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lol - thanks for the shoutout and very nice compliment :)
You're having the same problem that I had. You want a tripod that is sturdy enough to hold your expensive camera but light and compact enough to travel with.
Sadly, it doesn't exist. I've searched everywhere.
Since you have a ~$500 budget, I think that you should buy 2.
1)
Manfrotto 785SHB
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images345x345/427322.jpg
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/427322-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_785SHB_785B_Modo_Mini_Tripod.html
This is the tripod that I use every day.
This tripod breaks down and will fit easily in or on your bag. It's also relitivley sturdy and the pistol grip is nice. It's super light weight and works exceptionally well as a regular tripod or even as monopod in a pinch.
You'll hear words like "mini", "small", "lightweight" etc with this tripod... but none of that is bad.
The only downside is that you MUST keep an eye on your camera. This is a travel tripod... not a studio tripod. Personally, I leave my hand on my camera at all times except for when I'm using a remote shutter release for a long exposure or something. It's not that your camera will fall over, but a solid wind can push it down.
2)
Manfrotto 055XPROB
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images345x345/531204.jpg
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531204-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_055XPROB_322K_055XPROB_Black_Tripod_Kit_.html
Now this tripod is a heavy beast. It is rock solid and built for pro work. It will still break down, but only to be carried from location to location in the (included) sling bag.
The B&H link points you to a kit that includes both the tripod and the head. I have a preference for trigger grips because they're fluid when you want them to be and solid when you don't.
However, if you were shooting video or panoramics or whatever, you'll likely want a different head and Manfrotto makes them quick and easy to swap out. Heads are also available for rent in most cities so if you're doing something crazy like a wedding and need a video head AND a static portrait head, you'll be all set for $20 rather then $150.
I hope that this 1-2 punch of tripods solves your problem as it did mine!
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http://www.trustedreviews.com/images/article/inline/5856-All5.jpg
The following sites have excellent reviews of tripods. As to which one to go for, with the budget you have in mind, the Manfrotto mentioned by robbrown is an excellent choice. You can read a detailed review of it in the third link here:
1. http://wize.com/tripods/t42-slr-cameras
2. http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tripod-Ballhead-and-Accessory-Reviews.aspx
3. http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2007/10/28/Tripod/p1
Good Luck!
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Answered Question
M$5
May 14, 2009 11:33 PM
What sites have good tripod reviews and what are some good choices for a all-around tripod?
I'm looking for a tripod. Hopefully something not too heavy, something that I can carry with me but is very strong and tall, at least 6 feet, hopefully close to about 6'6 just with the legs. My goal is to spend less than $500 on the lens and ballhead. I'm looking for a clearly thought and and good answer, something like what Rob Brown usually does, not something that is copied and pasted from somewhere else.
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| May 14, 2009 11:56 PM |
You're having the same problem that I had. You want a tripod that is sturdy enough to hold your expensive camera but light and compact enough to travel with.
Sadly, it doesn't exist. I've searched everywhere.
Since you have a ~$500 budget, I think that you should buy 2.
1)
Manfrotto 785SHB
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/427322-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_785SHB_785B_Modo_Mini_Tripod.html
This is the tripod that I use every day.
This tripod breaks down and will fit easily in or on your bag. It's also relitivley sturdy and the pistol grip is nice. It's super light weight and works exceptionally well as a regular tripod or even as monopod in a pinch.
You'll hear words like "mini", "small", "lightweight" etc with this tripod... but none of that is bad.
The only downside is that you MUST keep an eye on your camera. This is a travel tripod... not a studio tripod. Personally, I leave my hand on my camera at all times except for when I'm using a remote shutter release for a long exposure or something. It's not that your camera will fall over, but a solid wind can push it down.
2)
Manfrotto 055XPROB
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531204-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_055XPROB_322K_055XPROB_Black_Tripod_Kit_.html
Now this tripod is a heavy beast. It is rock solid and built for pro work. It will still break down, but only to be carried from location to location in the (included) sling bag.
The B&H link points you to a kit that includes both the tripod and the head. I have a preference for trigger grips because they're fluid when you want them to be and solid when you don't.
However, if you were shooting video or panoramics or whatever, you'll likely want a different head and Manfrotto makes them quick and easy to swap out. Heads are also available for rent in most cities so if you're doing something crazy like a wedding and need a video head AND a static portrait head, you'll be all set for $20 rather then $150.
I hope that this 1-2 punch of tripods solves your problem as it did mine!
| Asker's Rating: |
• Awesome answers as usual.
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Other Answers (1)
May 15, 2009 10:59 AM
The following sites have excellent reviews of tripods. As to which one to go for, with the budget you have in mind, the Manfrotto mentioned by robbrown is an excellent choice. You can read a detailed review of it in the third link here:
1. http://wize.com/tripods/t42-slr-cameras
2. http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tripod-Ballhead-and-Accessory-Reviews.aspx
3. http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2007/10/28/Tripod/p1
Good Luck!
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When I'm thinking about portability I dont need somethign that is less than 2 pounds, I have my monopod for when I want to travel really light (it weights about 1.6 lbs). I'm looking for something maybe between 5-10 maybe even up to 12 pounds, whatever i find recommended i'll end going to the store to try, just want to make sure I find something good first, I am a sucker if i go in without soem good suggestions, any other ideas Rob?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531204-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_055XPROB_322K_055XPROB_Black_Tripod_Kit_.html