little. Keep in mind Center Column did not have stiffness data on all brands and models, so it does not include Surui, and only had one tripod included from Benro, 3 Legged Thing, Induro, and Jobu. Still - it provides a good starting point on models to consider.

FLM CP38-L4 II	$841
RRS TVC-34L	$1,160
RRS TVC-24L	$1,030
Feisol Elite CT-3472 M2	$600
Gitzo GT3533LS Systematic	$860
RRS TVC-33	$1,025
Gitzo GT4533LS Systematic	$970
RRS TVC-33S	$990
ProMediaGear TR343L	$850
RRS TVC-23	$915
RRS TFC-33S	$945
Leofoto LN-404C	$650

 

[Russ4750]

With Really Right Stuff tripods mentioned in so many posts in this thread, this guide to the various models may be helpful: https://shuttermuse.com/really-right-stuff-tripod-guide/

 

[wotan1]

I have used gitzo tripods and Really Right Stuff heads and clamps and other equipment.

Currently I have the Gitzo Systematic 3 XLS tripod which is now roughly 15 years old. A year ago I was able to to get parts from Europe and I cleaned and replaced the internal sleeves on the legs. The tripod is still working fine and works pretty much like new.

I have a few minor issues with the tripod. The biggest problem is that it is difficult to carry folded but with the legs extended, the legs tend to fold inside creating an unstable condition. I typically work with a leveling base and gimbal head all carrrying a heavy camera and lens over the shoulder. This collection of equipment has to be secure.

I also have used a Gitzo leveling base which has worked but tends to be a little loose when carrying the tripod with a heavy lens attached. It has made me concerned about security in this situation.

I have had the RRS BH-55 ball head for a long time and that has been bullet proof and very reliable. Recently I bought the RRS pano-gimbalhead and was very favorably impressed, so much that I am actually contemplating selling my Wimberley 200 gimbal. I also recently got the RRS leveling base, the one that fits inside the bowl. I have again been impressed with the quality of this equipment.

I have read a lot on line comparing the RRS tripods against other brands. People report that the RRS are better built and better designed. It is also reported the RRS tripods tend to test out as the most stable.

I now have e RRS TVC 34l on order and am awaiting delivery. I am going to give it a thorough evaluation. If it is as good as people report I am going to end up keeping it.

Quality matters when it comes to tripods and other equipment needed to keep our expensive equipment secure and functioning. Everything I have ever used from RRS has been top quality. Yes they are expensive but not so expensive compared to all those lenses and cameras they are protecting.

 

[O]

I have used gitzo tripods and Really Right Stuff heads and clamps and other equipment.

Currently I have the Gitzo Systematic 3 XLS tripod which is now roughly 15 years old. A year ago I was able to to get parts from Europe and I cleaned and replaced the internal sleeves on the legs. The tripod is still working fine and works pretty much like new.

I have a few minor issues with the tripod. The biggest problem is that it is difficult to carry folded but with the legs extended, the legs tend to fold inside creating an unstable condition. I typically work with a leveling base and gimbal head all carrrying a heavy camera and lens over the shoulder. This collection of equipment has to be secure.

I also have used a Gitzo leveling base which has worked but tends to be a little loose when carrying the tripod with a heavy lens attached. It has made me concerned about security in this situation.

I have had the RRS BH-55 ball head for a long time and that has been bullet proof and very reliable. Recently I bought the RRS pano-gimbalhead and was very favorably impressed, so much that I am actually contemplating selling my Wimberley 200 gimbal. I also recently got the RRS leveling base, the one that fits inside the bowl. I have again been impressed with the quality of this equipment.

I have read a lot on line comparing the RRS tripods against other brands. People report that the RRS are better built and better designed. It is also reported the RRS tripods tend to test out as the most stable.

I now have e RRS TVC 34l on order and am awaiting delivery. I am going to give it a thorough evaluation. If it is as good as people report I am going to end up keeping it.

Quality matters when it comes to tripods and other equipment needed to keep our expensive equipment secure and functioning. Everything I have ever used from RRS has been top quality. Yes they are expensive but not so expensive compared to all those lenses and cameras they are protecting.

Agree quality is critical, RRS and Gitzo end of the market is my taste, but i keep an eye out for someone who has paid $2500 for something and then wait for a bargain.

Only an opinion

 

[MrFotoFool]

I have a Manfrotto that I don't use any more (though I never really had a problem with it). Several years ago I got the made-in-USA Really Right Stuff, which is fantastic. However, I don't know how easy they are to get in Canada.

 

[kanonka]

I always, always, always hated tripods because they require time to adjust. This is extremely inconvenient during the session. Nine (or worse yet, 12!) levers to lock/unlock or leg parts to twist. Just insane. May years ago I came across Manfrotto 458B - it was a revolution. Pull the leg, and that's it. About 3-4 seconds to adjust from start to finish. I still have it and use for long walks. Unfortunately, they don't make them anymore. Few years ago I discovered Sachtler Flowtech. Although this is video tripod, and is too heavy for any type of hiking, it's a godsend otherwise - even faster than Manfrotto; you can adjust height literally in one second. And now there is YC Onion - they made sorta clone of Flowtech, twice cheaper but somewhat heavier.

