[scollins]

While my current tripod works quite well (Bogen 3021), it is a FREAKIN' TANK! With the 3 axis head and 3 section legs, it measures nearly 3 feet long fully collapsed and weighs in at 9 lbs.

So this pig doesn't get hauled around as much as it should. I don't want to get rid of it, but I'd like to add another tripod that is significantly lighter and collapses significantly shorter.

I'm looking at the following options:

Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 - $325
Pros -
Cheaper option than the others
Easy to reconfigure center column for extreme low shots or 90 degree.
Compact size and weight

Cons -
Leg locks are not as fast to deal with as Gitzo's
Relatively low weight capacity (11 lbs.) My heaviest setup right now is 8 lbs.
Center column feels a little flimsy, so I'm worried about long-term durability.

Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 - $420
Pros -
Same center column as the 190CX
Greater weight capacity

Cons -
A little heavier and a little longer when collapsed
Same leg locks and center column durability issues as the 190CX
Spike feet not available (as far as I can tell....)


Gitzo 2940LVL Basalt Series - $460
Pros -
It's a Gitzo!
Twist lock legs are easier to deal with than Manfrotto's levers
More capacity than the 190CX, but not as much as the 055CX
Ability to level the head without messing with the legs

Cons -
Getting pretty expensive
Basalt series is a little heavier than the CF versions
Collapsed length is a little longer than the others



I'd love to have the Gitzo GT2541EX, but at $675 it is just too much. If price was no object, I'd spend about $1,500 at Really Right Stuff and be done with it. But I'd rather spend $1,500 on a 24-70 F2.8.....

Also, I'll probably run a Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head. I've already got 2 other heads that take the RC2 plates (the Bogen 3030 mounted on the 3021 tripod and the Manfrotto 234RC2 mounted on my Promaster monopod.) Switching plate systems will really add to the cost......

[Vudoo4u2]

ive got the 190XB with 486 RC2 ballhead (holds my 5dmkii and 70-200 F 2.8 IS/L without any problems whatsoever)

you could prob save a smidge getting the 486 vs the 488, itll suit your needs for weight quite well I imagine.

I think it depends what you need the tripod for? If youre planning on hauling it a lot and want it on the run etc, lighter will certainly be easier. If you dont need it in that capacity all the time, you could save yourself a few hundred and push it towards the lens instead.

Gitzo is fantastic, but at such steep prices, youre really paying quite a premium for the weight savings and convenience features.

[scollins]

I like the panning option on the 488RC2 over the 486RC2, and the weight penalty is only half a pound. Neither has a level though, which I think is a colossal screw-up on Manfrotto's part. A ballhead without a level? Such a thing should NEVER exist!

The primary trait is portability, which is a combination of weight and closed length.
190CXPRO4 - 2.85 lbs and 19.7" closed
055CXPRO4 - 3.7 lbs and 21.5" closed (30% heavier than the 190CXPRO4)
GT2940LVL - 4.1 lbs and 22.5" closed (44% heavier than the 190 and 11% heavier than 055.)

So the 190 wins in 3 categories: price, weight and closed length. It just holds only 11 lbs. This particular Gitzo loses in all 3 categories: It is the heaviest, longest and most expensive!

Of course, a "steal" price on a lens just popped up on CL (so it is probably not real....), but this lens weighs in at near 7 lbs. In that case, the 190CX is definitely OUT!

If it is a real deal, I'll be buying that instead, which won't leave any funds for a new tripod. But getting a 300 F2.8 for less than half price is just too good to pass up!!

[Vudoo4u2]

Originally Posted by scollins

I like the panning option on the 488RC2 over the 486RC2, and the weight penalty is only half a pound. Neither has a level though, which I think is a colossal screw-up on Manfrotto's part. A ballhead without a level? Such a thing should NEVER exist!

The primary trait is portability, which is a combination of weight and closed length.
190CXPRO4 - 2.85 lbs and 19.7" closed
055CXPRO4 - 3.7 lbs and 21.5" closed (30% heavier than the 190CXPRO4)
GT2940LVL - 4.1 lbs and 22.5" closed (44% heavier than the 190 and 11% heavier than 055.)

So the 190 wins in 3 categories: price, weight and closed length. It just holds only 11 lbs. This particular Gitzo loses in all 3 categories: It is the heaviest, longest and most expensive!

Of course, a "steal" price on a lens just popped up on CL (so it is probably not real....), but this lens weighs in at near 7 lbs. In that case, the 190CX is definitely OUT!

If it is a real deal, I'll be buying that instead, which won't leave any funds for a new tripod. But getting a 300 F2.8 for less than half price is just too good to pass up!!

hopefully this one is legit! thatd be sweet

[scollins]

Originally Posted by Vudoo4u2

hopefully this one is legit! thatd be sweet

Ad posted at 8:30 AM, emailed at 10:30 AM, response that it was already sold received at 12:30 PM.




I stopped in Glazer's and looked at tripods. This weekend is "Nikon Days", and they are taking 10% all tripods and heads. That basically covers the sales tax, and their prices pretty much match Adorama.

Of course, that makes the Gitzo GK2580TQR $788 after tax, plus a $50 mail in rebate for a net total of $738.

I don't know, I really like the twist locks on the Gitzo more than the Manfrotto's levers, but I don't know if those are worth an extra $300 to me......

For the $300, I could almost get a 50mm f1.4 instead....

[scollins]

Well, I didn't wind up getting a Gitzo nor a Manfrotto. My wife just bought me a Vanguard Alta Pro 284CT for my birthday! It was one I was considering, and for the price and features, it seems like a really good alternative!

Twist locks - plus
Adjustable angle center column - plus
built in spirit level for tripod - plus
18 lb rated capacity - plus
Spiked feet included - plus


The one con is the weight (5 lbs with Manfrotto 488RC2 ballhead) and collapsed length (21.5") But, that is still nearly 50% lighter than my current Bogen 3021 with Bogen 3030 head. The other one I was considering was the Manfrotto 055CXPro4, which is basically the same weight as the Alta Pro 284CT. It appears to be a direct comparison between the two in terms of features, benefits and specs. The Alta Pro 284CT wins in price though ($330 shipped from B&H vs. $420 for the 055CXPro4) and a few features.