Quality Tripod Info

northcoastgreg · 03-26-2012, 07:16 AM

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

Originally posted by rvannatta

If you are trendy you will want a carbon fibre one, otherwise you will be happy with an Aluminum one.

It's not just about being trendy. The carbon fibre tripods really are lighter and more pleasant to work with. The last thing you want to do is purchase a tripod that's a drag to carry around and ends up being left at home. Unlike a digital camera, which has to be replaced every 3 to 5 years or so, a good tripod can last decades, so you can justify spending more money on it.

Anvh · 03-26-2012, 07:31 AM

Originally posted by panoguy

Aren't Redged tripods just rebadged HorusBennus? Amazing how a new badge can increase the price of something...

They certainly look like it.

**LaurenOE** · 03-26-2012, 08:02 AM

Tripods. They are definitely a love/hate kind of thing. I HATE taking my heavy Manfrotto 3021Pro everywhere - but - I LOVE that I can hang my back pack from it, use a video head with it, use a leveling center post with it, camp things to it's legs, use my slider with it, has replacement parts, is tough,water/sand/mud agnostic and can take a BEATING.

I have a closet full of other tripods, but the 3021Pro has been all over the world with me. I can't imagine a better outdoor tripod when you are actually in the outdoors.

**LaurenOE** · 03-26-2012, 08:06 AM

Originally posted by mikeSF

this is so true!

I've had a few different tripods and have settled into a fairly heavy setup which i much prefer over the lighter carbon fiber one i used to use. when i am outside shooting in 15-20mph winds, i sometimes wish i had the concrete and brick rig, lol. So far, i've never gone on a hike that was so long that i regretted slinging my heavy tripod over my shoulder, however, i do have a couple of very small, very light tripods should this ever happen.
presently i use the Manfrotto 3021BPro legs with a Manfrotto 329 3-way head and it is super stable in most windy conditions.

Yep. This is what I am talking about. Agree 100%

**LaurenOE** · 03-26-2012, 08:09 AM

This is my 3021Pro in action.

Notice that I am also using other Manfrotto bits and I am clamping to a leg. The red bit is the center post leveling head, and I have a slider attached.

3021Pro - It's a tough bad-ass tripod.

Wheatfield · 03-26-2012, 08:24 AM

Originally posted by northcoastgreg

It's not just about being trendy. The carbon fibre tripods really are lighter and more pleasant to work with. The last thing you want to do is purchase a tripod that's a drag to carry around and ends up being left at home. Unlike a digital camera, which has to be replaced every 3 to 5 years or so, a good tripod can last decades, so you can justify spending more money on it.

Quite true. I had a Manfrotto 055 which became heavier than I wanted to carry, and had some other issues as well (crappy leg locks). The Feisol with head weighs about 3.5 pounds compared to my 055 which was around 8 pounds with head. The CF tripods are nicer to use, especially in cold weather, and comparing the Feisol to the Manfrotto is a night and day comparison for overall usability. The Manfrotto feels and works really clunky by comparison. It just isn't a good tripod.
My understanding, though I could be wrong, is that CF tripods don't transmit vibration or sing the same way that metal tripods do.

**LaurenOE** · 03-26-2012, 08:26 AM

Every shot in this was done with my 3021Pro and setup above

You Tube

Notice..
In some places it's grass/marsh/stone/woods/Sheep - Cow poop
Notice the wind at 4:13, 4:34, 4:39
5:34 - The camera and slider are actually UPSIDE DOWN here and moving across the grass!

You Tube

Notice..
1:42, another UPSIDE DOWN shot with the slider and camera. This time over a tombstone.
Lots more wind and interesting setups.

With a tripod like the 3021Pro, you can do things on location that you can't predict.

mikeSF · 03-26-2012, 09:07 AM

wow, those are amazing, Lauren!

**LaurenOE** · 03-26-2012, 09:14 AM

Originally posted by mikeSF

wow, those are amazing, Lauren!

Thanks.

Like I said, I LOVE/HATE a tough metal tripod. I could not do what I do without a workhorse like the Manfrotto 3021Pro. The tripod is the one tool that should become second nature out in the wild. My Manfrotto 3021Pro can be configured in so many different ways.

It's been thrown into airplane baggage, dropped on concrete, tied down in wind, frozen, been covered in poop - you name it.

I HATE it and LOVE it.

Adk X · 03-26-2012, 11:01 AM

will check out the site and try to kick it up on you tube ...Thanks

Adk X · 03-26-2012, 11:10 AM

Thank you for the advice,I picked up a Benro Travel Angel carbon fiber ..used.Now I need a ball head for it...thinking of a Manfrotto...a light one maybe like the Classic. The Grip ball head may be too big ???Thanks !