So if you don't mind your tripod to weigh 2.9 kg, I highly recommend Sachtler. It's total overkill, but the speed of adjustment worth it, at least for me.
P.S. Gitzo Systematic is 2.6kg, so I'd say Sachtler is pretty close.

 

[TomRC]

Not too many years ago I’d of said, “just buy an RRS or FLM”. Unless the $$$ is a non issue today I’d buy a Robus (B&H) or a Leofoto. HIGHLY recommend the Leofoto LM-324CL X with 75mm Bowl. I liked the first one so much I ended up buying a second! Hudson Henry sells a nice leg wrap kit for whatever you buy. If you are going to spend a premium just save a little longer for a Sachtler.

 

[TCzPhotos]

BH has the Leofoto LS 324CX on sale now. Mine arrived yesterday. Nice.

 

[Johan Schmidt]

Excellent advice above - the tripod & head needs to be able to carry the camera and lens weight, and you need to be able to carry the tripod.

 

[KAC]

RRS for stills and Sachtler for video. I probably have 10 less expensive tripods all discarded in a heap when they proved inferior for various reasons.

 

[fcotterill]

I always, always, always hated tripods because they require time to adjust. This is extremely inconvenient during the session. Nine (or worse yet, 12!) levers to lock/unlock or leg parts to twist. Just insane. May years ago I came across Manfrotto 458B - it was a revolution. Pull the leg, and that's it. About 3-4 seconds to adjust from start to finish. I still have it and use for long walks. Unfortunately, they don't make them anymore. Few years ago I discovered Sachtler Flowtech. Although this is video tripod, and is too heavy for any type of hiking, it's a godsend otherwise - even faster than Manfrotto; you can adjust height literally in one second. And now there is YC Onion - they made sorta clone of Flowtech, twice cheaper but somewhat heavier.

So if you don't mind your tripod to weigh 2.9 kg, I highly recommend Sachtler. It's total overkill, but the speed of adjustment worth it, at least for me.
P.S. Gitzo Systematic is 2.6kg, so I'd say Sachtler is pretty close.

Fully agree!

Sirui have a tripod (and monopod) with a single lever quick release leg solution. Unfortunately it's even heavier than the Sachtler 75, albeit more affordable

Sirui Rapid QR System: SVT75 Tripod and Monopods

I am always on the lookout for a more practical solution to supporting heavy lenses in wildlife photography. The Sachtler Flowtech are expensive and the only quick-release solution that's used mostly by film makers. So the Sirui Rapid SVT75 is an interesting addition to quick-adjusting support...

bcgforums.com

I'm quietly hoping Leofoto come to the rescue with a similar system but in a lighter tripod!

 

[Asafser]

In Canada. I am using Z8 and 180-600mm lose. I bought a new Monfrotto tripod with head 7 months ago in July '24. It's terrible: top screw to plate comes loose and the wobbles after about 3 months; the levelling eye dropped out after 3 months; one leg is loose when spreading (LOL) compared to the others legs; the safety catch holding Lense to rig BROKE. I have had enough Monfrotto says sendit in for warranty but I no longer have the time of day for them.
I need a recommendation for a new tripod and head. I do have a reasonable gimble head. Thankyou

Most of the time when I shooting stills I shoot handhheld and sometimes with monopod, but there are times I do use tripods, and very happy with these two:
1. Leofoto LM-364C - very stable, I use it for video (with Schatler Ace XL) and when I know I'll need to support heavy equipment (Z9+ 800mm pf for example) in an upright position with the tipod legs extended.
2. Sirui Am-284 - relatively lightweights , so when hiking and in need for a tripod it will be my pick . Usually when using heavy setups I use it without the legs extended in lower positions , and it is stable enough . I use it a lot in ground level position with legs spread flat (usually using the Flexshooter Pro head).

The build quality is slightly better on the Leofoto, but again Im very happy with both

 

[Chris K]

I have a Peak Design carbon tripod, and it has a few virtues I find important:

1. It’s very compact and lightweight
2. It fits in backpack pockets that fit a water bottle
3. It fits in a small carry-on bag
4. It’s stable enough for my biggest lens (500PF)

I do everything I possibly can to avoid using it, including giving up on photo opportunities. I hate tripods, but I hate this one the least.

 

[ButlerKid]

I have a Peak Design carbon tripod, and it has a few virtues I find important:

1. It’s very compact and lightweight
2. It fits in backpack pockets that fit a water bottle
3. It fits in a small carry-on bag
4. It’s stable enough for my biggest lens (500PF)

I do everything I possibly can to avoid using it, including giving up on photo opportunities. I hate tripods, but I hate this one the least.

I have that same tripod. It is excellent for touring European cities, etc.

I use the RRS TVC 24L for wildlife and birding excursions.

