Tripod Question(s)

[Dunkman04]

I'm looking for a tripod for my mom for Christmas. She's 61 and in good shape, but still she can't be carrying around a behemoth. She has a D5000 with the kit 18-55 and the AF-S VR 70-300. The usage she described was around where she lives (North Carolina coast) as well as short/medium day hikes in the mountains...she's retiring next year. Mostly she wants it to just help her steady some trickier shots.

Anyway, I have a cap of $200. At first I was thinking a Manfrotto 190XB with a 496RC2. However, I read some things that made me think it may not be the most compact or easy to carry system for her, although the weight seems pretty light. After that, I was thinking the Slik Pro 340DX, although I've never seen a Slik in person before (limited selection of camera stores locally.) I considered the Slik Sprint Mini II but decided it was probably just too small, although it certainly seems neat if it would work well enough. Thanks for making it this far, and I'd really appreciate any suggestions/recommendations.

 

[996GT2]

You probably haven't heard of them, but Benro is a reputable tripod manufacturer that's used by a lot of professionals in Asia. They make models that are similar to Gitzo. Their Travel Angel line is similar to Gitzo's Traveler line and has the reverse folding legs that make the overall package more compact.

This one seems like a good fit for your mom at under 3 pounds:
http://www.adorama.com/BEA0680TBH00.html

This is what I mean by the reverse-folding leg design (different Benro model shown)

I personally use Manfrotto 055 legs with a 488 RC2 ballhead, but that combo weighs about 6-7 pounds, haha.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

That thing is pretty nice. Are there any less expensive models to consider though? I know the OP is talking $200 as a cap but is tehere anything good out there for under $100 that has the same requirements as the OP stated? I'm somewhat in the market for something that can go in a backback to go to the woods (my use) and be used for portraits (wife's use).

 

[Madwand1]

I second the Benro. I have something like this model:

http://www.adorama.com/BEA1690TBH0.html .
http://www.chrisk.de/blog/2010/06/benro-a-169-review/

You can compare the series here:

http://www.benrousa.com/products_details_A0680TBH00-#specs

I previously used an older ultra-compact Gitzo in the field, and a larger Manfrotto which never made it out. This is better than the Gitzo.

The model I use is a bit bigger and heavier than the model previously linked here, but still very portable. It's really tough to get this sort of mix -- folds small for portability, but extends high enough that I don't get strained bending down to look through the viewfinder. It's also fairly well-made and easy to extend and take-down, which are important in the field as you don't want to waste too much time mucking with the equipment instead of shooting.

The head's the weak spot, but this one is a bargain which gets the job done and gets you into a decent mounting system.

 

[Dunkman04]

Thanks so much for the help, those Benro's look great. I haven't completely decided on which model in the travel angel series I'm going to go for, but they're exactly what I'm looking for (actually they're more than I thought I'd be able to get for the price so I'm pretty excited.)

 

[damocles]

Benro/Induro are good brands (Induros are produced by Benro but tend to be pricier). Gorillapods can also be a good option for tricky shots

 

[corkyg]

Also, consider a monopod. I am a generation older than your mom, and I find that hiking or walking on photo shoots, a monopod can double as a hiking staff - aids in balance, and when used can provide excellent stability for telephoto shots.

When travelling by air, especially overseas, a monopod easily rests inside of a suitcase.

 

[Dunkman04]

I had one more quick question, can't really figure it out from the Benro site. What is the difference between the twist lock series and the regular one, like

http://www.benrousa.com/products_details_TRA068.html#1 and

http://www.benrousa.com/products_details_A0680TBH00-#1

Thanks for all of your help.