Adk X · 03-26-2012, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by reeftool

Tripods are one of those things that are worth searching out a camera store or electronics store that carries a decent camera and accessories section. Pictures in a catalog or online don't tell you much. It will have weight and size and other specs but will it be a hassle to work with? Heads especially. I want to actually see what I am getting. I backpack and xc ski and recently bought a Promaster carbon fiber tripod. Very light and sturdy enough for my uses. I have a Manfrotto 3 way head I'm currently using. I also liked the Vanguard models. They only had alumunium models in the store and that's why I opted for the Promaster. I paid around $160 with tax. I already owned the head which I used on my much heavier Quantaray tripod. You can notice the difference in weight right off in the store when picking them up. While I like my setup, it might not be satisfactory for someone else. It makes decisions much easier when you have a dozen set up in front of you to check out. I notice you're from the Adirondacks as I am also. Ray Supply in Queensbury has a very good collection of several brands in stock at prices very close to online retailers.

I'm from up around Plattsburgh...I will take a trip down to Ray Supply in Queensbury .as I have to go to Glens Falls shortly. Thanks for the heads up. BTW....I picked up a used Benro Travel Angel yesterday,Carbon fiber.Thanks Alot !

Adk X · 03-26-2012, 11:20 AM

Originally posted by northcoastgreg

It's not just about being trendy. The carbon fibre tripods really are lighter and more pleasant to work with. The last thing you want to do is purchase a tripod that's a drag to carry around and ends up being left at home. Unlike a digital camera, which has to be replaced every 3 to 5 years or so, a good tripod can last decades, so you can justify spending more money on it.

Picked up a Carbon Fiber Benro Travel Angel...used ...Thanks

Adk X · 03-26-2012, 11:24 AM

Originally posted by LaurenOE

This is my 3021Pro in action.

Notice that I am also using other Manfrotto bits and I am clamping to a leg. The red bit is the center post leveling head, and I have a slider attached.

3021Pro - It's a tough bad-ass tripod.

Great info...THANKS !!

**RKKS08** · 03-28-2012, 10:21 AM

@ LaurenOE

Are you aware, that these videos can be looked at in the US, but are blocked for many other countries?

For certain settings of your copyright, YouTube is not allowed to show your videos in many countries if you haven't an agreement with their domestic intellectual property rights administration. If someone tries to see these videos, he/she will get a message equal to this (it says "music" because this is a standardized message):

Quote:

Unfortunately, this UMG-music-content is not available in Germany because GEMA has not granted the respective music publishing rights.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
will a good quality ND filter retain 100% pic quality?	liukaitc	Photographic Technique	20	01-14-2012 09:05 PM
Budget tripod £/quality	Deano1969	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	2	06-21-2011 03:37 PM
Best Quality Tripod and Ball Head for Under $300	soppy	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	15	09-24-2010 07:23 PM
SMC-K 300/4 vs Super Takumar 300/4 -- Tripod Mounts, image quality?	tendim	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	03-20-2010 09:25 AM
Info about 3 and 4 sections tripod in carbon-fiber models	manowar1978	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	9	12-24-2009 03:26 PM

03-26-2012, 07:16 AM	#16
northcoastgreg Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,173	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Originally posted by rvannatta If you are trendy you will want a carbon fibre one, otherwise you will be happy with an Aluminum one. It's not just about being trendy. The carbon fibre tripods really are lighter and more pleasant to work with. The last thing you want to do is purchase a tripod that's a drag to carry around and ends up being left at home. Unlike a digital camera, which has to be replaced every 3 to 5 years or so, a good tripod can last decades, so you can justify spending more money on it.

03-26-2012, 07:31 AM	#17
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	Originally posted by panoguy Aren't Redged tripods just rebadged HorusBennus? Amazing how a new badge can increase the price of something... They certainly look like it.

03-26-2012, 08:02 AM	#18
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	Tripods. They are definitely a love/hate kind of thing. I HATE taking my heavy Manfrotto 3021Pro everywhere - but - I LOVE that I can hang my back pack from it, use a video head with it, use a leveling center post with it, camp things to it's legs, use my slider with it, has replacement parts, is tough,water/sand/mud agnostic and can take a BEATING. I have a closet full of other tripods, but the 3021Pro has been all over the world with me. I can't imagine a better outdoor tripod when you are actually in the outdoors.

03-26-2012, 08:06 AM	#19
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	Originally posted by mikeSF this is so true! I've had a few different tripods and have settled into a fairly heavy setup which i much prefer over the lighter carbon fiber one i used to use. when i am outside shooting in 15-20mph winds, i sometimes wish i had the concrete and brick rig, lol. So far, i've never gone on a hike that was so long that i regretted slinging my heavy tripod over my shoulder, however, i do have a couple of very small, very light tripods should this ever happen. presently i use the Manfrotto 3021BPro legs with a Manfrotto 329 3-way head and it is super stable in most windy conditions. Yep. This is what I am talking about. Agree 100%

03-26-2012, 08:09 AM	#20
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	This is my 3021Pro in action. Notice that I am also using other Manfrotto bits and I am clamping to a leg. The red bit is the center post leveling head, and I have a slider attached. 3021Pro - It's a tough bad-ass tripod.

