Tripod size

[Badrottie]

I am curious about you serious photographers that have a tripod for many reasons but what size? I just ordered 72" tripod 2 weeks ago. I was not sure if it is right size for me since I lost my old tripod that I don't remember the size. I went to local camera store and they do not have 72 inches tripod to test it. What do you got?

 

[MCAsan]

The wife and I both had Gitzo tripods and RRS 55 ballheads for our 35mm equipment. We sold all that off and when micro four thirds. With the much lighter weight of bodies and lenses, we went with Feisol CT-3342 legs and Sirui K-20X ballheads.

http://www.feisol.net/feisol-tournament-tripod-ct3342-rapid-p-30.html
http://www.amazon.com/Sirui-K-20X-Ballhead-Release-Capacity/dp/B004QC3COO

 

[dwig]

I am curious about you serious photographers that have a tripod for many reasons but what size?...

The biggest, heaviest, and tallest tripod that you will actually carry and use. A big solid tripod left in the closet is of no use.

Personally, your height has some influence on what is the proper size for a general use tripod. I recommend that you get one that will raise the camera's VF to your eyelevel with the center column extended no more than a palm's width. For many people that will be a tripod larger and heavier that what they are willing to carry around and a shorter lighter tripod, and a much less comfortable shooting position, is a decent compromise.

 

[jerwin]

Hmm. This video may explain what you're getting with a ultra expensive tripod. (And, with all due respect, a $500 tripod requires an explanation, especially to one whose criterion involves "size")

Weight is certainly a factor. The tripod needs to be able to support a camera that's heavier than you think, without shake, while not being tooheavy to lug around.

 

[Badrottie]

Hmm. This video may explain what you're getting with a ultra expensive tripod. (And, with all due respect, a $500 tripod requires an explanation, especially to one whose criterion involves "size")

Weight is certainly a factor. The tripod needs to be able to support a camera that's heavier than you think, without shake, while not being tooheavy to lug around.

very interesting video.... I think I will have to leave my tripod at home only. I have 4 Joby Godillapod tripods - 1 mini and 1 mini with magnetic and two large dSLR tripods. One medium tabletop tripod. Those are for traveling only.

 

[Badrottie]

The wife and I both had Gitzo tripods and RRS 55 ballheads for our 35mm equipment. We sold all that off and when micro four thirds. With the much lighter weight of bodies and lenses, we went with Feisol CT-3342 legs and Sirui K-20X ballheads.

http://www.feisol.net/feisol-tournament-tripod-ct3342-rapid-p-30.html
http://www.amazon.com/Sirui-K-20X-Ballhead-Release-Capacity/dp/B004QC3COO

Nice tripod you have. I have a Joby Ballhead for a right price that work with Joby Godillapod and tripods.

http://joby.com/gorillapod/ballhead#features_specs

 

[Badrottie]

The biggest, heaviest, and tallest tripod that you will actually carry and use. A big solid tripod left in the closet is of no use.

Personally, your height has some influence on what is the proper size for a general use tripod. I recommend that you get one that will raise the camera's VF to your eyelevel with the center column extended no more than a palm's width. For many people that will be a tripod larger and heavier that what they are willing to carry around and a shorter lighter tripod, and a much less comfortable shooting position, is a decent compromise.

The one I have is not very heavy....Got it for 8 bucks off Amazon

 

[ChrisA]

I am curious about you serious photographers that have a tripod for many reasons but what size? I just ordered 72" tripod 2 weeks ago. I was not sure if it is right size for me since I lost my old tripod that I don't remember the size. I went to local camera store and they do not have 72 inches tripod to test it. What do you got?

Where are you using this tripod?

Right now I have a massive Manfrotto tripod in my living room with a tiny video camera mounter to it. The tripod weight literally 30 times more than the camera. Then after that I have 10 pound sand bags over each leg and over each let of the light sands. About 120 pounds of sand if you add it all up. This is reasonable for indoor use.

