Now I need a tripod. Recommendations?

[Kellie]

I don't want anything too cheap, of course. It has to support the camera, external flash and lens. As of right now I don't have a lens heavier than 1.5 lbs, but that could change.

I don't want/need anything super fancy, but I want to be sure it's sturdy. I'd rather spend a little more to be sure my camera is safe. I will be using it indoors and outdoors. I would like it to be light and portable enough to strap to a hiking pack and carry all day. Is this asking too much?

[TNB]

Check out the following link on picking a tripod. By the way, "light and sturdy" may mean carbon fiber which means a higher price tag.

http://www.manfrotto.com/page4482.html

[Rooz]

kell, although you will see tripods that "do the job" that are cheaper you may want to consider spending a bit on a tripod for the sheer sake of longevity and safety. i have a manfrotto tripod that i have had for i can't even remember how long and it works the same as it did when i bought it.

[tcadwall]

Kellie,

I use a bogen / Manfrotto solution. I can't recall the exact models of the head and pod. However, I would recommend going with a ball head with a quick-release for most use, because it is so much quicker to adjust.

But also, based on discussions in other threads that elude to some of your particular needs, I would really consider a tripod AND a monopod. Or of course you *could* possibly get by with a tripod, and only extend one leg (a bit awkward however)

If you are going to start with a tripod and later get a monopod, you might want to check out the manfrotto line. The quick-release is good enough without making the jump to the ReallyRightStuff level. It has a small enough plate that on my camera doesn't interfere with battery compartment, etc. Then you can get heads for both the tripod and monopod that accept this plate - which will make for very fast and convenient transitions on and off either unit as well as a plate that doesn't interfere when you are hand-held.

The plate clicks in very easily (no sliding in, just put it on and it clicks closed). After it clicks in, you can also flip a little switch (which I recommend) that will LOCK it on. Removing the camera requires the lock to be flipped back, and then the release lever to be opened.

You really have a light camera, and I think the 400 is what you are using for a flash which I also believe is very lightweight. Your lens (if you get a fast tele like you are thinking of) will be heavier than the rest of your gear put together. In which case, you might want to use a mount on the lens to keep things balanced.

[jcon]

Kellie, in my opinion, Bogen is the best out there. As you can see in my signature, I use a Bogen and am very happy. I can use it outdoors on rocks, and indoors at churches. You can check the specifications at the following links.


Here is a link to the legs... Yes its out of stock, but you could buy locally, which I did,, it was cheaper locally.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=FHTnyrCpRj!-15756645!1170706158337?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=RootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&shs=3001bd


And the Grip Action Ball head with Quick Release Plate(for easy removal of camera from head)....


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=303591&is=REG&addedTroughType=search


The whole set up cost me around $200 locally. For the money, its well worth it!

[tcadwall]

Jcon's pod is the same one I use. Very flexible as far as heights, angles, etc. The legs will actually spread so far that you can get the camera quite close to the ground.

As you can see by the specs, it is rated for quite a bit more than your setup as far as weight capacity goes. That is a good thing.

It also is under 4lbs making it easy to carry. I also bought a carrying bag with a strap. Some people would just bungie it and attach a strap directly.