New 500mm need tripod

[PaulAnderson]

Hi I just bought a older Nikon 500mm f/4 af-i and love it but I need a good tripod for it. I don't mean to sound cheap but money is an issue. I know most will say why spend that kind of money on a lens to buy a cheap tripod? I don't wont to go cheap, but I just don't think I need the latest and greatest tripod or need the best name brand. I'm willing to buy an older heavier one or one that isn't a gitzo if you have a recommendation for me. I would like to keep it under $300 if I can. Thank You. And P.S I did just buy a use gimbal style head so I just need the tripod.

[fabiobernardino]

Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum around $140

There are some carbon fiber tripods from Feisol but I don't have any experience with them.
http://www.feisol.net/rapid-tripods-classic-tripods-c-1_12.html?osCsid=o479mcifff7nrqhle5rbo7i602

Hope it helps.

[Erik Hedlin]

Check out this article from dpreview (five of the best tripods for under 450$): http://www.dpreview.com/articles/2812431567/five-of-the-best-tripods-for-under-450

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Paul, have you checked out the Induro series tripods? I've gotten a chance to play with the AT214 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/655223-REG/Induro_472_214_Alloy_8M_AT214_Tripod.html) and the AT413 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/655225-REG/Induro_472_413_Alloy_8M_AT413_Tripod.html), both are of great quality and very reasonably priced. If travel size is a big issue, I would go with the AT214. If not, then I would probably opt for either the AT313 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/655224-REG/Induro_472_313_Alloy_8M_AT313_Tripod.html) or AT413, depending on how much bulk you want. The AT413 seems a bit overkill to me.

For reference, the first two numbers tell you the capacity that it can hold (so the 214 holds about 22 lbs, the 313 about 33 lbs, the 414 about 44 lbs). The last number denotes the total number of leg sections. I prefer 4, as it means a smaller tripod once folded. Unfortunately, the 31 and 41 series tripods only come in 3 sections.

If you want, I can take a photo of the 214 and 413 with a gimbal head and my 500mm f/4. Just shoot me a PM or email (mrpalaviccini@gmail.com) and I'll see if I can borrow the two tripods from my friends who own them. I can also let you know how I feel about the 214 holding the weight of the rig, since that might be some people's concern.

[Cody Conway]

Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum around $140

There are some carbon fiber tripods from Feisol but I don't have any experience with them.
http://www.feisol.net/rapid-tripods-classic-tripods-c-1_12.html?osCsid=o479mcifff7nrqhle5rbo7i602

Hope it helps.

This - I used this with my 500 f4 for a good while till I was finally willing to spend the money on my Gitzo. While I can not emphasize enough just how much of a difference it really makes in stability, the 055XPROB served me for the better part of 3 years with many excellent shots with my older and newer equipment.

ONE more thought - you can try searching ebay and FM forums for a used Gitzo for cheaper, may even be able to find a 3 series for under 400 if you look long enough. I ended up winnning my gitzo on an ebay bid for under 600 in the end brand new.

Good luck!

[Ian Cassell]

I have been very happy with my Induro AT214 Tripod/Induro GHB-2 Gimbal with my Canon 400/5.6. I just got a Version I Canon 500/4 (~8.5 lbs, I believe) yesterday and have mounted it on the Induro and it seems solid, so I don't plan on changing pods any time soon. I know it's not Carbon Fiber, but it isn't outrageously heavy, either. I did buy the optional short center column so I can bring the tripod very low to the ground.

http://www.indurogear.com/products_details_AT214.html#specs (http://www.indurogear.com/products_details_AT214.html#ballheads)

[Marina Scarr]

I would go with carbon fiber and go with either Feisol or Induro.

[Mike Tracy]

Feisol if on a budget. Several years ago I had a new Induro that literally broke in two while carrying it and as a result my 500 crashed to the ground. Customer service from them was non existent.

[Don Nelson]

If I were you, I'd find a good carbon fiber -- there is nothing worse than a carrying a cold metal tripod in the winter....
Feisols are a good brand.
Once in a while you can find a good used carbon fiber -- just inspect carefully --- check that there are no odd marks (Bruises from being struck) or fibers sticking out of the "sticks",

[Marina Scarr]

Induro from what I understand isn't what it was several years ago in terms of quality, although no knowledge about service. I know at least 2 professional photographers who have been extremely pleased with them on up to 800mm lenses.

As far as Feisol, I have been very happy with their service. At least 10 of my photography friends use Feisol and I haven't heard any complaints yet. Feisol responds to my e-mails timely and they answer their phones. They have sent me parts for free when some of the rings have worn down from the Florida salt and sand. Try getting a part for your Gitzo tripod. It doesn't happen. They always make you send it in for the most minor repair/replacement. Many feel they are overpriced especially the newer ones that aren't as good quality as they once were. Top of the line Feisols are from $600 to $700 which is no bargain but a heck of a lot cheaper than the competition.

Good luck.

[Ian Cassell]

I've never needed to deal with Induro service, so I can't speak to that. On the other hand, I'm not gentle with my AT214 and it has served well for the 3 years I've owned it. I really can't imagine it breaking in two (maybe I shouldn't jinx myself). Perhaps, like some other companies, Induro has improved their products.

[Mike Tracy]

My rant from 6 years ago.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=318800

[Marina Scarr]

There's another carbon tripod I just thought of that I heard is pretty good. It's the Really Right Stuff.