 

[viper699]

I have a Peak Design carbon tripod, and it has a few virtues I find important:

1. It’s very compact and lightweight
2. It fits in backpack pockets that fit a water bottle
3. It fits in a small carry-on bag
4. It’s stable enough for my biggest lens (500PF)

I do everything I possibly can to avoid using it, including giving up on photo opportunities. I hate tripods, but I hate this one the least.

I love its size for the reasons you mentioned. I just cannot justify the cost. PD is ridiculously priced in general, and I have some of their stuff, and like it

 

[wotan1]

My new RRS 34l arrived today.

I am very pleased so far. As solid and reliable as my Gitzo has been over the years I already can see the RRS is a significant improvement.

Tjis is going to be a keeper.r

 

[Larry Shuman]

In Canada. I am using Z8 and 180-600mm lose. I bought a new Monfrotto tripod with head 7 months ago in July '24. It's terrible: top screw to plate comes loose and the wobbles after about 3 months; the levelling eye dropped out after 3 months; one leg is loose when spreading (LOL) compared to the others legs; the safety catch holding Lense to rig BROKE. I have had enough Monfrotto says sendit in for warranty but I no longer have the time of day for them.
I need a recommendation for a new tripod and head. I do have a reasonable gimble head. Thankyou

When my Gitzo suffered CF leg separation and replacement would cost $1404.00 I went looking for something else that could support my big lenses. I found after a while the Artcise brand I bought the Artcise CT 90 which holds over 80lbs and has dustproof twist locks. I use this with my 600mm F:4gVR and D4s. For only $193.00 from Adorama. I am very pleased with the tripod. So I bought another Artice CT 80 which holds 30k (66lbs) so it supports my Sigma 800mm F:5.6 AF and my D500 and SB-910 flash. There are no issues supporting 15 and 16 lb len/cameras. The Artice CT80 only cost $153.00. For the Artice CT80 I bought from MPB a Wimberley (used) WH-101. For only $346 I've replaced one tripod that would have cost $1404.00, I would recommend the Artice brand.

 

[wotan1]

A tripod is an essential tool in photography. Although they can get pricey on the high end, they are still inexpensive compared to what we spend on lenses and cameras.

I am in the Nikon system. For lenses most quality S lenses run around $2 grand and up. For some lenses way up. The "holy trinity" of Z mount f2.8 zooms go for moe than $2 grand each. The Plena is around $2500. The telephoto lenses we commonly use in birding start at around $1800 for the 180-600 and get up to $15 grand for the 600mm f4. Many of us have multiple lenses costing more than $2k each.

Thom Hogan identifies the Really Right Stuff as the Rolls Royce of tripods. Their top of the line Versa series tripod, the TVC 34L, sells for about $1300. There are of course additional expenses for a decent ball head and gimbal plus the various quick release features that make things easier to manage. Yes by the time you add all that, buying new, you are going to get over $2 grand for the whole kit. Perhaps approach $3 grand by the time you add all the camera and lens plates and quick release levers.

Now I went with Gitzo 3 and RRS BH-55 ball head as my first serious tripod setup. As of this moment, 10-15 years later, they both still work as good as new. I had to do some maintenance on the Gitzo which cost all of $100 for parts and an hour or two for work. Those have proved to be quality instruments.

So how does the RRS tripod differ from the Gimbal? I am comparing the Gitzo Systematic 3 series (xxl) to the Really Right stuff TVC 34L. Here is what I noticed:

1. The RRS is actually a bit lighter than the Gitzo. This might be due to differences in length.
2. The RRS has a slightly wider stance. This makes it more stable and a bit easier to work around.
3. The size for the RRS is actually perfect for me. If I extend three of the four leg sections the tripod is more or less at the ideal working height for me working on flat surfaces. This makes it easier to set up.
4. The RRS apex/leg connection is better designed. On the Gitzo the leg folding mechanism allows the legs to move inside of vertical position, which means the legs can get out of position making it difficult to carry folded. I have had to secure the legs with a velcro strap or shock cord to make carrying easier. The RRS by contrast stays properly folded and is much easier to work with in the field.
5. The RRS has a more sophisticated and better leg-apex connection mechanism. It is spring loaded and adjustments in the field are easier and more fluid.
6. For both of these tripods they accept similarly-sized interchangeable base plates. That allows use of leveling bases, video bowls and center columns. The RRS method for securing those base plates is better and more secure. The Gitzo compresses the base plate using a single Allen bolt, the RRS uses a recessed track in the base plate and three Allen bolts to secure the plate. The RRS design is more secure.

Both of these tripods are quality instruments built to last. My Gitzo has lasted more than a decade and it still functions like new. All I have had to do for maintenance is cleaning and lubrication.

We trust our tripods with our most expensive cameras and lenses. We want our tripod mechanism to provide secure and stable support, and to work smoothly and efficiently in the field.

Both of these tripods have worked well for me. The RRS works does the job better and in my opinion is worth the small added cost.