Help me choose a tripod

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sarakhalatbari

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sara
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Hi all,

I want to buy a Carbon Fiber Tripod for my boyfriend. But it is a surprise, so I can not ask him anything.

Currently he has a Manfrotto 190XPROB Tripod: (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/72...fessional_Aluminium_Tripod_Black_without_Head)
and a Manfrotto 486RC2 Head: (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/0/486RC2/_/Compact_Ball_Head_with_RC2_Rapid_Connect_System)
He has a Canon EOS 50D camera: (http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_50d)
His big lens is EF 70-200mm: (http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_70_200mm_f_4l_is_usm#Overview)
The lens also has has a Canon Tripod Mount Ring: (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-Tripod-Mount-Ring-A-II-Review.aspx)
The whole camera weights about 2.7 kg

I have done some research and I think Gitzo is one the very good brands in tripods. But they have so very many types of tripod that I really don't know which one to choose.
I also have no idea if I have to buy him a new head or if he can use his Manfrotto 486RC2 Head would be OK.
I am willing to spend about 700-750 $.
He is a quality freak. So I wanna buy something really long lasting and high quality.
We go out to the nature for hiking/biking a lot and we are always dragging this heavy tripod around! So the new tripod should not easily get damaged in nature.

Can you please give me some professional ideas on what to buy?

Thank you in advance and may all of you get cool Christmas gifts :),
Sara
 
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Simple answer to this one...
Manfrotto Neotech 458B is the perfect solution.
Search this on Amazon.com for a price ;-)
 
sarakhalatbari said:
Hi all,

I want to buy a Carbon Fiber Tripod for my boyfriend. But it is a surprise, so I can not ask him anything.

Currently he has a Manfrotto 190XPROB Tripod and 496RC2 Head (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/0/190XPROB%2C496RC2/_/TR190XPROB+HD496RC2).
He has a Canon SLR camera with 2 lenses. A big one and a small one. OK I know I am not being a professional here, but I have not gotten a chance to sneak out to the camera closet and find out exactly which lenses they are.

I have done some research and I think Gitzo is one the very good brands in tripods. But they have so very many types of tripod that I really don't know which one to choose.
I also have no idea if I have to buy him a new head or if he can use his Manfrotto 496RC2 Head would be OK.
I am willing to spend about 700-750 $.
He is a quality freak. So I wanna buy something really long lasting and high quality.
We go out to the nature for hiking/biking a lot and we are always dragging this heavy tripod around! So the new tripod should not easily get damaged in nature.

Can you please give me some professional ideas on what to buy?

Thank you in advance and may all of you get cool Christmas gifts :),
Sara
Click to expand...

Welcome:)

Always refreshing when people view a tripod as an important piece of kit and want to invest accordingly:D.
Gitzo tripods are fantastic- I use them and harp on about them for that very reason.

If your boyfriend is using the manfrotto kit ok save for the weight, then the weight of his kit can't be that great- the head has a max load of 6kg and the tripod 5kg.
If you want it light, take a look at the Gitzo Traveller series- I'd recommend the GT1541- about $700. Tripod weighs just under 1kg and can hold 8kg load.

If he's going to invest in a bigger camera and lenses then you could look at something like the GT2540 which weighs something like 1.3kg and can hold approx 12kg.
You might want to check the heights as well- I can't remember how high they go offhand. If your boyfriend is tall he may prefer a taller tripod but if he's happy with what he has height wise then my suggestions are around that mark.

You can use the existing head as well.
 
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My first tripod was the 190XPROB.

If you are interested in a lightweight stable tripod that is better than the 190XPROB then I would agree that a Gitzo traveller is a good bet.

Shameless plug but I am selling an almost new Gitzo 1541 Mountaineer on the Classifieds at the moment and it is extremely similar to the traveller but with a higher working height. I guess you are from the US though so maybe that doesnt apply!

