Hi Friends,

I am researching specs for a new tripod. I have a Manfrotto 3001 (190/JF24) which has been in service for many years and it is time to replace it. The legs sometimes fall off due to the plastic collars coming loose. Its easy to fix on the spot but I am tired of that happening on a photo shoot while my clients are watching. LOL - you should see the looks on there faces when it happens. Its easy to fix but it is no longer funny.

To start with what is the "Rolls Royce" of tripods. What is the tripod everybody wants but can't afford?

Gen. Lee

slik sprint pro.

light weight 1.96lb ... good for travel.

support 2.5kg

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=278545&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

bogen / gitzo 3021 pro

light, exteneded colum, inverted column, horizontal column, level on tripod

This article might help.

http://bythom.com/support.htm

I do not recommend Kirk products though because they pale in comparison to Really Right Stuff. You can also get a really good ballhead from http://www.markins.com

Very informative article Remkool. Although I am not using big glass my whole rig weighs a lot and is about the same as a heavy long lens.

I never gave much thought to the issue of "complete" stability but when shooting with my D70s+10.5mm I think that I should pay more attention to this factor. It makes sense.

My agnos rotator plus the camera weighs about 5 pounds and the rig will cause flex on the tripod. I have been wondering about the effects of this.

I looked at the Gitzo web site and checked out the prices and it looks like Gitzo is the rolls royce. The article also  mention this.

I have an old "Quickset Senior" tripod. It is a rock solid piece of equipment. It was made in the 70s and is now out of production. The one I have is in very good condition. But it is very heavy. Solid aluminium construction. It looks kinda like a Gitzo but the head is different. I guess I will have to give it a try.

Gen. Lee