Recommended Tripods From Left to Right:
Gitzo GT3530LS, Slik 700DX, Gitzo GT2531EX & GT1541
Photo by Ron Martinsen - All Rights Reserved
Thom Hogan back in 2003 wrote the definitive article on tripods where he states that he can save you at least $700 if you by the right stuff the first time, but I didn’t listen. I followed the exact path he says most consumers follow and guess what – he was right. I ended up wasting about $700!
As great as Thom’s article is, it’s woefully out of date which is no surprise giving the dizzying array of tripod choices. In this article I hope to offer some selections based on my conversations with experts at B&H as well as a non-scientific poll of pro photographers and club members.
My objective was to find at least 4 excellent tripods that met the needs of most photographers, and I’ve accomplished that goal. I think all of the tripods I’ll mention are an excellent investment and worth owning, but which one depends on your needs. Like most things in photography, there is no good “one-size fits all” solution. I REALLY wish there was, but there isn’t.
Like you, I face the dilemma of needing to purchase a new tripod myself and as much as I wish to win the lottery, I haven’t. As a result, I must decide where to spend my limited resources for my next tripod so I invite you to join me as I go in-depth on my research on each of these tripods.
My needs may not be the same as yours, so you can purchase any of these with confidence that you aren’t getting a piece of junk that you’ll replace in a few months. However, there are tradeoffs for each one so consider your needs carefully before making the right choice. Going for the cheapest, the most expensive, the lightest, or the most flexible could be a critical mistake if you don’t really give thought to how you’ll actually use your tripod.
My 2011 Tripod Recommendations
Thanks to the great people at B&H,I have had the pleasure of reviewing some of the coolest Gitzo tripods on the market right now as well as a excellent value tripod by Slik & Induro.
The models featured in this multi-part series are:
- Slik 700DX Pro Tripod Legs (Titanium Finish) (Review)– For less than $100 (on 5/4/2011), these are excellent tripod legs for the money. I’ve always wanted to have a economy set of legs to recommend, and now I have found one. It’s no wonder these have earned a 5 star rating from over 40 reviewers (as of 5/4/2011) on B&H. Naturally there are major trade-offs at this price point, but these will get the job done without breaking your back or bank account.
- Gitzo GT1541 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg) (Review) – I LOVE these legs! The best tripod is the one you have with you, and when your tripod is too big and bulky to carry around it’s easy to leave it at home. These are easy to attach to your backpack and carry all day, so for hikers you’ll love hearing more about this really awesome set of legs. In fact, I loved them so much that I bought these legs in August 2011 at B&H (for the same price you would pay).
- Induro Carbon 8x CT014 Tripod Legs – Supports 11 lbs (5kg) (Review) – Lust for the Gitzo GT1541, but just just can’t swing the price? This is a great alternative for $401 less (at the time of this writing), but be sure to read my warning about the stud height.
- Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.5 lbs (12kg) (Review) – These legs feature the killer cool rapid column and a revolutionary locking design that make this the Spiderman of tripod legs. There’s basically nothing you can’t do with these legs.
- Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Review) – With no center column to reduce stability, this is basically your portable wall that can handle up to 39.6 lbs (18kg). If you are using a gimbal head to hold a big lens, then this is the ultimate solution for being able to handle big weight without carrying a tripod that weighs more than your big lens!
You will notice that there are no Bogen Manfrotto legs in this list. This is because the legs I replace are Bogen Manfrotto and they have really let me down. I’ve had some serious problems with Manfrotto products over the last year, and my current Bogen Manfrotto legs are falling apart (see my Induro CT014 review for details). As a result, I went to the brand that everyone seems to trust the most – Gizto for what is arguably the best legs in the business. To learn more about Gitzo, visit http://www.gitzo.com/.
What about Heads & Kits?
In August 2011, I did a tripod head comparison where you can learn more about some of the great products on the market.
Here’s what I use:
Really Right Stuff BH-55 - Photo by Ron Martinsen - All Rights Reserved
When it comes to heads my favorite is the BH-55 made by Really Right Stuff (RRS). This is a big endorsement too because I DO NOT get a commission if you buy from them. I am in NO WAY affiliated with RRS, but I’ve had well over 50 well respected pros say there’s nothing better in the business. RRS doesn’t endorse or sponsor pros (that I am aware of) so they have to make a recommendation like that, I think it is because they believe it - and for no other reason. Yes, they really are that good.
