Looking for a tripod for my K-5!

RagingWinds · 01-01-2012, 02:10 PM

Hi everyone,

Just recently bought my first d-slr and i'm very amazed and impressed with the quality of the K-5 and the images it can produce. All i need now is a good sturdy tripod to make my shots even better. I've been looking online but there are way too many choices out there. I was hoping you guys could help me decide..

I have a budget of around 300$ (possibly more) for the whole set up. I think i'm leaning towards a ballhead mount also. I will mainly be using it for Macro and landscape photography, and i would love to find one that is compact and can get my camera as close to the ground as possible.

What do you think i should go with? Thanks!

jolepp · 01-01-2012, 02:27 PM

Manfrotto 055XPROB + 498RC2 should be decent (currently $266.44 from Amazon). [edit: The head has a separate pan control which might be useful for landscapes. The 496RC2 would be a basic ballhead.]

psychdoc · 01-01-2012, 02:43 PM

Originally posted by jolepp

Manfrotto 055XPROB + 498RC2 should be decent (currently $266.44 from Amazon).

That Manfrotto is a really nice tripod. I use it a lot.
However there are different kinds of heads that you can use with tripods and you might like the Manfrotto 327RC2 better. It is a joystick head. I find these type of heads much easier to use.
Amazon.com: Manfrotto 327RC2 Joystick Head with Quick Release (Black): Camera & Photo

**manishved** · 01-01-2012, 02:49 PM

Sending you a PM

Trapezoid645 · 01-01-2012, 02:52 PM

Also Benro C-358EX is excellent for about $268 (Amazon while it lasted) and takes about double load (of Manfrotto 055XPROB), if needed. It's carbon and handles smc 1000mm f8 (11 lb lens) on Manfrotto 393 (U head) just fine. Sweet deal, if you can find one for that price. It's been "upgraded" with one for double that price. Legs have stable quick lock as Manfrotto, no slow screw-locks.

DeadJohn · 01-01-2012, 03:06 PM

The 055XPROB is a versatile tripod. Any stable tripod should suffice for landscape. For macro, though, you might want to put your camera at odd angles near the ground. The 055CXPROB lets you switch the the main column horizontally and has adjustable leg angles to get lower to the ground.

Also consider the 190XPROB. It's essentially the same tripod, weighs a little less, folds more compactly, but doesn't extend as tall and has a slightly lower max capacity. I have the similar 190CXPRO3 (more expensive due to carbon fiber).

RagingWinds · 01-01-2012, 03:43 PM

Thanks for all of the suggestions! I tried manfrotto at the store and i'm not sure if i like them... Can anyone tell me about davis and sandford tripods? I found a cheaper one (Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head) that can do everything i need. Or should i steer clear of that brand?

I mostly just want to make an investment, so i don't have to buy another one down the road....

RagingWinds · 01-01-2012, 04:11 PM

I'm looking at "3 legged thing" tripods now. Anyone have experience with them?

GDRoth · 01-01-2012, 04:22 PM

I have the Manfrotto mentioned by Jolepp and the Manfrotto pistol grip head......very happy.......

RagingWinds · 01-01-2012, 04:52 PM

I think i may be going with this... Check it out

3LT X1.1 Brian - 2nd Generation

panoguy · 01-01-2012, 04:52 PM

Originally posted by RagingWinds

I'm looking at "3 legged thing" tripods now. Anyone have experience with them?

No experience with them, but they seem awfully pricey (unless the Pound Sterling has dropped a lot recently). Oh, and I think any one of the "3-legged things" would blow your $300 limit.

Do you expect to hike a lot with your camera, and then maybe need a tripod? The reason I ask is because a tripod (like a camera) is only good if you have it with you. Many better-quality tripods that are within your price range weigh a lot (compared to your camera and a few lenses), and many lighter tripods either cost a bit more or are too unstable to really do the job of a tripod at all.

Personally, I recommend Feisol tripods and good ball head. Spend the money now and it will be years, not months, before you need something better/lighter/sturdier. Manfrotto makes nice tripods but subpar ball-heads (but nice geared and fluid heads, though... no idea why).

