Tripod Suggestions

[americanhero]

Okay, I have my D40 camera for about a year and love it to make pictures with a tripod. Especially the ones with long exposure times and night shots. I tried with my old one and with different kind of lenses. But with the 70-300 lens it starts to swing back and forth.
I knew that would happen one day. And now it's time for a new tripod.

And for that I need your help.

I need one that also fits into my carry-on luggage, 'cause we do a lot of short trips and for that we don't check any luggage. And the new tripod should be strong enough to carry my Nikon with a bigger lens. I hope you can help me

Sorry, I'm still not really fit in English, but it's getting better.

[Win]

Since you need to travel, I'd look at the Gitzo travel series. This doesn't come cheap, though. I see a lot of good reviews on Velbron tripods, I think you can see them at Best Buy.

I got my Gitzo from:

http://www.naturescapes.net/store/home.php?cat=19

I bought a Markins Q3 head, although you might want a heavier M10:

http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/category.php?req=1

Win

[DiscGo]

I really recommend getting a Gorilla pod on top of a normal tripod. You can wrap them around tree branches, and angle them nearly everywhere. The heavier cameras require bigger gorilla pods but they are great for hiking.

[americanhero]

Since you need to travel, I'd look at the Gitzo travel series. This doesn't come cheap, though. I see a lot of good reviews on Velbron tripods, I think you can see them at Best Buy.

I got my Gitzo from:

http://www.naturescapes.net/store/home.php?cat=19

I bought a Markins Q3 head, although you might want a heavier M10:

http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/category.php?req=1

Win

Thanks a lot for the links, I will have a closer look tonite.
Best Buy is also a good idea to have at least a look at the Velbon, maybe I'm comfortable with these tripods.

@ DiscGo:

And it really works with the Gorilla pod? I can't believe that, really.
And your camera and tripod isn't swinging back and forth any more?

[CarpeyBiggs]

I have two gitzo tripods, my superlight one is the Gitzo 0530 (I think the new model is 0531) You can get the 0540 (4 section) for even smaller setup. It is definitely carry-on worthy. With a Really Right Stuff BH-25 on top, it weighs some ridiculously puny weight. Only draw back is that it is a little short.

I also have a gitzo 3530LSV with a Really Right Stuff BH-55 on it. That is the best tripod/head combination I could ever dream up. But, it cost me some serious coin.

My 2 pods are kind of on the extremes. A good middle ground would be a 4 section Gitzo in the 1 series. They are still carry on dimensions, and then put a Really Right Stuff BH-40 on top. That will lock down a 70-300 purdy darn good.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...specifications

Prepare for sticker shock.

[DiscGo]

Most of us don't have tripod that cost as much as our cameras, but that is why Carpey gets the awesome pictures.


If you go to this link, it will help you pick the exact right gorillapod for your camera. I have the Canon XSI and bought a gorilla pod strong enough to have larger lenses in the future (in case I can ever afford them).
http://www.joby.com/products/gorillapod/findmygpod/

[CarpeyBiggs]

when it comes to tripods, the criteria is this:

Light
Sturdy
Inexpensive

Now, pick any two of those criteria, and find your tripod. It's impossible to have all three of the criteria. If you want sturdy, there is no way it can be light (travel friendly) and inexpensive. So, if you want to save some money, you will have to get a heavier set of sticks. Which isn't really a problem, if you don't mind the weight.

Also consider your ballhead. That is probably the single most important thing to consider. A good ballhead will cost you at least 75 dollars, to support the focal lengths you are shooting (75-300). With a good set of heavy, but sturdy legs, you are looking at probably and additional $150-$175.

That's a bare minimum. I know it's a bum deal, but that's the only way to do it. Gorilla pods will work for a few limited situations, but in my experience, gotta have the sticks!

So, my inexpensive sturdy recommendation would be this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...gs_Black_.html

That is an extremely popular combination. There are smaller/lighter/less expensive variations, but with a D40 and that long of a lens, you need some mass to it to stabilize against the wind, or any other vibrations. I shot on this combination for a couple years before I couldn't handle the weight anymore. But, if you don't care about a few extra pounds, it will probably work perfectly.

[americanhero]

thanks for all your suggestions. I still haven't made a decision. But we will spend a weekend in new York City next month and there is the Adorama store. So I can check by myself and with my equipment which one will be the best for me.

[rooster32]

Let me throw another out at you...

Check out Feisol tripods and monopods. They are carbon fiber and really nice tripods for the $$. I have one of their monopods and its great. Search and you'll find good reviews on the product. They are beefy and give great support.

www.feisol.net

I have a Gitzo 3530S with BH55 head and RRS clamp that I wouldn't trade for the world, but if I had to get another and didn't want to spend as much..I'd get a Feisol. I'm actually going to get one for my Swaro spotting scope.

[RedMan]

Is it just me or were twist lock tripod legs designed by a non-photographer?

They are simply annoying when you are trying to set up for a shot.

I much prefer the way most of the Bogens have a quick release/lock.

[rooster32]

Maybe the old style...but not the new Gitzo G lock...its sweet

Have you tried it?

[RedMan]

Maybe the old style...but not the new Gitzo G lock...its sweet

Have you tried it?

Nope, I'll go check it out.