Tripod advice

[michaelb]

I really need a new tripod; right now I have a pathetic $30 tripod, and I'm a landscape photographer!!

I don't want to spend crazy money on a Carbon Fiber tripod - I'm not going to hike Everest or K2 with it; at least not anytime soon. ;)

What do you guys think of these two tripods?....(Any other suggestions? - I'm looking for an all-in-one tripod).....

Slik Pro 700DX Tripod with 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=131427&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Bogen / Manfrotto 725B Digi Black Tripod with Ballhead (Quick Release)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=428998&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

[Spookonthe8ball]

I like the Slik Pro 700DX of your two selections there because of the 15 pound weight limit. My tripod is rated at 10 pounds and I wouldn't want anything lesser when ya got 2 grand plus sitting on top of it. I have a old Labrador that has ran into it and I'm glad it was substantial enough to take a hit or two and not rock it much. Their tails can knock a lightweight tripod across your patio. Just think of your normal situations with kids horsing around a family event ect. The heavier weight ones tend to be very stable and can take some abuse that we pray will never happen.
Spook

[Mark_48]

I've got the 700DX and it's a great tripod. I basically got it because of its weight capacity for a couple of MF cameras that I wanted it for. It's not a tripod I would want to trek around the woods with as it is pretty heavy and maybe overkill for a DSLR. In my search for a lighter carry around tripod, I ended up with a Manfrotto 190XPROB with a 486RC2 Compact Ballhead. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480322-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__190XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html . I did end buying a 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head later. Not sure which head I have a preference to yet.
One thing I liked about it was that the center column can be set horizontal, so it's fairy easy to get the camera pointed downward for macro shots on the ground. The legs flay out so you can get it low to the ground or setup on uneven terrain.

Actually took a look at one over at Hunts Photo by the Hampshire Mall. I don't recall if they had the 700DX or not.

Mark..........

[michaelb]

Thanks for the input guys; the Slik looks like a great tripod, but it is heavy and I will like likely do some hiking with it. The Manfrotto is tempting - ball head, 3lbs. Not sure which to go with yet.

[Spookonthe8ball]

Michaelb, I'm no expert, but what about just a monopod for hiking. I think for around the home/and your country shots a solid tripod will work out best.
I have an old Vivitar metal fold up tripod (had it for over 30 years now)that works well out and about.(extends to about 5' tall) and less than 10 inches folded up. I can't attach my whole rig to it, but for day shots without the flash and stroboframe attached it works well for the use.
Spook

[drama]

I just sold my manfrotto 055bpro & 488 rc0 combo, rock solid but too heavy to carry around
Ordered a 190XB & a 486rc2, half the weight

I found that I was not using the horizontal tilt feature of the pro at all, so decided to skip it this time around

[GaryS]

I have the 190xprob, and I use the horizontal centre column all the time! I love being able to lower it right down to the ground.

Even more though, I love that the legs can splay out. When you are on uneven ground or in an odd space, that can really make the difference.