RagingWinds · 01-01-2012, 05:04 PM

Yea i really do like feisol, but i'm not sure i can afford one plus a ballhead. Maybe you could point me in the direction of a set up that's within my price range? I would definitely like something i could hike/travel with. The ballhead on the 3LT seems really nice and built very well . I also like that they come with a five year warranty. I found the 3LT brian (carbon fiber) for $399, and i wouldn't mind spending the extra 100$ for something that would last

demp10 · 01-01-2012, 05:11 PM

I have the Manfrotto 055XPROB with the 804RC2 Pan Tilt head and could not be happier. B&H sell them as a kit and there is a rebate. After the rebate the kit is $198.48.

NotSteve · 01-01-2012, 06:40 PM

I am in the process of checking out tripods as well. I am looking at the some of the models by Vanguard, since they have some interesting features, including some models were the centre post can swing 180 degrees down from the horizontal position for shooting macro. There is a thread about these tripods on the forum, plus one review:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/136106-va...4-tripods.html

Vanguard Alta Pro 264AT reviews - Pentax Camera Accessories: Database and Reviews

On another thread, I was inquiring about quick release plates and someone kindly directed me towards this tripod as being a very reasonably priced beginners' model:

Dolica Proline (Aluminum) reviews - Pentax Camera Accessories: Database and Reviews

You can check out other reviews on the site here:

Tripods - Pentax Camera Accessories: Database and Reviews

vievetrick · 01-01-2012, 07:23 PM

Originally posted by demp10

I have the Manfrotto 055XPROB with the 804RC2 Pan Tilt head and could not be happier. B&H sell them as a kit and there is a rebate. After the rebate the kit is $198.48.

I bought this same setup and while it is a little heavy (not much) I am really liking it.

01-01-2012, 02:10 PM	#1
RagingWinds New Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 19	Looking for a tripod for my K-5! Hi everyone, Just recently bought my first d-slr and i'm very amazed and impressed with the quality of the K-5 and the images it can produce. All i need now is a good sturdy tripod to make my shots even better. I've been looking online but there are way too many choices out there. I was hoping you guys could help me decide.. I have a budget of around 300$ (possibly more) for the whole set up. I think i'm leaning towards a ballhead mount also. I will mainly be using it for Macro and landscape photography, and i would love to find one that is compact and can get my camera as close to the ground as possible. What do you think i should go with? Thanks!

01-01-2012, 02:27 PM	#2
jolepp Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Finland Photos: Albums Posts: 3,196	Manfrotto 055XPROB + 498RC2 should be decent (currently $266.44 from Amazon). [edit: The head has a separate pan control which might be useful for landscapes. The 496RC2 would be a basic ballhead.] Last edited by jolepp; 01-01-2012 at 02:59 PM.

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01-01-2012, 02:43 PM	#3
psychdoc Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bham Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 949	Originally posted by jolepp Manfrotto 055XPROB + 498RC2 should be decent (currently $266.44 from Amazon). That Manfrotto is a really nice tripod. I use it a lot. However there are different kinds of heads that you can use with tripods and you might like the Manfrotto 327RC2 better. It is a joystick head. I find these type of heads much easier to use. Amazon.com: Manfrotto 327RC2 Joystick Head with Quick Release (Black): Camera & Photo

01-01-2012, 02:49 PM	#4
manishved Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N. Calif Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,651	Sending you a PM

01-01-2012, 02:52 PM	#5
Trapezoid645 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Santa Barbara Photos: Albums Posts: 60	Also Benro C-358EX is excellent for about $268 (Amazon while it lasted) and takes about double load (of Manfrotto 055XPROB), if needed. It's carbon and handles smc 1000mm f8 (11 lb lens) on Manfrotto 393 (U head) just fine. Sweet deal, if you can find one for that price. It's been "upgraded" with one for double that price. Legs have stable quick lock as Manfrotto, no slow screw-locks.

