Recommendation for tripod?

[PeggyC]

I have a few extra dollars and would love to have a new tripod. What do you recommend?

[Lauren]

Generally I always recommend the Manfrotto (Bogen) line, but which one specifically will depend on a few things...


Will you be travelling/hiking with it a lot and need something lightweight or is sturdiness more important?
What's the heaviest gear you're going to be putting on it?
Do you want a ball or pan head? Do you need it to do panoramic work?
Are you going to do macro/field work and need something that can go low to the ground and/or have a reversible column?
What is the minimum height you would want it to be fully extended? Would this exclude the centre column (more stable)?
And finally, define a few dollars. ;) Tripods can be more expensive than the camera itself!


Sorry for all the questions, but I put a LOT of research into my dream tripod. I say dream because I haven't bought it - don't actually use tripods enough to warrant the purchase yet!

[PeggyC]

All good questions. I do have a lightweight, cheap tripod right now and I'm looking to upgrade.


Sturdiness is more important
I have a Canon 20D with a 75-300 telephoto and I'm also looking to add a flash to the camera, probably the 580
No panaromic work
Macro work, not now but maybe in the future. I see a lot of the tripods go down to around 10 inches and I think this is fine.
I would think five feet for minimum height would be enough and the more stable, the better
Well, I was looking at the prices and I would like to spend no more than $300

[Sulis]

Yes, Manfrotto tripods are considered by many to be the best:)