Tripod idea

[henytran]

Hey all,



So I just bought a 1ds mark ii and I need to get a decent tripod setup. I usually try to stick with Bryan's recommendations since I haven't been dissapointed with his advice thus far but unfortunately I can't splurge the money this time to get the Arca Swiss and Gitzo setup. I was wondering if it would make sense to still buy the Arca Swiss and go with some Manfrotto legs (aluminum for now until I can replace it with carbon fiber). I figure this approach will save me a few hundred dollars since those gitzo legs are pretty $$$



Right now I plan on doing mainly landscape photography.


Thanks!


Henry

[TucsonTRD]

What you are considering is exactly what I did. I bought the arca swiss z1 (used) and a manfrotto 055xprob. It is a pretty heavy setup, but I love it. I highly recommend it. The manfrotto is very versatile.


I

[btaylor]

I think you might find this story a little interesting.


http://www.bythom.com/support.htm


It does kind of make sense but doesn't help you out "right now" if you haven't got the budget. I'm a firm believer in the "Do It Once, Do It Right" mentality. I rarely buy anything second rate, instead I spend a bit more and buy something that will be exactly what I really want and last a long time. I unfortunately didn't follow this principle with my tripod for precisely the same reasons as you but the next one I buy will last me a lifetime.


However, if you don't have the budget for a good set of legs I think a decent ballhead is a wise investment. There's nothing worse than a weak, droopy ballhead.


Ben.

[Richard Lane]

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The Manfrotto legs are good for the money. I would go with a 3 section version if you choose a lower line model in order to increase rigidity. The 4 sectioned version is better for traveling. I totally disliked the Manfrotto quick release ballhead. I think you're on the right track by looking for an Arca Swiss style, but it doesn't have to be the Arca Swiss brand.


Another good pair of legs for the money is Feiosl or Induro. Here are a few Arca Swiss style ballheads to check out; Markins, really right stuff, Feisol, Induro.


http://www.feisol.net/rapid-tripods-tournament-tripods-c-1_14.html





http://www.feisol.net/feisol-ct3441s-with-cb40d-ball-head-center-column-tripod-p-91.html





http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548524-REG/Manfrotto_190CXPRO3_190CXPRO3_3_Section_Carbon_Fib er.html $259 Legs





http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/584476-REG/Manfrotto_055CXPRO3_055CXPRO3_3_Section_Carbon_Fib er.html $365 legs





http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=2636&amp;N=4291756643+4291403927 Induro Legs





http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/655335-REG/Induro_479_002_BHD2_Ballhead.html Induro Ballhead $197





http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/Q3T.php Markins Traveler $289





http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=BH-30-LR-II&amp;type=3&amp;eq=&amp;desc=BH-30-LR-II%3a-Compact-ballhead-with-AS-II&amp;key=it $290 ballhead





I'm not sure of your budget or height or weight requirements, but these brands will give you a start.





Rich
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[henytran]

@btaylor, I completely agree with buying the right thing the first time. I kind of get myself in trouble with that mentality but I never regret my purchases For some reason I

[Richard Lane]

Also, for the head, it sounds like they don't come with the quick release plate. Do most people use the quick release plate? I would think I'd like it so I was a bit surprised that the head doesn't come with one.


Henry

Yes, a lot of the heads offer a quick release plate, however you have to make sure that you stick with one manufacturer for the Camera Body Plate and/or Lens Plate, otherwise the knob clamp plate is more forgiving of differences in Arca Swiss Specs.


I think that Really Right Stuff, Kirk and Wimberely plates are very similar. I have a Markin Q20 Ballhead that I purchased it without a clamp, and then I put a Really Right Stuff Quick Release clamp on it. So, now I only use RRS L-plates and Lens Plates, as well as Wimberely lens plates and they all fit perfectly.


Now that I just thought of it, Kirk is another company to consider for ballheads and plates.


http://www.kirkphoto.com/BH-3_Ball_Head.html


Rich

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Gitzo carbon fiber tripods hold their value well, they are easy to resell in case you decide to part way with photography, it

[henytran]

Thanks for the info. I doubt my setup is more than your 500 f/4 IS combo. My 8 -15 pound guess was just a rough estimation. I figure I

[neuroanatomist]

IMO, Manfrotto offers the best compromise between cost and quality.

[neuroanatomist]

IMO, Manfrotto offers the best compromise between cost and quality.