01-01-2012, 03:06 PM	#6
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,834	The 055XPROB is a versatile tripod. Any stable tripod should suffice for landscape. For macro, though, you might want to put your camera at odd angles near the ground. The 055CXPROB lets you switch the the main column horizontally and has adjustable leg angles to get lower to the ground. Also consider the 190XPROB. It's essentially the same tripod, weighs a little less, folds more compactly, but doesn't extend as tall and has a slightly lower max capacity. I have the similar 190CXPRO3 (more expensive due to carbon fiber).

01-01-2012, 03:43 PM	#7
RagingWinds New Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 19 Original Poster	Thanks for all of the suggestions! I tried manfrotto at the store and i'm not sure if i like them... Can anyone tell me about davis and sandford tripods? I found a cheaper one (Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head) that can do everything i need. Or should i steer clear of that brand? I mostly just want to make an investment, so i don't have to buy another one down the road....

01-01-2012, 04:11 PM	#8
RagingWinds New Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 19 Original Poster	I'm looking at "3 legged thing" tripods now. Anyone have experience with them?

01-01-2012, 04:22 PM	#9
GDRoth Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: S.E. Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 830	I have the Manfrotto mentioned by Jolepp and the Manfrotto pistol grip head......very happy.......

01-01-2012, 04:52 PM	#10
RagingWinds New Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 19 Original Poster	I think i may be going with this... Check it out 3LT X1.1 Brian - 2nd Generation

01-01-2012, 04:52 PM	#11
panoguy Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Washington, D.C. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,327	Originally posted by RagingWinds I'm looking at "3 legged thing" tripods now. Anyone have experience with them? No experience with them, but they seem awfully pricey (unless the Pound Sterling has dropped a lot recently). Oh, and I think any one of the "3-legged things" would blow your $300 limit. Do you expect to hike a lot with your camera, and then maybe need a tripod? The reason I ask is because a tripod (like a camera) is only good if you have it with you. Many better-quality tripods that are within your price range weigh a lot (compared to your camera and a few lenses), and many lighter tripods either cost a bit more or are too unstable to really do the job of a tripod at all. Personally, I recommend Feisol tripods and good ball head. Spend the money now and it will be years, not months, before you need something better/lighter/sturdier. Manfrotto makes nice tripods but subpar ball-heads (but nice geared and fluid heads, though... no idea why).

01-01-2012, 05:04 PM	#12
RagingWinds New Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 19 Original Poster	Yea i really do like feisol, but i'm not sure i can afford one plus a ballhead. Maybe you could point me in the direction of a set up that's within my price range? I would definitely like something i could hike/travel with. The ballhead on the 3LT seems really nice and built very well . I also like that they come with a five year warranty. I found the 3LT brian (carbon fiber) for $399, and i wouldn't mind spending the extra 100$ for something that would last

01-01-2012, 05:11 PM	#13
demp10 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Atlanta Photos: Albums Posts: 602	I have the Manfrotto 055XPROB with the 804RC2 Pan Tilt head and could not be happier. B&H sell them as a kit and there is a rebate. After the rebate the kit is $198.48.

01-01-2012, 06:40 PM	#14
NotSteve Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Toronto Photos: Albums Posts: 200	I am in the process of checking out tripods as well. I am looking at the some of the models by Vanguard, since they have some interesting features, including some models were the centre post can swing 180 degrees down from the horizontal position for shooting macro. There is a thread about these tripods on the forum, plus one review: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/136106-va...4-tripods.html Vanguard Alta Pro 264AT reviews - Pentax Camera Accessories: Database and Reviews On another thread, I was inquiring about quick release plates and someone kindly directed me towards this tripod as being a very reasonably priced beginners' model: Dolica Proline (Aluminum) reviews - Pentax Camera Accessories: Database and Reviews You can check out other reviews on the site here: Tripods - Pentax Camera Accessories: Database and Reviews

01-01-2012, 07:23 PM	#15
vievetrick Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Easthampton - Massachusetts - USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,183	Originally posted by demp10 I have the Manfrotto 055XPROB with the 804RC2 Pan Tilt head and could not be happier. B&H sell them as a kit and there is a rebate. After the rebate the kit is $198.48. I bought this same setup and while it is a little heavy (not much) I am really liking it.