Which tripod do you use?

[bigrash]

I'm looking for one for my Canon 7D. Probably around the $100 range for now, but don't mind spending more if the quality is a lot better.

 

[blastingcap]

If you don't mind weight (e.g., studio setup), get a good aluminum tripod from Benro/Induro or a house brand at Adorama/B&H.

Skip basalt, it's not as good as carbon fiber but costs so much more than aluminum.

If you want carbon, it will cost you. You can get some good bargains if you wait for a sale on the more reputable Asian carbon fiber tripods. I had an older model Benro for $129, but the build quality wasn't that good on it as the legs came apart too easily and the baseplate was apparently glued as opposed to screwed. The newer Benro/Induro (same company) ones are supposed to be better. I went with a Sirui, which is a higher-end brand.

Whatever you do, get a tripod that is rated for at least twice the max amount you plan to use on it. E.g., if your heaviest camera + lens combo is 10 kg, get a tripod rated for at least 20 kg, preferably more like 30 kg. Same with ballhead tripods--get at least double the rating.

Speaking of ballheads, I got an Acratech but that's like $400. You could get a combo from a reputable brand if you want, but many high-end tripods do not come with ballheads.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Gitzo GT2542L with a Markins Q10 ballhead. I am 6'4" so did not have a ton of CF options that were both tall enough and not too heavy. People under 6' have many more choices.

 

[blastingcap]

Given that OP set a budget of $100, I'm assuming he wants bang for the buck, and Gitzo definitely does NOT give you bang for the buck.

 

[sigurros81]

I'm looking for one for my Canon 7D. Probably around the $100 range for now, but don't mind spending more if the quality is a lot better.

If you don't mind spending extra for the quality, Gitzo. If you are serious about photography, a dependable tripod really goes a long way, and the investment is there--get a good tripod once, and it'll last you until the robot uprising, long after you've become ash and dust.

When I was in school I got a $100 tripod, and honestly, after about 4 or 5 months of using it, I realized it was a waste of money.

 

[Syborg1211]

I have a Slik Sprint Pro II with ball head, and I have nothing but good things to say about it. It's pretty lightweight, folds down to a size that fits into my carryon luggage, and most importantly is very stable. The price is great too ~90 bucks. I'm a major gearwhore and this tripod is at the tail-end of things I want to upgrade because it has served me so well. Thing supports my d7000 with heavy tokina 11-16 with no problems. My d600 and larger lenses are pushing the limits of it though, and I think it's only the ball head being the limiting factor here. I'm quite sure I'm going to need to spend at least 2-3x the price to see a major difference.

 

[tdawg]

Depends a bit on what the OP wants to do with it. If wanting to haul it on hikes or trips, spending more for lighter composits may be the way to go.

I use an older Manfrotto 3021 Aluminum 'pod with a Manfrotto ball head. It's stable and works well and isn't terrible in the weight department; I could stand it being a touch taller before having to extend the center post. If I could justify the cost, I'd replace it with a Gitzo.

 

[blastingcap]

Agree. If OP is talking about buying a tripod for a studio setup we're just wasting words here and he can get a good cheap aluminum tripod easily. I already noted this in my earlier response, but I would like to add that the reason why you want to go for over-spec'd is because tripod/ballheads are often overrated for weight hence my suggestion of doubling your requirements.

 

[iGas]

Another vote for the Manfrotto 3021. It was a heavy and sturdy tripod that served me well for many years, but I gave it away long ago because I needed the space and it was too heavy to drag around.

I still have a compact Cullman Magic2 that isn't a good tripod (very flimsy), but its light and compact that will do the job in a pinch if you hang your heavy camera bag at the center to weight it down.

At the present, I rarely carry a tripod or monopod, however on rare occasion I still drag a Tiltall monopod.

 

[randomrogue]

I have a Manfrotto 055xprob. It's solid. HOWEVER if you're going to be moving around a lot or taking a tripod with you for travel you really need a carbon fiber one. I like my tripod but carrying it around is no fun at all.

If you want to save money long term just get a carbon fiber one right away.

 

[cantholdanymore]

i just went through this exercise myself and I ended up with a manfrotto 190 with oben head (I have Oly OM-D). For best bang for the buck look for oben tripods too.

 

[Anubis]

i use a Manfrotto 7302YB, its light, compact and works well

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Another old 3021 user here. Using a 322RC2 head. Heavy and not exactly compact, but when I'm using a tripod, I usually have a car with me, and I've found this combo to be pretty sturdy.

 

[bigrash]

Thanks for all the recommendation guys.

 

[kbp]

Slik 700 Pro with Slik 800 Ball Head works well for me.

 

[Invalid]

I use Benro MeFoto Travel Tripod for my OM-D

 

[MrSquished]

I have a Slik Sprint Pro II with ball head, and I have nothing but good things to say about it. It's pretty lightweight, folds down to a size that fits into my carryon luggage, and most importantly is very stable. The price is great too ~90 bucks. I'm a major gearwhore and this tripod is at the tail-end of things I want to upgrade because it has served me so well. Thing supports my d7000 with heavy tokina 11-16 with no problems. My d600 and larger lenses are pushing the limits of it though, and I think it's only the ball head being the limiting factor here. I'm quite sure I'm going to need to spend at least 2-3x the price to see a major difference.

i have this one too, but for an om-d. it's definitely a travel tripod, gets quite compact and is very light, yet extends quite high. i wouldn't use it in very windy situations but that's not where i find myself so that works out just fine. for the 80 bucks i paid for it it can't be beat.

 

[Muse]

Which tripod do you use?

The one one of my roommates left at my house, don't know that I've bothered to look for the brand name. Works fine for me.

 

[iGas]

I'm thinking of getting a new tripod, because my current tripod is very clumsy.

I think a builder tripod such as the Dewalt DW0736 ($50), and a 5/8-11 by 1/4-20 treads adapter ($20) will be an excellent sturdy and heavy tripod for the studio or a few yards away from your car.

 

[glen]

What are some of the least expensive carbon fiber tripods?

 

[adreamer]

Another option is to pick up a carbon fiber monopod. Yea ok it won't stand up by itself but depending on what you are shooting it can be just as good and they are light and easy to take with you. I bring mine when I go shooting with a 400mm lens and I still want to be mobile. It made a big difference and certainly makes shooting with large glass lenses easier.

I personally have a Giottos carbon monopod. I probably paid around $150 when I bought it. The only think I don't like about it is I am not a fan of the twist sections vs. having a flip lock. But that is just a preference, it works fine otherwise.

 

[Anteaus]

I use Benro MeFoto Travel Tripod for my OM-D

+1

I have a MeFOTO RoadTrip Travel Tripod and its awesome. It is light, breaks down to less than 16 inches yet holds up to 17.6 pounds. I use it with my D600. The ball head is really nice, though if you get one I'd seriously consider putting a Manfrotto locking plate on top for the mount. The one that comes with it doesn't lock and I've found mine will loosen up over time which is bad on so many levels. Fortunately I've never actually dropped my camera (knock on wood). The ball head itself is top quality and the pan is very smooth even with my FX on it. Oh yeah, and it converts to a monopod.

That said, its not meant to replace a heavier tripod for studio or professional work, though it is capable of both. Its can accept any standard head, so you have options.

Next to my camera and glass, that tripod is the best thing I own.