Lightweight/Traveling Tripod

[neuroanatomist]

For a few years I used the Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 as my main tripod, first with a 488RC2 head (equivalent to the 498RC2, one step larger than the 496RC2 on your list), then with a 468MG head. Either setup is fine with a gripped body and 100-400 or 70-200/2.8. Pat, not sure if your bad flip-lock experience was with Manfrotto legs, but I've never had them slip on mine.

As Pat states, load ratings aren't that useful. Different manufacturers have different standards, and they don't explicitly say what 'load capacity' means to them. A 10-lb capacity from one maker might mean 'supports at least 10-lbs rock-solid' and realistically does fine with a much heavier load, while from another it might mean 'a 10.1-lb load will make the ballhead flop over'. So, load ratings are a good guide within one manufacturers lines, but less useful comparing across manufacturers. I do appreciate that RRS lists some specific lens combos in their descriptions.

I recently got a RRS TVC-33, BH-55, and PG-02 side gimbal - the quality of RRS gear is truly excellent. I've tried out Gitzo gear in shops, it's very good, but the RRS stuff is just slightly better built, IMO. But also costlier...

For the head, I'd skip Gitzo - their legs are great,their heads don't have nearly as good a reputation. The other issue with both Gitzo and Manfrotto heads is they come with clamps that use their own, proprietary plate systems. I'd really recommend going with an Arca-Swiss system (I have a Wimberley C-12 clamp on my Manfrotto 468MG head for that reason). If you add a monopod, the full size tripod+head, etc., you can mix and match several brands. With the AS system, I use a mix of Wimberley and RRS body plates, lens plates, an L-bracket and a replacement lens foot with Wimberley, RRS, and Kirk clamps.

I'm currently using the 190CXPRO4 as a travel tripod. It's light enough, but with the head on, it's too long to fit in carryon luggage, so I need to remove the head for air travel. For that reason, I'm actually considering the RRS TQC-14 with BH-30 LR.

One downside to RRS gear is that there are no distributors - unless you visit their shop in CA, it's buy-then-try, and pay return shipping if you don't like. But if you go that route, I suspect you'll like.

[conropl]

Pat, not sure if your bad flip-lock experience was with Manfrotto legs, but I've never had them slip on mine.

Your right... mine was a Vangard. I have only tried the Manfrotto in the store and it seemed to work good, but was worried about past experiences. If it worked good for you, I am sure it is fine. In fact, from what I have read, most people who have had the Manfrotto 190CXPro4 have enjoyed them and had good things to say about them.

I just made the same mistake a lot of new buyers seem to make when buying their first tripod... I trusted the ratings to much. I should have known better to. I am always telling design engineers that work for me not to believe all the spec's in catalogs or what sales people tell you. If it looks cheap, it probably is. Anyway, after the Vangard wore in a bit, I ended up with legs that slipped all the time and the ball never would hold position. The ball was also frustrating... I would pain stakingly line something up and then when I would tighten up the ball it would move it. However, that does not nessesarily mean that my experiences transfers to the Manfrotto flip locks.

My current experience with an Induro CT414 twist locks is that they are rock solid. I really like my new tripod because it is tall, solidly built, and very stiff... but it is heavy.

[HDNitehawk]

I should have known better to. I am always telling design engineers that work for me not to believe all the spec's in catalogs or what sales people tell you.

This sounds like my job, except I am always explaining to clients that the design engineer bought in to a salesman's bill of goods or believed spec's that weren't realistic. Usually most engineer's will see through the spec bs, and then some are sold on the "I can deliver in 6 weeks" promise. The delivery time is almost never met.

I to bought a Vangard tripod a few years ago. For the money it performed well. It had the quick lock type leg locks, similar to Gitzo's. They performed well but took several turns to tighten. What failed on mine was the lock that holds the tripod legs at the right angles. It lasted as a tripod for just short of two years. It is a great light stand now. It was a bit over $200, you really get what you pay for.

[eldarhau]

The other issue with both Gitzo and Manfrotto heads is they come with clamps that use their own, proprietary plate systems. .

This is a good point. Unless you only use one tripod, preferably also one body directly mounted, this will cause some irritation. Fixing the clamp to the Gitzo head is also somewhat cumbersome, with a flip lock, with a lock adjustment and a well hidden button underneath. The clamp can only be slided in from one side also. But when that is done, the head operates very well and it holds on to whatever I have loaded it with. I can carry it over my shoulder in rough terrain, with a Canon 1DX and 70-200mm f2.8 and 2x extender, without any slippage. The sales person convinced me, but if I were to buy a new head, I would go for one with a standard clamp/plate solution.

Eldar