need a tripod setup, got about 200.00-250.00

Midget

Midget

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Jun 1, 2002
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hey, i'm in the market for a good tripod, but... i don't really know anything about tripods. i've got about 200-250, and i want a ball head to go with it. any suggestions?
 
I shoot quiet a bit. Every thing from 35mm to 120 on my hasselblad, and even up to my 4x5. I use one tri-pod for that. I use a Manfrotto 3021BN. You can buy just the legs and pick out any head you want. It is a little heavy, but i love mine and will never get any thing other than another Manfrotto.
 
Sorry for the double post but here is a pic of it being a bad ass and holding my 4x5.

 
nice.


heavy is good. i want heavy. i guess i should have specified some criteria of what i'm looking for in a tripod. but weight is key for me. i want a tripod that's strong enough that it can hold up a significant amount of weight as well, as sometimes i'll be "loading" the tripod w/ sandbags.
 
You will never have to load this one with sand bags. My favorite feature of this one is that it will go almost to the ground. The legs will go straight out from the neck and will make it low and sturdy. Its one of the only tripods that you can really mod to your own liking. You can change the feet to be spikes or just rubber feet and they make almost 20 different heads for it. Hell they even make a carbon fiber edition.
 
I agree that one of the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021 models is likely your best bet for a cheap, sturdy, decent tripod. As for the ballhead: to the best of my knowledge, it's not possible to get anything decent for the price difference between the cost of a 3021 and $250.
 
Personally, I've had a lot of issues with Bogen/Manfrotto's grip action ballheads. In my experience, a Bogen Grip action Ballhead is a purchase decision that will haunt you more and more, hindering every shot, until you get a better ballhead.
 
i see.

i'll look into another ballhead then.

thanks for the heads up guys.
 
I would second the recommendation for the 3021. One of my friends has those legs. I've got a 3001 that I really like; it's a little lighter and more compact than the 3021, but if you're good with something a little heftier, the 3021 is a little more versatile and a little more sturdy. For the ballhead, what are you putting on it? Medium format, DSLR, big f/2.8 tele zooms, light weight wide angle? That makes a difference. I picked up a Bogen 486RC ballhead as sort of a tide me over until I could afford a Markins, but it's been remarkably good to me. I don't shoot a huge body (D200) and my biggest lens is only an f/4 70-210, so ymmv.
 
lightweight dSLR, the longest lens i have is a sigma 105mm f/2.8 macro. i don't intend on getting any longer/heavier lenses, so weight on the ballhead isn't much of an issue.
 
3021
OR
the newer Gittos are REALLY nice and stable pods for the price
OR
look for used Gitzos, a little heavy if you wanna travel, but its sheer mass works great for times when you have to do long exposures w.o a shutter cable
 
I was going to suggest that your best bet for a good tripod head in that price range was 3 way pan-tilt head, but I didn't, because you seemed intent on a ballhead. Anyway, you picked a good set up. It would have been preferable if you hadn't gotten it with the Bogen/Manfrotto quick release system, but you made wise enough choices, and I expect you'll be happy with this support system.
 
WHOA!!!

i got my tripod setup today. it's waay bigger than i thought it'd be, and it's plenty heavy. this thing rocks my socks. thanks for the great advice guys!

r
 
Glad that you got it and like it. Now get out there and put that thing to good use and throw up those pics.
 
I have a Bogan 3021 with a 3030 head. It's an excellent set-up, and the nice thing is that I only paid $50 for it at a local pawn shop (like-new) a few years ago.:thumbup:.:thumbup:.
 
If you want a ball head, go with Bogen. The tripod legs can also be adjusted wider than many tripods allowing for good low level work.
 
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