You might also consider a Gitzo 2541 mountaineer (the above poster mentions essentially the same model, but it has been updated from 2540 to 2541) which is a little heavier than the 1541 models but also more stable and robust(and still lighter than the 190XPROB)

In my opinion though a great upgrade would be a Manfrotto 055CX3, its 1.8 kg, only 200g lighter than his current tripod, but it is a lot more stable and has a much higher working height. Also, the 190XPROB that he currently has can set its centre column at an angle, which personally I find useful, if he wants to keep that feature then you should probably get the manfrotto.

So, if he wants really lightweight and stable then either a Gitzo 1541 traveller or mountaineer
If he wants more stable and slightly heavier Gitzo 2541 Mountaineer
If you want the above but at a slightly greater weight and lower price then the Manfrotto055CX3.

The 486rc2 will work with any of these tripods. You might want to upgrade that for him next year though!

PS If you really want to treat him he will be ecstatic with the Gitzo tripods, they have an almost untouchable status!
 
Simple answer to this one...
Manfrotto Neotech 458B is the perfect solution.
Search this on Amazon.com for a price ;-)
Click to expand...

Hi Dr_B1G,

I added more information on the camera and tripod.

I looked at this one. It is pretty cool because it says this tripod uses "NEOTEC's innovative rapid-deployment leg locking mechanism that has no levers, screws or knobs. you simply pull the legs downwards to open and lock them in place at any extension, in a split second." This is interesting. Specially that the other day, we were saying it is going to be cool to have this functionality.

But this is rather heavy. It is 2.4 kg.

Do you know of something with the same technology but lighter?
+ Would he be able to use his current Manfrotto 486RC2 Head with this/any tripod?


Thank you,
Sara
 
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To answer the main question, have you looked at Gitzo? They're expensive, but the GT2541 legs would probably fall into your price bracket. Buying used would be cheaper.

For the price tag, Gitzo is the epitome of 'good quality'.
 
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Dr_O said:
Welcome:)

Always refreshing when people view a tripod as an important piece of kit and want to invest accordingly:D.
Gitzo tripods are fantastic- I use them and harp on about them for that very reason.

If your boyfriend is using the manfrotto kit ok save for the weight, then the weight of his kit can't be that great- the head has a max load of 6kg and the tripod 5kg.
If you want it light, take a look at the Gitzo Traveller series- I'd recommend the GT1541- about $700. Tripod weighs just under 1kg and can hold 8kg load.

If he's going to invest in a bigger camera and lenses then you could look at something like the GT2540 which weighs something like 1.3kg and can hold approx 12kg.
You might want to check the heights as well- I can't remember how high they go offhand. If your boyfriend is tall he may prefer a taller tripod but if he's happy with what he has height wise then my suggestions are around that mark.

You can use the existing head as well.
Click to expand...
Hi Dr_O

Thank you for the info.

I added some more information to my original message.
His camera weights 2.7 kg now and I don't think he will go any heavier (any more big lenses) any time soon.

I was wrong about the head. He has a
Manfrotto 486RC2 Head: (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/0/486RC2/_/Compact_Ball_Head_with_RC2_Rapid_Connect_System)

Can he use Manfrotto 486RC2 Head with Gitzo GT1541 as well? Generally speaking how would I know if which head fits a which tripod?

Dr_B1G suggested Manfrotto Neotec 458B http://www.manfrotto.com/product/458B, I really like the idea that the tripod opens so fast. Does Gitzo have something with the same Neotec opening technology?

Have a good day,
Sara
 
alexnail said:
My first tripod was the 190XPROB.

If you are interested in a lightweight stable tripod that is better than the 190XPROB then I would agree that a Gitzo traveller is a good bet.

Shameless plug but I am selling an almost new Gitzo 1541 Mountaineer on the Classifieds at the moment and it is extremely similar to the traveller but with a higher working height. I guess you are from the US though so maybe that doesnt apply!

You might also consider a Gitzo 2541 mountaineer (the above poster mentions essentially the same model, but it has been updated from 2540 to 2541) which is a little heavier than the 1541 models but also more stable and robust(and still lighter than the 190XPROB)

In my opinion though a great upgrade would be a Manfrotto 055CX3, its 1.8 kg, only 200g lighter than his current tripod, but it is a lot more stable and has a much higher working height. Also, the 190XPROB that he currently has can set its centre column at an angle, which personally I find useful, if he wants to keep that feature then you should probably get the manfrotto.

