tripod choices

[Markrad]

I'm looking for some help in choosing a new tripod. An old thread here indicated that Craig and Marti both loved the Neo Tec. What is the current thought on that and other choices, esp. in the carbon fiber category. Most stores don't stock any CF models so it is really tough to evaluate this gear. I'm 6 feet tall and would like suggestions to suit my height. Also, any thoughts on the tripods with rotating center columns. Thanks to all.

Mark

[AprilS]

Originally Posted by Markrad

I'm 6 feet tall and would like suggestions to suit my height.

One thing I can add is that Craig is very tall.

[tonebytone]

Welcome to the RV community, Mark. As Becky mentioned, Craig is very tall, maybe 6'6" and Marti is maybe about 5'5" and they both use the Neo Tecs. So there may be different models, sizewise.

How about calling one of the big online stores, tell them your height and ask which Neo Tec they'd recommend for you?

My next purchase I hope will be a Neo Tec - luckily for me, my fav local store does carry them.

[RickT]

I was going to refrain from entering this discussion, because tripod choices can become religious debates like Nikon vs. Canon--except there are a lot more choices and adherents to each.

I've had my share of tripods, and nearly all have been functional. And nearly all have had things I didn't like, too. I'm currently down to 2: a Gitzo carbon fiber that was ridiculously expensive, but also very functional for my uses--folds to about 25" and extends to over 6 feet, but must weigh 5 pounds with the Right Stuff head on it; a SLIK that weighs about a pound and a half and folds down to 14 inches in length, while extending to about 4 feet in height. Guess which one will go backpacking with me.

In reading previous posts, I gathered that Craig and Marti love their Neo Tecs because of the ease and quickness of extending and retracting the legs. That's a good feature. But other things to consider are weight, durability, whether you have to add a head or if one is integrated into the tripod, and cost. If a head is part of the tripod, make sure it is a real head and not something that is all plastic parts that the marketing department added to have "features" without cost. Even though I love my Gitzo, I wouldn't recommend it to others based strictly on cost. Another "feature" I've come to avoid is the design that puts struts between the legs and the center post--they sometimes get in the way and don't really offer much in overall strength.

If you go for a 'pod with cam lever locks for the legs, look for a strong design and a reliable manufacturer. Sooner or later, the locking lever is going to break and you'll want a manufacturer who can supply a replacement. If you get twist locks, then make sure that the legs are designed so they can't rotate--nothing worse than trying to loosen a leg joint and having the lower section spin, stubbornly preventing you from loosening the leg. If you shoot outdoors in all weather, you might want a hook in the center post or center platform from which you can suspend weights to hold the tripod steady in strong winds. If you shoot close to the ground, you might want legs that will open out to be nearly parallel to the ground.

Carbon fiber is currently the sexy material, but in my experience lightweight aluminum is just as good for most applications.

You should probably make a list of what features are most important to you, and then go shopping on various manufacturer web sites to see what comes closest to your wishes. Then rework your list based on what you feel is affordable. And realize that no matter what you pick, it probably won't be the last tripod you ever buy.

[spinsfibers]

Great post Rick and right on the mark in my humble opinion.

I'm sitting here looking at the old Bogen I inherited. The thing weighs a lot, is perfectly functional, and is very sturdy. In fact, its previous life was on a Harley-Davidson as the owner traveled all over the United States. The build quality can't be beat.

You will find the right one in time. Good luck.

Janet

[MurryG]

It's the one that had the sqeeze pistol grip to allow quick movement of the camera position and it still does everything I need it to do. I can't imagine paying $365+ for a tripod even if it cooked breakfast for me Go to a local shop and try a few out with your camera and len(s). If you don't find one that you like that is in your budget you can always order from B&H. They are very good about returns. Of course you pay the return postage