I have/will have shortly the following gear for which I am looking for a new tripod: Canon 50D, Canon 400/5.6, Canon 580 flash. Head now is Manfrotto 488rc2. I expect this to change - possibly a Mongoose 2.3. I am now using the Manfrotto 3021BPro which is very heavy. I'm short (5'4") and am changing tripods to save weight. I am considering: Manfrotto 055cx pro3, Enduro C214, and Gitzo 1531. I am open to other suggestions. All of the above are rated to carry the above total weight, but I'm not sure about rigidity and stability. Any help is appreciated. I dont' have any stores in my area that carry tripods, so it is hard to choose without seeing. Thanks.
Jay, I just got the tripod that Art Morris uses. It's fantastic! Light and holds the 500mm. I would go on his web-site, I believe he sell 3 different tripods but he tells you which one he uses.
here is a link-
I believe that you should choose a tripod to meet all future needs. I think you should pick a tripod that can support 2X the weight you plan to put on it. Weight of the tripod itself is important as you know. Carbon fiber is the way to go today. I have both Manfroto and Gitzo and feel the quality of the Gitzo is much better, but the cost is higher. Another consideration is folded length. If you travel a lot the 4 section legs will fold shorter. In the new Gitzo the strength is the same even though there are 4 sections.
Jay I just bought a new Feisol CT-3371 tripod and so far have been very pleased. I have images and a review on my blog, www.naturesportal.blogspot.com . Hope this helps.
Thanks for all the help. I have very few photo stores in my area, and wanted to try the tripod I bought. Price was also a consideration. I purchased a Manfrotto 055cxpro3. I would have loved a Gitzo, but price was a problem, especially since I plan to upgrade my camera body and tripod head later this year. I've heard nothing but good things about Feisol, but have no opportunity to see one in person. So, having been happy with Manfrotto quality in the past, and with the opportunity to try one out, I decided to go that route. Already enjoying the benefits of carbon fiber. On my way home today from Sarasota to Boca Raton, I swung by Corkscrew and lugged my gear and 'pod to try to photo the Ghost Orchid. Even my 400/5.6 with 1.4x was too short to get a good image. At least the trek in during an oppressively hot and muggy day wasn't as bad as it could have been before the new purchase! Thanks everyone.
Which Tripod for My Gear?
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