I'd be nuts to haul this tripod around on a hike in the woods. For that I have a small aluminum one made by silk that goes up to about 3 feet high and weights maybe 2 pounds, if that.

I'm using smaller cameras now. I used to shoot medium format (Mamiya RB67) which was a 12 pound camera. Now I have Nikon DX size bodies, the smaller size video cams and my iPhone.

In all cases I use the biggest tripod I can. Sometimes that turns out to be something really tiny, some times it's a 25 pound tripod with 30 pounds of sandbags added.

BTW one trick for outdoors, hang your water bottle, backpack or even a large rock in a bag from the tripod. Just let the weight hang between the legs. It will make any tripod much more stable and less likely to tip over. So even the ultra light one can hold my D300 with a big lens

About the height, I rarely need a tall tripod. If I did have a 72 inch tripod I'd need a step ladder to reach the camera as I am less than 72 inches tell. If you are much over 6 feet tall then you might want a taller tripod then me.

 

[Ray2]

Interesting as no idea what camera(s) you intend to mount on it. That's sort of the start of asking or helping.

 

[Badrottie]

Where are you using this tripod?

Right now I have a massive Manfrotto tripod in my living room with a tiny video camera mounter to it. The tripod weight literally 30 times more than the camera. Then after that I have 10 pound sand bags over each leg and over each let of the light sands. About 120 pounds of sand if you add it all up. This is reasonable for indoor use.

I'd be nuts to haul this tripod around on a hike in the woods. For that I have a small aluminum one made by silk that goes up to about 3 feet high and weights maybe 2 pounds, if that.

I'm using smaller cameras now. I used to shoot medium format (Mamiya RB67) which was a 12 pound camera. Now I have Nikon DX size bodies, the smaller size video cams and my iPhone.

In all cases I use the biggest tripod I can. Sometimes that turns out to be something really tiny, some times it's a 25 pound tripod with 30 pounds of sandbags added.

BTW one trick for outdoors, hang your water bottle, backpack or even a large rock in a bag from the tripod. Just let the weight hang between the legs. It will make any tripod much more stable and less likely to tip over. So even the ultra light one can hold my D300 with a big lens

About the height, I rarely need a tall tripod. If I did have a 72 inch tripod I'd need a step ladder to reach the camera as I am less than 72 inches tell. If you are much over 6 feet tall then you might want a taller tripod then me.

I am 5'10" l made a mistake when I ordered 72" tripod because I can't remember what height size I had with old tripod I lost.

 

[Abiatha Swelter]

I'm using smaller cameras now. I used to shoot medium format (Mamiya RB67) which was a 12 pound camera. .

What lenses were you using with that? I have an RB67, and with any of the lenses I have it is maybe six pounds. I have a Bogen 3033 with the 3047 head that holds it just fine. I've also mounted my Wista VX on it. But that tripod is a drag to haul around. I had lighter one, but it couldn't deal with the Mamiya; it was only useful for smaller cameras.

 

[tcphoto1]

I had a Bogen 3221 and a Canon ballhead for years but upgraded to the 3233 about a year ago. More important, what kind of weight are you putting on the head? I went from shooting a Mamiya RZ Pro to Canon 1Ds Series bodies and L lenses, so I needed a good base to work from. The last thing you want is to overload the tripod/head and have it fail.

 

[100Teraflops]

I had a Bogen 3221 and a Canon ballhead for years but upgraded to the 3233 about a year ago. More important, what kind of weight are you putting on the head? I went from shooting a Mamiya RZ Pro to Canon 1Ds Series bodies and L lenses, so I needed a good base to work from. The last thing you want is to overload the tripod/head and have it fail.

The 3221 is a great tripod! I used one for a few years before buying a lighter tripod.



Matching individual needs to the proper tripod is imperative. Buying the proper height is also important. I bought a little more length than I need just in case I have to setup on the side of hill etc...