So, if he wants really lightweight and stable then either a Gitzo 1541 traveller or mountaineer
If he wants more stable and slightly heavier Gitzo 2541 Mountaineer
If you want the above but at a slightly greater weight and lower price then the Manfrotto055CX3.

The 486rc2 will work with any of these tripods. You might want to upgrade that for him next year though!

PS If you really want to treat him he will be ecstatic with the Gitzo tripods, they have an almost untouchable status!
Click to expand...

Thank you alexnail
That was quite uesefull.
 
sarakhalatbari said:
What would the carbon fiber version of his current tripod be?
Is the head also available in carbon fiber too?
Click to expand...

The carbon fibre version of the 190 is this one, in the UK at the moment it comes with a free head (the 485 he already has will fit too), not sure if there are any deals on offer in the US though......
 
I'm currently researching this myself (lighweight & compact high quality tripod) and whilst Gitzo are excellent without doubt they are very expensive...reviews I've read suggested both the "Benro Travel Angel" and the "Giotto Vitruvian" as worthy alternatives - I think I'll be buying the Benro myself

A couple of links just in case

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/giottos-vitruvian-vgr8255---mh5310-630--review-13536



http://onemansblog.com/2009/11/18/review-benro-travel-angel-tripod-the-13-1-wonder/



Simon
 
Get him a Gitzo GK2580TQR. It's on budget too, here http://www.amazon.com/Gitzo-GK2580T...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1320948320&sr=1-1

It's a step up from what he has, lighter, folds up small and has quite a good head which, as you will see, is specially designed to fit flush for carrying. Will suit his equipment well - maybe get him a spare plate for the lens collar.

Gitzo make the best tripods. There are others just about as good and cheaper, but unless you know what you're buying you could end up in a pickle. Gitzo is the tripod brand and holds its value, too.

Don't buy a Neotec - cool design but very heavy and the legs are wobbly. Basic tripod design hasn't changed in centuries for a reason :)
 
Almost all ballheads and tripods are connected via a mounting plate with a standard screw thread. All the tripods previously mentioned will work with the 486RC2.

Personally, I didnt like the foldability of the traveller range because I felt I would rarely be bothered to flip the center column just to make it a little mit more compact. The compromises in terms of the ballhead are not worth it in my opinion, but that's just me. I really think the ultimate you could get your boyfriend would be a 2-series Gitzo mountaineer, the 2541. I think in terms of weight, compactness, working height and stability that tripod is perfect. You boyfriends ballhead is fine for the moment.
If you want lightweight, cheaper but not quite as stable then the Manfrotto CX3 is a great bet. I would imagine that if he became a very serious landscape photographer then he would want to upgrade it eventually, but if that's not going to happen then the 190CX3 may be the best bet (although personally I think the 055CX3 would be better despite the weight because its taller and more stable, but then I don't mind carrying the weight)

Alex
 
The Gitzo 1541 / 2541 tripods Alex mentions are without doubt top of the range but things are moving on with other manufacturers.

Benro were setup originally as a subcontractor to Gitzo but they had a bit of a fall-out and Benro now basically produce a cloned 1541, some owners of both suggest Benro have actually managed to improve upon the Gitzo, here's a user review:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1043508

The 2682T below is a further development and looks an excellent option, pricing is significantly different to the Gitzo offerings if that's a consideration. BTW your boyfriend can still be a "very serious landscape photographer" without having to own a Gitzo ;):LOL:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BENRO-C26...40629038119?pt=US_Tripods&hash=item20be24d427


Simon
 
alexnail said:
OY! Don't twist my words! I only said that he would WANT to upgrade! I agree with you though :)

Alex
Click to expand...