03-26-2012, 08:24 AM	#21
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Originally posted by northcoastgreg It's not just about being trendy. The carbon fibre tripods really are lighter and more pleasant to work with. The last thing you want to do is purchase a tripod that's a drag to carry around and ends up being left at home. Unlike a digital camera, which has to be replaced every 3 to 5 years or so, a good tripod can last decades, so you can justify spending more money on it. Quite true. I had a Manfrotto 055 which became heavier than I wanted to carry, and had some other issues as well (crappy leg locks). The Feisol with head weighs about 3.5 pounds compared to my 055 which was around 8 pounds with head. The CF tripods are nicer to use, especially in cold weather, and comparing the Feisol to the Manfrotto is a night and day comparison for overall usability. The Manfrotto feels and works really clunky by comparison. It just isn't a good tripod. My understanding, though I could be wrong, is that CF tripods don't transmit vibration or sing the same way that metal tripods do.

03-26-2012, 09:07 AM	#23
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	wow, those are amazing, Lauren!

03-26-2012, 09:14 AM	#24
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	Originally posted by mikeSF wow, those are amazing, Lauren! Thanks. Like I said, I LOVE/HATE a tough metal tripod. I could not do what I do without a workhorse like the Manfrotto 3021Pro. The tripod is the one tool that should become second nature out in the wild. My Manfrotto 3021Pro can be configured in so many different ways. It's been thrown into airplane baggage, dropped on concrete, tied down in wind, frozen, been covered in poop - you name it. I HATE it and LOVE it.

03-26-2012, 11:01 AM	#25
Adk X Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Adirondack Mts. Posts: 44 Original Poster	will check out the site and try to kick it up on you tube ...Thanks

03-26-2012, 11:10 AM	#26
Adk X Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Adirondack Mts. Posts: 44 Original Poster	Thank you for the advice,I picked up a Benro Travel Angel carbon fiber ..used.Now I need a ball head for it...thinking of a Manfrotto...a light one maybe like the Classic. The Grip ball head may be too big ???Thanks !

03-26-2012, 11:17 AM	#27
Adk X Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Adirondack Mts. Posts: 44 Original Poster	Originally posted by reeftool Tripods are one of those things that are worth searching out a camera store or electronics store that carries a decent camera and accessories section. Pictures in a catalog or online don't tell you much. It will have weight and size and other specs but will it be a hassle to work with? Heads especially. I want to actually see what I am getting. I backpack and xc ski and recently bought a Promaster carbon fiber tripod. Very light and sturdy enough for my uses. I have a Manfrotto 3 way head I'm currently using. I also liked the Vanguard models. They only had alumunium models in the store and that's why I opted for the Promaster. I paid around $160 with tax. I already owned the head which I used on my much heavier Quantaray tripod. You can notice the difference in weight right off in the store when picking them up. While I like my setup, it might not be satisfactory for someone else. It makes decisions much easier when you have a dozen set up in front of you to check out. I notice you're from the Adirondacks as I am also. Ray Supply in Queensbury has a very good collection of several brands in stock at prices very close to online retailers. I'm from up around Plattsburgh...I will take a trip down to Ray Supply in Queensbury .as I have to go to Glens Falls shortly. Thanks for the heads up. BTW....I picked up a used Benro Travel Angel yesterday,Carbon fiber.Thanks Alot !

03-26-2012, 11:20 AM	#28
Adk X Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Adirondack Mts. Posts: 44 Original Poster	Originally posted by northcoastgreg It's not just about being trendy. The carbon fibre tripods really are lighter and more pleasant to work with. The last thing you want to do is purchase a tripod that's a drag to carry around and ends up being left at home. Unlike a digital camera, which has to be replaced every 3 to 5 years or so, a good tripod can last decades, so you can justify spending more money on it. Picked up a Carbon Fiber Benro Travel Angel...used ...Thanks

03-26-2012, 11:24 AM	#29
Adk X Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Adirondack Mts. Posts: 44 Original Poster	Originally posted by LaurenOE This is my 3021Pro in action. Notice that I am also using other Manfrotto bits and I am clamping to a leg. The red bit is the center post leveling head, and I have a slider attached. 3021Pro - It's a tough bad-ass tripod. Great info...THANKS !!

03-28-2012, 10:21 AM	#30
RKKS08 Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Frankfurt am Main Posts: 1,241	@ LaurenOE Are you aware, that these videos can be looked at in the US, but are blocked for many other countries? For certain settings of your copyright, YouTube is not allowed to show your videos in many countries if you haven't an agreement with their domestic intellectual property rights administration. If someone tries to see these videos, he/she will get a message equal to this (it says "music" because this is a standardized message): Quote: Unfortunately, this UMG-music-content is not available in Germany because GEMA has not granted the respective music publishing rights.