I need a tripod

[TAMMY]

I want to get a tripod, but I have no idea what to get. I need it to be sturdy enough for my 70-300, but lightweight as I am usually on foot...affordability is yet another factor. In looking on the net, it seems like most are not complete...heads, etc. are purchased separately? It is all so confusing. Any suggestions guys???

Sure do wish it would stop raining...no end in sight. Tough to get out to shoot in this weather!

[Diamond Lil]

Here are a couple of interesting threads on tripods:
Tripod Wisdom (http://www.moviephotoforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=275&highlight=tripod)
I took the tripod plunge! (A bit of a read.) (http://www.moviephotoforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=457&highlight=tripod)

PS
Tammy, my tripod is not light. It did a very good job with the Rebel XT and 70 - 300mm lens, which parallels your long lens. It stands up very well to our winds up here, but does not resist them entirely. I especially notice this down at the City Pier. Hanging my Kata bag from the hook under the head helps. The tripod serves me very well with the 50D (notably heavier than the Rebel XT) however, the head is not strong enough to hold it steady with the 100 - 400mm mounted, especially when pulled out all the way.

[polizzio]

I've had my Dolica B100 $40 tripod for almost 2 years, very light, compact, hasn't broke yet. I've had my camera with a heavy 3.5lbs 50-500mm zoom lens on it and it did fine. That and my very expensive Canon $25 monopod.

http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-AX620B100-62-Inch-Proline-Tripod/dp/B001D60LG8/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

P.S.....while your at it, a wireless shutter release comes in very handy at times, like when shooting long exposures at night. The Nikon is like < $20.

[TAMMY]

Thanks guys...lots to consider. I really need it to be lightweight or I fear I will never use it. What do you think of this one? http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-CX620B104-61-Inch-Proline-Carbon/dp/B001MYL1BA/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_1

Any suggestions on a remote?

[TAMMY]

It can be bundled with a wireless remote...are they hard to set up?

[polizzio]

I cannot speak for any other model Dolica, only my budget model. But Amazon has user reviews on just about everything they sell, and I put weight in what buyers/users at Amazon state. Amazon customer service/returns and their prices are superb. As far as the wireless shutter trip, its very easy, you select the option in the menu within your cam's display "release mode". Here's the one I purchased, $15:

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Wireless-Control-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00007EDZG/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1303434809&sr=1-1

[TAMMY]

yep, that's the one I can get bundled with the tripod....same price. That would be great for a family photo...no timer!

[polizzio]

Tammy, just my opinion but your looking at paying ~3X the cost for a 1 lb weight gain. 2.8lbs B100 alum versus 3.8lbs for the carbon. Check it out.

http://www.dolica.com/products/AX620B100.html

http://www.dolica.com/products/CX620B104.html

I'm guessing the CF model has a much better head, but by weight alone its 1 lb heavier. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with buying a very nice piece of equipment.

[Diamond Lil]

Tammy, if you can find a store that carries Dolica, then I highly recommend making a trip there with your camera and lens to try it out. No-one ever stopped me from doing it and if I did not have my camera, I asked the people at the store if they could mount my camera or some one similar. It truly helped me make the stability decision.

[TAMMY]

A pound is a lot when I will be back packing it. Lil, The manfrattos seem so expensive. maybe I don't understand it right, but it sounds like the legs alone are 300 $ then you still have to buy the head....nothing is ever simple.....

[Diamond Lil]

Light is the way to go for many, many people Tammy.
Yes, Manfrottos are not inexpensive at all. Ebay may have some deals, but Amazon has been the best for me.

The way I see it, what matters is if you can manage carting it around, does it stand up where and how you want it to with a good sense of stability because if it does not, then why bother and lastly, will the head hold your camera and lens(es) without drift.

[polizzio]

How about this Manfrotto head (very nice), $110:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UOCWUK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=A17MC6HOH9AVE6

And either of these 2 Manfrotto alum leg sets:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N7VPRW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

reviews say this model better for people 5'10" or taller, a little heavier but a touch more sturdy, slightly better ratings, ~$25 more:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UMX7FI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A17MC6HOH9AVE6

$233-255 total shipped, depending on base tripod selected. CF would save you .80 lbs but cost you another ~ $150-170. you'd have to hike 50 miles/day to notice .8 lbs difference, real world. Lose 1 lb of personal body weight and your better off than the costly CF :-)

[Diamond Lil]

Here's one nice review on the Dolica you mentioned earlier Tammy: DPReview (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1034&message=30232863)

[polizzio]

Here's one nice review on the Dolica you mentioned earlier Tammy: DPReview (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1034&message=30232863)

That review is for my $40 budget B100 unit I first recommended, he seems to be impressed too :thumbsup

[TAMMY]

Thanks you guys, for all the help!!

I took Lil's advise and went to best buy today (I don't know any place else that may sell tripods). I found one I liked fo $99. It was the sturdiest they had and light. It says the maximum load is 7.7 lb, but it was much sturdier that ones rated for more weight. I was writing down the specks so I could look for it on Amazon and to my surprise, it was a manfrotto...lol. I didn't think they made anything that cheap. The price is no different on line, so I think I will just head back to Best Buy. What do you think?

http://www.manfrotto.com/product/0/MK394-H/_/394_PHOTO-MOVIE_KIT_QR

[Diamond Lil]

Tammy, the only question I have is about the built in head. Is there any way you can change it out if you want a different type somewhere down the line? Whether or not that is important to you is another question. I like their products. A hint about tripods, never push the lowest section all the way back into place. That will prevent a good deal of grit from being pushed up inside and clogging up the works.

[J. R. Weems]

Some of these are quite nice, but this one

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...A17MC6HOH9AVE6

has a plate all unto it's own.

I am commited to a ARCA SWISS type of operation. NEVER had one come loose---I have a fluid head that came with one of my monopod with that type of plate. Besides a lever, it is only rated for 5.5 pounds-- this is useless to me and I would never trust a lever type of operation in any case. JMO :) The beast weighs close to 13 pounds, all by it's lonesome-- I don't ever want to see it go bouncing down the mountainside, or into the lake. :(

[polizzio]

Hyperlink doesn't work Johnny.

[J. R. Weems]

Hyperlink doesn't work Johnny.

Hmmm- it is the FIRST one you listed??? :)