Sorry Alex, couldn't resist:LOL:

Gitzo are obviously great tripods and if budget is no limit then they're definitely the one to go for - Benro in particular though are starting to run them pretty close and well worth looking at as a more cost effective option
 
simonkit said:
Sorry Alex, couldn't resist:LOL:

Gitzo are obviously great tripods and if budget is no limit then they're definitely the one to go for - Benro in particular though are starting to run them pretty close and well worth looking at as a more cost effective option
Click to expand...

That's true. I use a carbon Benro C-257 myself and I'd rank it as comparable to Gitzo, but Benro make a huge range of stuff, from low end cheap and good value, to excellent (and also good value).

But to the uninitiated, like the OP, it's a minefield and you can't go wrong with Gitzo because they only make high end stuff. The 'budget' end is covered by Manfrotto (same parent company) though there's a good overlap in the middle.
 
simonkit, alexnail, HoppyUK & Flash In The Pan
Thank you a lot for all your advices.

I will look into all of these and spend some days to finally choose something.

I am also thinking of getting a him a gift certificate from B&H and give it to him with a 2-3 page of my research results and let him do the final decision himself.

Have a good time,
Sara
 
Sara - get him a Gitzo - you can't go wrong. I'd suggest something from the Explorer range for maximum portability compactness and strength.

I have the 2227 - full review HERE

This model is now discontinued, but anything from the current 'Explorer' range is going to suit him nicely.
 
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CT said:
Sara - get him a Gitzo - you can't go wrong. I'd suggest something from the Explorer range for maximum portability compactness and strength.

I have the 2227 - full review HERE

This model is now discontinued, but anything from the current 'Explorer' range is going to suit him nicely.
Click to expand...

My first choice of tripod for myself is also a Explorer (I have a G2228 and plan to upgrade to a 2541EX) however I do feel like this is relatively specialist and most users have reported a preferrence to the Mountaineer range on forums such as this. Personally I agree with you, but I would say the Explorer is more speicialist and some people just don't like them.
 
alexnail said:
My first choice of tripod for myself is also a Explorer (I have a G2228 and plan to upgrade to a 2541EX) however I do feel like this is relatively specialist and most users have reported a preferrence to the Mountaineer range on forums such as this. Personally I agree with you, but I would say the Explorer is more speicialist and some people just don't like them.
Click to expand...

Actually it is the 2228 I have not the 2227. The only quibble I have with it is those earlier twist locks which are a bugger compared to the later versions. I've used it with the 500mm many times with good results and it doesn't feel in the least over - burdened, although I have also now got a GT3530LSV for really long lens use.

I'd be very loathe to part with the 2228 though, it's so light, compact and supremely adaptable for getting anywhere, including down very low. I struggle to see it as specialised - it's pretty much the ideal all-round general purpose tripod I find. A later version with the more recent twist locks would be pretty much ideal for me.
 
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Gitzo are a great brand, can't give any detailed advice on those though.

I'm super happy with my Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 (I use it with a 322RC2 grip), so if he's with Manfrotto now, he may not be opposed to sticking with them. :)

Either way, you win the awesome-girlfriend-award, for wanting to get im a top-spec tripod and for being so familiar with his gear. (y)
 
Thank you guys for all the hints!
My research binder is becoming a nice one :)
It was a great idea to post on this forum :D
 
Okay now that I have seen the gear that he has I would stay aware from a Manfrotto 190 series or a Gitzo 1 series. If its windy neither would hold a 50D and 70-200 at 200mm stable enough to prevent image softness.

I would personally recommend one of:
Manfrotto 055CXPro3
Manfrotto 055CXPro4
Gitzo 2541
Gitzo 2531

CT said:
I'd be very loathe to part with the 2228 though, it's so light, compact and supremely adaptable for getting anywhere, including down very low. I struggle to see it as specialised - it's pretty much the ideal all-round general purpose tripod I find. A later version with the more recent twist locks would be pretty much ideal for me.
Click to expand...

I agree with you in every way. I say its specialised but obviously its adaptability makes it suitable for a great variety of subjects. I love mine so much that I just spent £50 on spares! If I had the new leg locks it would be the perfect tripod.

I still can't recommend it though just because I know some people don't get on with it.
 
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