Tripods - how sturdy does it need to be?

[Brendan7]

Hi all, I am looking for a tripod to fit lenses up to and including my 300 f/4.


I have a question: How sturdy does it need to be? I do wildlife and macro photography and have had a hard time w/o a tripod. I have been exploring my different choices and posted a poll on TDP. The 2 top vote getters, and now my two decisions are:


1. Get a Manfrotto 055XPROB or similar aluminum tripod - $200, weight rating 15lbs.


2. Save, and blow it on a Gitzo 3 series CF.


My question is, Will the Manfrotto be sturdy enough to handle a 300 f/4 on an Acratech GP ballhead without too much vibrations? Will I notice a lot of stability problems? Will I be able to use the horizontal center column feature easily? I know, obviously that the Gitzo is a far better tripod, but I honestly can't justify the cost unless my setup requires such a tripod to some extent. Yes, I know I could do with 2 series Gitzo, but if I am spending $650 I will just go for the 3 series at $700.


What are your thoughts??? [:P]


brendan

[IAMB]

How about a third option: spend half as much on a carbon tripod from Induro. They can handle the weight just fine and seem to have a pretty good reputation.

[Daniel Browning]

How sturdy does it need to be?

How sharp do you want your photos? []

Will the Manfrotto be sturdy enough to handle a 300 f/4 on an Acratech GP ballhead without too much vibrations?

In some conditions, yes. In others, no. For example, if you anchor the Manfrotto with extra weights, don't have any wind, use a shutter release, and allow for a short time after camera movement, then it will be fine. But if you don't anchor it, use it in heavy wind, and shoot in rapid paced circumstances, then it will not be enough.

[Brendan7]

How sturdy does it need to be?

How sharp do you want your photos? [img]/emoticons/emotion-2.gif[/img]

Will the Manfrotto be sturdy enough to handle a 300 f/4 on an Acratech GP ballhead without too much vibrations?

In some conditions, yes. In others, no. For example, if you anchor the Manfrotto with extra weights, don't have any wind, use a shutter release, and allow for a short time after camera movement, then it will be fine. But if you don't anchor it, use it in heavy wind, and shoot in rapid paced circumstances, then it will not be enough.

Are you saying that the sharpness of my shots in general will be very different if I use gitzo 3 series or manfrotto? Well, I know it'll be different, but dramatically different? Since the Gitzo is 3x more expensive, is it 3x better? Is it that big of a deal? [^o)]


brendan

[Daniel Browning]

Are you saying that the sharpness of my shots in general will be very different if I use gitzo 3 series or manfrotto? Well, I know it'll be different, but dramatically different? Since the Gitzo is 3x more expensive, is it 3x better? Is it that big of a deal? [img]/emoticons/emotion-40.gif[/img]

It's not 3X better -- the returns diminish the more and more you spend on the tripod. Going from no tripod to a $30 plastic junky one is the biggest improvement. From $30 to $90 is also a big improvement, but not as big as going from no tripod at all. Then $90 to $300 is another big deal, but again not as big as $30 to $90. Then $300 to $900 gets you something that is good enough for most conditions. $2700 will get you the best. In each case the returns diminish.


That said, the difference can be dramatic, but it really depends on the circumstances. I can get much sharper pictures with a $300 lens and a $5000 tripod than a $5000 lens and a $300 tripod.


Consider that a good tripod can last 30 or 40 years.

[mpphoto12]

save some money and buy a reallllyyy scratched up gitzo that is worth like 800 dollars new and by it for like 300 dollars thats what i did. I got a gitzo reporter (not made anymore) for 120 dollars when new they are around 700 plus a brand new ballhead... they work the same as long as there are no dents in the frame...

[Bombsight]

I wish somebody would come up with a chart rating where each tripod on the market stood when stability and load are considerd.


I have a Slik Pro 700DX. I feel like its really solid. But when somebody says a $300- $1000 pod is whats needed .... I still wonder.


Just how does a Slik Pro 700DX stand up to one twice or three times its cost?[^o)]

[bob williams]

I can get much sharper pictures with a $300 lens and a $5000 tripod than a $5000 lens and a $300 tripod.

As usual, Mr Browning makes "the point". I have recently found his point to be the case and decided to spend as much on a tripod/ballhead as I would on an "L" series lens.


A test---(I know, some of you have read this before, but perhaps this member hasn't)


1. Set up on your current tripod with your longest lens. ---2. Go to Live view (If Available)and magnify times 10.---- 3. Manually focus on some distant object---like a business card, or something else that will show detail. 4. If you observe vibration, get a bettertripod.


I found this to be a problem with a $200 Bogan aluminum tripod so, after a little research and lots of questions, I realized that a High quality tripod and ball head was next on the wish list, even though there are several lenses that are in my sights.

[Brendan7]

good to know.


I've decided that although a good tripod may be expensive, I am now convinced it's worth it. I have two options for tripods:


Gitzo GT3531s - gitzo systematic 3 series tripod. supports 40 lbs, carbon fiber (duh), minimum height 4'', $680


Benro C-358m8 - 8 layer carbon fiber tripod, supports 40lbs, minimum height 15'', $460.





The benro looks like a quality, cheaper alternative. any thoughts?


The gitzo is 3-section, the benro is 4-section. Will this affect stability?





thanks to everyone for their help


brendan

[Dallasphotog]

I like big heavy tripods that don't get knoocked over or move in strong winds. I'm in the minority; but I want the heaviest model available. I'm using the Manfrotto 058B tripod and the Manfrotto 501HDV head.


You won't "need" anything this heavy, but it sure achors everything down when the wind is blowing or when you have people walking all around your tripod at an event.