Looking for a tripod? This is the place to find information, recommended models, and links to more information.
It is best to buy your tripod legs and tripod head separately. The best brands are interchangeable so you can match the legs you want with the tripod head that you want.
For years I have been recommending Bogen/Manfrotto and Gitzo tripods. . . .
For a “normal” size tripod (it comes up to the eye level of a standing adult male) I have been recommending the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021 series and for a smaller and lighter weigh tripod I have been recommending the Bogen/Manfrotto 3001 series. The primary disadvantage to the 3001 series is that you have to bend over a little to use it when standing up. At its maximum height, it doesn’t come up to the eye level of the average adult male. But it is small and light weight when those are primary considerations.
I’ve been using my 3021 and 3001 tripods for over 20 years and they have held up very well. I have replaced a few parts (like lever locks on the legs), but that is part of the beauty of products handled by Bogen Imaging, economical, easy to get replacement parts.
For a normal size tripod with the lighter weight of carbon fiber (and a higher price) I have been recommending the Gitzo Mountaineer series. You can more about these tripods and learn about desirable tripod features by going here.
My recommendations haven’t changed, even though the series and/or model names have. The Gitzo Mountaineer series (and the related National Geographic Expedition series) is still my favorite series of carbon fiber tripods. The Bogen/Manfrotto 3021 series has been replaced by the Manfrotto 055X series and the Bogen/Manfrotto 3001 series has been replaced by the Manfrotto 190X series. Specific recommendations follow.
If you are looking for a smaller, lighter, economical tripod that it still sturdy and very well made, it is tough to beat the Manfrotto 190X series. The basic model is the Manfrotto 190XDB. I prefer the Manfrotto 190XPROB because it is so convenient to move the center column to the horizontal position.
For a normal size tripod in the 055X series, I recommend the Manfrotto 055XB. For a little more money I prefer the Manfrotto 055XPROB because it is easier to move the center column to the horizontal position.
If you want high quality in a lighter weight, and don’t mind paying a much higher price, I recommend the Gitzo Mountaineer series. I’ve been using the Gitzo Mountaineer G1228 Mk2 since shortly after it was first introduced. Model numbers have changed.
The lighter weight of a Mountaineer carbon tripod tripod is a huge asset when carrying gear for miles into the wilderness. I recommend the Gitzo Mountaineer GT1540 for a good combination of light weight, small size when closed (21.3 inches), reasonable maximum height with the center column down (54.3 inches) and a very workable maximum height with the center column up (62.6 inches). With the head off, it fits into my airline legal carry-on. It’s tall enough to do what I want it to do out in the wilderness. If you prefer a taller tripod, their are other models available like the Gitzo Mountaineer GT3540L which has a maximum height of 71.3 inches with the center column up.
An interesting alternative to the Gitzo Mountaineer series tripods is the National Geographic Expedition MagFiber series. For the best balance of fewatures for the outdoor photographer, I recommend the National Geographic NGET2. Closed it measures 22.6 inches. The maximum height with the center column down is 53.3 inches. With the center column up, the maximum height is 66.9 inches. It has retractable rubber feet for smooth floors and spikes for outside use. If I went out to buy a tripod today, this would be at the top of my list.
The Manfrotto, Gitzo, and National Geographic tripods are all distributed in the United State by Bogen Imaging. They are a first class company and I have dealt with them for years.
If you buy one of these tripods, you can get a great price and support this web site by starting with the links at the end of this article. Or go to the Amazon or Adorama links at the bottom of my home page: JimDoty.com. When you get to the Amazon or Adorama site, enter the tripod model in the search box. Thanks for your support.
Information links at Bogen Imaging: