The first link was to a 3021N tripod legs chrome at b&hThe second link was to a Bogen 484RC2 ballhead at b&h.

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Use a $40 Sunpak medium duty tripod, works great..

I see no point on spending more than $50 or so on a tripod.Fuji Film S9100..

Read this:.

Http://www.bythom.com/support.htm.

OP already pointed out that he already broke a cheap tripod..

A solid tripod will help a lot in getting sharp pictures..

OP:.

I used Feisol CT-3401 legs and a Bogen 486RC2. That was about $280 when I bought them a year ago. They are in the medium price range and works well. They are well built and they should last a long time. if you don't mind carrying the heavier aluminum legs, the Bogen/Manfrotto 3001 legs + ball head will be within the $200 budget..

Tripod Legs usually means tripod with center column with no heads..

Usapatriot wrote:.

Use a $40 Sunpak medium duty tripod, works great..

I see no point on spending more than $50 or so on a tripod.Fuji Film S9100.

Johnnyhttp://tuxbailey.zenfolio.com..

Depending on maker, they may come "legs" only, or as a set with a head of some sort. Some are also sold without center posts but that's a pretty small group of tripods..

A large store like B&H may sell them legs only, or as supplied by the makers with heads, or even package their own leg/head combinations. There are some less scrupulous vendors who might somehow play games over pricing and pictures so it's worth watching. I don't think B&H would be gaming with their images but they might be warning that a particular listing didn't include everything in an image..

The Bogen 3021 series is very highly regarded - and with a few similar tripods from a couple of other makers, it's kind of the pinnacle bang for the buck in aluminum. The Slik Pro 700dx is also highly recommended, it's similarly but slightly less fully featured to the Bogen, and less expensive. (Things like leg angle settings, ability to easly add leg spikes, etc., or with the 3021pro series, add a horizontal arm easily/no added cost, etc.) I'm pleased with the Giottos aluminum model I just got and would not rule them out. They are increasing presence in the market and don't have a lot of forum discussion. There are a lot of Bogen and Slik users. I kind of wonder if that rig isn't approaching the usable limit of the Bogen/Slik 700 DX.

I got the Giottos GB-4180, I think there is a recent model change so don't know if that particular one is still out there. It's rated for more weight than the 3021, and I believe it's not only a bit more expensive, it's in the neighborhood of a pound heavier..

There are some carbon fiber alternatives. Feisol and some others come to mind. I kind of think that basalt/lava help for weight but the added prices makes me think one could just go to CF on the brands that offer all of them. I haven't kept track of pricing, I think Feisol is a pretty reliable source at this point but don't know how their prices compare at sufficent weight ratings. Generally, to go lighter than the good aluminums, I'd expect you will be paying more (and sometimes substantially so) for the various composites..

I'd not recommend the 484 head. It's too small for that load. I have a 785b and it's essentially a 484 head permanently mounted on a lighter pod. The head is small both that the ball itself is small which means too much cranking down to get a good hold, and it's fiddly small in size as well. 486 would be OK, the 488 has a panning base. It's entirely possible that with that outfit, the camera, lens involved, that with those heads, you'll get some sag.



But to absolutely not get any sag, you would probably need a substantial price jump to prime CF or heavier aluminum and substantially more expensive ($300 range or higher) ballheads...

Unfortunately - as with many other things too - you get what you pay for. And that is very true statement for tripods especially..

When buying a tripod there are 3 (conflicting) factors:- stability (rigidity, sturdiness,)- weight- (low) price.

You can have two of the three:- reasonable price and light-weight, BUT not sturdy- reasonable price and sturdy, BUT not light- sturdy and light-weight, BUT expensive.

So it pretty much: pick your poison. If you dont' care about one or the other, weight or sturdiness (which would not be smart, as that's what the primary purpose of the tripod is) you will find several choices at rather low prices. If, however, you value a sturdy tripod that's light-weight enough to carry around for an extended period of time, you will have to spend a little more. However, a good tripod will serve you a lifetime and reward you with many many good und unblurred pictures. There is almost nothing more frustrating than realizing that most of your pictures didn't turn out due to camera shake, after having spent hours of shooting and composing..

There is a wise saying that goes: The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten..

Cheers,becksi..

Hello all,thank you for your generous postings..

As for spending $50 on a tripod, I'd rather avoid that. From what I've seen, a $50 tripod will most likely be of unsturdy or heavy material. The tripod I was using earlier was made out of plastic (my friends are cheapos . I didn't trust it at all with my Canon 400D + 17-55mm 2.8IS, which was my heaviest combo until I got my 70-200mm f4L. I didn't even try mounting the 70-200 on it. Good thing it broke, so now I have an excuse to get a new one (I should mention that it broke before I mounted a slave flash on it, good thing it didn't break while my camera was on it!)..

I have done a bit more research, and have come up with the following:.

Bogen 3021BN $160.

Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...anfrotto_3021BN_3021BN_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html.

Bogen 728B $120.

Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...ogen_Manfrotto_728B_728B_Digi_Tripod_with.html.

And Feisol CT-3401N $170 + $40 center column = $210.

The 728B has a fixed head mount (it cannot be removed), so that seems a bit limited. I'm not sure how good a removable head is, but it seems more flexible. It has a 3-way head included in the price, while the 3021BN and the Feisol 3401N do not have any head included. It is relatively lightweight at 1.7kg, and is made out of aluminum. Load capacity is 3.5kg..

The 3021BN seems like a step up, it has a higher max height, and load capacity is 6kg. It is a bit heavier than the 728B though, it weights 2.3kg. It doesn't come with a head, so thats a minus. It however, can extend to the highest of the three, which is good since I'm 6' tall..

The Feisol 3401 has better specs than the rest, which is expected since it costs a lot more: it is the lightest at 1.5kg (including center column), yet has the highest max load capacity (7kg). It also can extend the highest without raising the center column, which bodes well for stability..

The latter is a bit above my budget, and is harder to get due to it being in Taiwan, but since I have some friends there this summer perhaps they wouldn't minding brining another 2 kilos back . However I'm still open to suggests, so keep the suggestions coming in! I am in no real need of a tripod until this fall, when I promised some people portrait photoshoots..

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Just like Craig, the first thing I thought was that the ball head listed was going to be inadequate. The legs will probably get the job done but either spend more on the ball head or move to a non-ball solution with the weight of equiptment your quoting..

A small ball's inadequacies will not show up on the monopod which only contributes to the stability of the photographer who will automatically adjust out the sag with a small motion. (I don't like that explanation, but I can't think of another better way to explain it.).

Yes you can use the same head on both the monopod and tripod, although it will require a little of your time and a tool.A member of the rabble in good standing...

If you want serious support because of the type of lenses you are using, you might as well go for the 3021 or the Feisol. If you don't mind the weight, 3021 + 488RC2 head will be a good combo..

As for the Feisol, they ship from the Taiwan and the shipping is resonable if I remember correctly..

Sfordfoto wrote:.

I have done a bit more research, and have come up with the following:.

Bogen 3021BN $160.

Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...anfrotto_3021BN_3021BN_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html.

Bogen 728B $120.

Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...ogen_Manfrotto_728B_728B_Digi_Tripod_with.html.

And Feisol CT-3401N $170 + $40 center column = $210.

The latter is a bit above my budget, and is harder to get due to itbeing in Taiwan, but since I have some friends there this summerperhaps they wouldn't minding brining another 2 kilos back .However I'm still open to suggests, so keep the suggestions comingin! I am in no real need of a tripod until this fall, when I promisedsome people portrait photoshoots..

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Johnnyhttp://tuxbailey.zenfolio.com..

ElanToXT wrote:.

If you want serious support because of the type of lenses you areusing, you might as well go for the 3021 or the Feisol. If you don'tmind the weight, 3021 + 488RC2 head will be a good combo..

As for the Feisol, they ship from the Taiwan and the shipping isresonable if I remember correctly..

The feisol is an excellent choice. Built quality is great and the value at that price not beatable..

[edit] I forgot about the head. With the more professional tripods you need to buy the head separately. I can't comment on the Feisol head, I am using a Kirk ball head. Arca Swiss are excellent too. [end edit].

Sfordfoto wrote:.

I have done a bit more research, and have come up with the following:.

Bogen 3021BN $160.

Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...anfrotto_3021BN_3021BN_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html.

Bogen 728B $120.

Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...ogen_Manfrotto_728B_728B_Digi_Tripod_with.html.

And Feisol CT-3401N $170 + $40 center column = $210.

The latter is a bit above my budget, and is harder to get due to itbeing in Taiwan, but since I have some friends there this summerperhaps they wouldn't minding brining another 2 kilos back .However I'm still open to suggests, so keep the suggestions comingin! I am in no real need of a tripod until this fall, when I promisedsome people portrait photoshoots..

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Johnnyhttp://tuxbailey.zenfolio.com..

Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...-REG/Benro_C228_C_228_Carbon_Fiber_Tripod.html.

This is a top notch carbon fiber tripod that should last you a very long time. I've had many aluminum tripods from Bogen, etc. and I can tell you that once I got a carbon fiber tripod there was no going back. Just get a good head to go with it and you'll be set for years to come. The main benefit to carbon fiber is it's very low weight. You'll really appreciate this if you lug around your setup for any period of timeDoug Walker..

But it's short ....

Doug Walker wrote:.

Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...-REG/Benro_C228_C_228_Carbon_Fiber_Tripod.htmlThis is a top notch carbon fiber tripod that should last you a verylong time. I've had many aluminum tripods from Bogen, etc. and I cantell you that once I got a carbon fiber tripod there was no goingback. Just get a good head to go with it and you'll be set for yearsto come. The main benefit to carbon fiber is it's very low weight.You'll really appreciate this if you lug around your setup for anyperiod of timeDoug Walker..

Hello Doug,.

Thank you for your recommendation of the Benro. However the Bogen 728B has similar specs (728Bis a bit higher at 165cm vs 153cm, and a bit heavier at 1.7kg vs 1.62kg). After you add a head onto the Benro, the Benro will probably be as heavy as the 728B. And the Benro is $80 more than the 728B!.

Is carbon fiber noticeably sturdier than aluminum? I know it's lighter, but is it sturdier? Thanks..

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I think people say cf has a bit better vibration dampening vs aluminum..

I too was in the market for a better tripod. My el cheapo tripod could not properly support my 30D with 24-70 so I went shopping and ended up with bythom's recommendation..

Look in the used market. I found a great deal on my tripod. For the record, the B1 is AWESOME!.

Canon 30D580 EX w/Sto-Fen Omni Bounce18-55 f3.5-5.624-70 f2.8LGitzo G1228 w/ Arca-Swiss B1..

My CF Feisol is rock solid when it is set up..

IMO, that benro is miles ahead of the 728B. Integrated head is good for something, but not necessary good for the type of equipment you plan to put on. I think you said you plan to get a 30D + 100-400 on it... You will need good support..

Sfordfoto wrote:.

Hello Doug,thank you for your recommendation of the Benro. However the Bogen728B has similar specs (728Bis a bit higher at 165cm vs 153cm, and abit heavier at 1.7kg vs 1.62kg). After you add a head onto the Benro,the Benro will probably be as heavy as the 728B. And the Benro is $80more than the 728B!.

Is carbon fiber noticeably sturdier than aluminum? I know itslighter, but is it sturdier? Thanks..

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Johnnyhttp://tuxbailey.zenfolio.com..

Sfordfoto wrote:.

Hello Doug,thank you for your recommendation of the Benro. However the Bogen728B has similar specs (728Bis a bit higher at 165cm vs 153cm, and abit heavier at 1.7kg vs 1.62kg). After you add a head onto the Benro,the Benro will probably be as heavy as the 728B. And the Benro is $80more than the 728B!.

Is carbon fiber noticeably sturdier than aluminum? I know itslighter, but is it sturdier? Thanks..

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The 728B compared to any cf tripod legs is woefully inferior. If your're serious you should consider the Benro cf legs. Easily 1/2 the cost of comparable cf legs. You also should consider the Acratech ball head. If you acquire both, you will not be looking for a tripod/head combo for a very, very long time.Doug Walker..

It's like the 724b but with a 3 eay head. Bogen doesn't tag these as dslr suitable. The weight capacity is higher than many digicam tripods, up in dslr capable pod range but they aren't comparable to a tripod really designed for heavier camera use...