Originally Posted by
MarkW
Julie
Google up all the manufacturers and they will have comparison charts showing the relative features of each of their tripods. Print out the charts and compare manufacturer with manufacturer.
Some things to note:
The better quality manufacturers will sell just a tripod without a head. You select the head you want. The head doesnt need to be the same brand but you need to check the screw thread size (1/4" or 3/8") Sometimes manufacturers do package deals with tripod and head complete.
The lighter the tripod the more flexible it will be. Long lenses need a heavy tripod and a large head capable of taking the weight while extended. Consider what lens you might get in the next few years.
Having people say this tripod is good for me is a waste of bandwidth - you need to do the hard work and investigate this yourself - go to a couple of good camera stores with your camera and your largest lens. Try them out. Jiggle them around to see how much movement there is. Pick them up - remember your going to have to carry this piece of kit to where ever your going to use it. If its too heavy then its just going to be a white elephant.