What are some good tripods?

[Darren Addy]

Not a Bogen/Manfrotto:

 

[Wes Carter]

Not a Bogen/Manfrotto:

Not a Pentax neither.

 

[Derek Weston]

I got two of the Slik 700DX Pro tripods last year along with some Manfrotto heads and am really happy with them. 90 bucks and when it's windy you can lock legs out at two wider angle options.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/557127-REG/Slik_615_317_700DX_Pro_Tripod_Legs.html

Absolutely two thumbs on the slik. Tough, beefy, heavy tripod for your price. Sturdy as heck. Head that it comes with has been decent enough that I haven't bothered to change. Can always upgrade.

 

[Melanie Kern-Favilla]

Looks like I'm the first to vote for a Gitzo. I LOVE my tripod.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/reviews/Gitzo-GT2530-6x-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod-Legs-Review.aspx

My ballhead is a RRS BH-55:

http://reallyrightstuff.com/Product...q=&desc=BH-55-LR:-Full-sized-ballhead-with-LR

It's a heavy head; It practically doubles the weight of the tripod...which is great for storm-chasing activities. It's also great if you're using a heavy lens, like some of the more expensive prime L series Canon Lenses.

An article on ball heads:
http://reallyrightstuff.com/WebsiteInfo.aspx?fc=71

Tripods & Heads can be big money, but once you make the investment, you'll never have to buy another one again.

 

[Darren Addy]

Tripods & Heads can be big money, but once you make the investment, you'll never have to buy another one again.

Wise words. This article should be required reading, each time the tripod question comes up.

Gitzo is definitely the Mercedes Benz of the bunch.

 

[Wes Carter]

This seems like a good thread to bring this up... does anyone have any tips for quickly leveling a tripod on uneven gravel/asphalt? I'm planning on using a monopod more this year, because I was so frustrated with leveling last year.

edit: Also throwing my vote in for Manfrotto. The gear that I have from them is heavy duty and works amazingly well. No tiny plastic pieces that easily break anywhere.

For the most part, if you have a good ball head you can level it that way and not worry about the tripod. That pretty much is what the head is for. Just make sure the tripod center of gravity is pretty much centered between the legs for stability and let the head do the rest. And there are bubble levels you can slide into your hotshoe for that purpose.