Yes, they are insane expensive. I hate the price and I resisted them for years because I thought it was nuts to spend that much money on a stupid head. I still feel that way, but the BH-55 is the head to get – period. It’s durable, flexible, and works extremely well. Am I biased, hell yes. Am I fanboy, hell yes. This is the last ball head you need to buy (well until RRS comes up with something better, but they have other ways to get thousands more of your hard earned dollars).
Yes, they nickel and dime you to death. Yes, their web site sucks. Yes, they shouldn’t cost that much. Yes, there are Acratech, Arca-Swiss, Gitzo, Induro, Kirk, Markins, etc… that people will swear on the Internet that are just as good or better. I encourage you to read my tripod head comparison article to see how they stack up against this head and make an informed decision about which head is right for you.
But what about the BH-40?
Don’t buy a BH-40 new, instead search for one used. You’ll find plenty. It’s a great head, but you’ll find that most end up needing the added support of the BH-55, so this becomes a frequent buyers remorse purchase that ends up on the used market so that the person in question can get the BH-55.
What about Monopods?
Click here to see my monopod recommendations article.
Will you be doing any other tripod reviews?
Yes. Like many of you out there, I have limited funds and would love a tripod that met more of my needs than any of the offerings in this series. I love them all, but all have trade-offs that cause me to pause when spending this kind of money (excluding the Slik & Induro). If in the future I find a better tripod, I will update this article to include a link to my review.
Links to Tripod Reviews
I am doing in-depth reviews of EACH of the tripods mentioned at the top of this article. Come back to this page and click the links below (when they become live) to see my reviews and photos of my 2011 tripod recommendations:
- Slik 700DX Pro Tripod Legs (Titanium Finish) – Review
- Gitzo GT1541 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs – Review (I bought this one in August 2011)
- Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs – Review
- Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs – Review
- Induro Carbon 8x CT014 Tripod Legs – Review (see the warning in the review)
- Velbon GEO E540 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod – Review coming soon (not recommended)
Disclosure
B&H has provided me with the tripods featured in this series on a loaner basis. I do not get to keep them and will be returning them back to B&H if I choose not to buy them. I will probably purchase one using my own money with no special discount from B&H or the maker. Induro, Gitzo and Slik had nothing to do with this article and as of this point and time I’ve never spoken to anyone from either company.
The selections made from this article were purely based on popularity recommendations from a variety of sources. I make no guarantees of any type, but all products that I am considering to purchase for my own needs. I am simply sharing my shopping experience with you.
If you purchase using the links in the article from B&H, I may get a commission. Thank you for supporting this blog by using my links when you make your purchase.
4 comments:
Ron, since I am interested in purchasing a RRS head, I have a question for you.
You say "most end up needing the added support" of the BH-55. The spec page of the BH-40 say is the BH-40 has a Load Capacity: of 18 lb., and the BH-30 Load capacity: 15 lb. This more than you should ever need. In addition if I was pushing this weight You would want a gimbal. So what do mean by your statement of "most end up needing the added support"? Plus the 55 weighs in at a whopping 1.9 lbs, compared to 1.1 and 10oz.
I'm just trying to understand the advantages of going with 55 considering the extra price and weight. What makes it better?
If you have a 70-200 2.8 you'll find that with bodies like a D700 or 5DM2 that you get more drift from the head after you lock down with the smaller ball heads.
The BH-55 is bulky, but I prefer stability over weight reduction.
Like I said, if u want to try a 40, then pick one up used to save some money and minimize your losses if u later upgrade. I wouldn't pay full price for the 40.
I agree with Ron's comment. As a long time owner of the BH-40, I am well aware of the initial 'drift' that occurs when locking down the head. I've learned to compensate for this, but I've never been particularly satisfied. Having just recently 'upgraded' to the BH-55, I can report that this head is rock-solid and stable and, once locked down, it does not move. The only penalty is that it is heavy and now my Gitzo 2531 feels a bit top-heavy. I will still use the BH-40 when traveling overseas and weight is an issue.
Hi Ron,
I was looking for that elusive combination of light weight, compact and still sturdy. I compared the Gitzo to the Induro CT014 side by side and actually liked the Induro better. The fact that it was less than half the price of the Gitzo was a bonus, but honestly I bought it on features and quality alone. You may want to check them out next time.
Post a Comment