I actually have 3 tripods. One is an old one that I've had a long time--a royal pain, but it gets by for now. The other 2 I sort of inherited--one really lousy and I don't use it at all, the other an old VERY folding Minolta that will fit in my case. However, it is not substantial enough for my G1--esp. outside. It does, however, work for table tops okay. Now I'm in the market for a really good tripod that will last--forever S. I have an idea of what I want, but I may not be considering some things that I should. Also, if anyone has any brand/model recommendations, I'd appreciate those. Diane

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Bogen? I thought those guys can run into the $1000.00 range! I've seen the one you are suggesting. I thought it was too steep for me. Good luck Picnic. I'm sticking with my Bilora. It's metal not too compact but seems to be pretty steady. Even in a stiff wind. Bsteph

bogen is also my choice. You can get EXCELLENT bogen tripods for under 200$ (body, quickrellease heads etc.) Mine is light, strong, and stable enough to support a 4x5 in high wind. Model 3221W. Lots of choices though. I suggest getting one that doesn't limit how low you can get it to the ground by the spread of the legs.

Thanks a lot. Those were the ones I was looking at on one of the camera sites, but didn't know for sure--or what I should absolutely look for. I knew I wanted a good head and quick release, but wasn't sure beyond that. Bsteph--my old one is very steady too--and has worked okay for some things (like my jaunt in the mts. Monday). However, it doesn't have a swivel head (I guess that's what I mean--it goes up and down and around, but not 'free'). The Minolta has a 'free' head, but lacks other accoutrements and I don't trust it. The 3rd is just crappy LOL. Guess I'm lucky to have 3 though and I'll try to pass them on (except the one that works for table tops) to someone else. One of the furniture companies we used to work for--did the showroom among other things--made the Ralph Lauren furniture. The part of the showroom devoted to RL was done by 'his' people and they spent thousands and thousands each market (twice a year) doing 'themes'. One year it was photography in several rooms/vignettes and they had all manner of accessories related to it. After that year, they left the accessories and they became part of 'our' inventory for use in the larger showrooms. One year that company got gulped up by one of the other companies in the group and all the 'stuff' was sold off--cheap. And some was just junked. The tripods were junked and I 'inherited' them. So--beggars can't be choosers LOL. The one I bought myself was many years ago--and I couldn't afford a good one--nor knew what I should have looked for to begin with. There I go again--long winded story. Diane

I've priced the above--under and around $200. Bsteph, what head are you using--the 3030?? The Benbo's were recommended to me on another forum also--used widely by nature and wildlife photographers, it seems. Aluminum legs with very flexible setups. The 3221 has aluminum bottom extensions--also good for outdoors-and has 4 leg angle settings.

No NO. I had just glimpsed a tripod compartison with some pricing. It included some prices for a Bogen-Which was in the $1000.00 range. I was fortunate and got mine at a school aucxtion for $25.00. It does have a swivel head but it's diffective. Either way not bad. Bsteph

I'm not well up on tripods, and needed one quickly a little while back when I was as near to skint as you can get - ended up getting an own-brand one from a photography chain of shops over here called Jessops - it cost 15 ($11/$12?), and while it's the smaller version (goes up to 1.3m just) I've found it to be brilliant! Quick release, full tilting head etc, the snap-catches on the legs are sturdy as hell and worked even when clogged with sand and it weighs next to nothing! I'm gonna buy it's big brother next.... IMO if you can afford the Bogen (I've never heard of them, but that's amateur me!), go for it, but don't discount the cheaper ones just coz they haven't got a 'label'. Unless you're a fashion snob of course.....LOL

Yes get the heavier one. In a pinch they can be awsome weapons!!! Also on a more serious note. While lugging a tripod around-particurly for men-Beware of the constables! Apparently when they glance at a person carying one a tripod appears similar to a rifle! I got a police man to reach for his shot gun because I startled him. AND if you are the woodsy construction type please remember. The thread on the bottom of most cameras fit a 1/4" thread bolt. So you can create you own attachments! Personally I want to attach mine to one of those telescopic roller paint rods. Bsteph

Sorry Bsteph, I meant nplus. Well, considering that the ones I have 'work', I am now wanting one that I don't even think much about--it just does its job. In fact, right this minute, I am using the funny little Minolta as a table top to try some reflection pics--and its good for that. I really want one now that will carry me for a long while. I want one that I don't say 'damn' every time I want to make a change somewhere--or that doesn't 'quite' hold. Bsteph, I am NOT the woodsy construction type, tho' my partner is. He has been my 'rock and my fortress' LOL--so to speak--in all my problems for my textile art (and 3 houses we've rebuilt). However, I really don't want to futz around this time. Oh, and then a 'nature' photographer (whose work I admire) recommended the Gitzo (which--I think, is now owned by Bogen). I'm still leaning heavily to a Bogen. Alpha, Nplus--how do you carry your tripods??(I am picking brains all I can because this is a fairly good sized purchase that I don't want to make again).

Bogen 3221W with a custom head (3030 would be my next choice). The legs have a foam rubber padding on the upper third section. Good for cold weather grip and all around dent resitiance. This model comes with a strap so you can sling it over your shoulder (another plus of the rubber pads). When I bought my setup the tripod itself was around 190$ US. That was about 4 years ago. I haven't priced them or similar models since. Light tripods may be good for carrying around, but a good hefty one will ALWAYS be more stable and motionless. the 3221W , for me, is not too heavy and not too light. I use it for everything from 35mm - 4x5 in all conditions. O.K. I'm done sounding like a bogen salesrep. Don't ignore other models though. You are doing the right thing. This is definately a purchase that needs to be researched. Working with a bad tripod is hell.

You can get a shoulder strap for your tripod and just go... BTW, if you get the strap make sure you cary it head down. It will balance better and be less wear on your shoulder :)

Thanks to all of you--and a Canadian friend that actually took pics of his 3021Pro in action (which convinced me I didn't need a Benbo LOL), I settled on one and ordered it this morning. Decided on the 3410 head--moved up a little--and ordered a strap for it too. Nplus, living in NC, I decided I didn't need the padding right now for cold weather--according to the Manfrotto site, if needed I believe you can order them optionally.

enjoy!