What is a good versatile tripod

[GraphyFotoz]

I've been on the hunt for a good versatile pod that won't break the bank.

This is one I found I like a lot!!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=296587&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Looking for something that will go low profile for macro work and the like.
As well as other avenues of photography.

What is everyones input before I purchase? :dunno

**Borrowed pics from ebay auction to show versatility/features**

http://i13.ebayimg.com/04/i/06/5a/28/89_1.JPG http://i11.ebayimg.com/05/i/06/59/a6/39_1_b.JPGhttp://i14.ebayimg.com/01/i/06/5a/05/60_1.JPG http://i23.ebayimg.com/02/i/06/60/e2/3b_1.JPG

http://i3.ebayimg.com/03/i/06/60/2c/c9_1.JPG http://i1.ebayimg.com/04/i/06/5b/45/43_1.JPG

http://i5.ebayimg.com/02/i/06/60/84/e8_1.JPG http://i11.ebayimg.com/05/i/06/59/a6/4e_1.JPG

[Andy]

If you're not hiking, then

the Bogen 3001B pro legs
the Bogen 3029 pan/tilt head

Very stable, solid, and not crazy expensive

[GraphyFotoz]

If you're not hiking, then

the Bogen 3001B pro legs
the Bogen 3029 pan/tilt head

Very stable, solid, and not crazy expensive

Hummmmm something to think about!!:scratch
I will be doing a lotta hiking and 6.6lbs isn't very apealing.
But it comes down to versitlity vs weight.....uggggggg!!:dunno

I wanna do a lotta macro work but yet have something that'll handle my 4lb beast on it for landscapes and funny angles for macro.
Man this is as bad as picking out a camera!:huh

[Art Scott]

here is that same Giottos cheaper than B/H.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/THE-Most-Versatile-Tripod-Giottos-MT9170-Low-Angle_W0QQitemZ7600334527QQcategoryZ30094QQcmdZVie wItem

....Philly Photo has been really great to deal with {and so has B/H, I spent alot with both}....I purchased the 9180 and I have my bogen 322rc ball head on it.... It is only slightly heaver that most carbon fibre...by slightly I mean from a few ounces to maybe 1#....it was not enough of difference to make that monetary jump......the Giottos' are also very backpack friendly.....they aren't as tall as a compacted bogen or at least the bogen (3021) I toted all over the Czech Republic.

I have taken the center post out and ran it horizontal to shoot at night very slow shutter speeds and it held camera nice and steady of course you can always hang a little sand bag on the opossing end also.
I also have a P-POD monopod, it has the 3 add on legs to help steady it a touch more....I use them more to get the mono pod down low to the ground for plants and mushrooms and such....

[Sam]

If you're not hiking, then

the Bogen 3001B pro legs
the Bogen 3029 pan/tilt head

Very stable, solid, and not crazy expensive

I hike with it all the time. :dunno

OK, there are lighter, but as long as your not doing serious back packing it should be ok.


Sam

[GraphyFotoz]

here is that same Giottos cheaper than B/H.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/THE-Most-Versatile-Tripod-Giottos-MT9170-Low-Angle_W0QQitemZ7600334527QQcategoryZ30094QQcmdZVie wItem

....Philly Photo has been really great to deal with {and so has B/H, I spent alot with both}....I purchased the 9180 and I have my bogen 322rc ball head on it.... It is only slightly heaver that most carbon fibre...by slightly I mean from a few ounces to maybe 1#....it was not enough of difference to make that monetary jump......the Giottos' are also very backpack friendly.....they aren't as tall as a compacted bogen or at least the bogen (3021) I toted all over the Czech Republic.

I have taken the center post out and ran it horizontal to shoot at night very slow shutter speeds and it held camera nice and steady of course you can always hang a little sand bag on the opossing end also.
I also have a P-POD monopod, it has the 3 add on legs to help steady it a touch more....I use them more to get the mono pod down low to the ground for plants and mushrooms and such....

Sounds great so far!
So the whole head area is made of a light metal or delrin plastic?
If I'm gonna spend a few bux I want it to last me for years! :D
My 3011 has been a real work horse for 5yrs now.
Not a lotta weight savings cuz with the Slik AF2100 it weighs in at 7lbs!!

BTW: That's the exact one I had in mind.....your 9180 is about exactly the same!

UPDATE
I bought it! :D
Altho it maybe a bit cumbersome in the field weight wise....I've gotten kinda used to it with my 7lb 3011. The versitility will be worth it I think. :dunno

[Stan]

GraphyFotoz,thanks for the heads up on the Giottos tripod. I have never got on with my current tripod, and have been looking to replace it for ages.

I hadn't considered the Giottos, thinking I would stay with Manfrotto. The 9170 arrived this morning along with a Huey monitor correction thingy so now I am happy.

The Giottos seems to have a much better build compared to an equivalent price Manfrotto :dunno

Cheers
Stan