Buying my first "real" tripod. Where do I begin?

[SynterX]

I want to buy a quality tripod, one that I won't want to get rid of in a year. But, after looking at the obvious brands, Gitzo, Slik, Manfrotto, etc., there are so many models to choose from, that I am completely lost. How about someone marketing a regular standard do it all tripod? My budget is not that small. Where do I even begin? 3 section legs, 4 section legs? Twist or levers? how high? Carbon or Aluminum? Honestly, it's overwhelming.

Any tips?

[TheWengler]

Start here (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35116).

[DonSchap]

For the past four years, I have been faithfully served by the Manfrotto 3021N Pro. I put a Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head on it and it has been terrific. It is heavy enough not to fall over with the heavier lenses attached, yet not too heavy. The legs have pressure levers and have been very realiable. The reason I choose that tripod is because I truly never know exactly what the shoot will require, so I tend to "over-engineer" the shot. In the studio, it does not move around much and would be more than difficult to knock over by simply bumping up against it, in the dark. Also, a release cable would be a bit more difficult to have it tug it over, also.

The Rapid Release RC2 system has been a godsend when changing cameras or lens. Easy break away, when jets are streaking by ... and you need the camera "right now!" The legs are three segment and their associated boots are rubber 1/4" thick.

For a Monopod solution, I went with the Manfrotto 682 with a RC2 Grip-ball, which allows excellent flexibility to position the camera when the monopod is not directly under the camera (such as extended in front of you. The 682 also has a tripod-footing that unscrews from out of the bottom segment and allows for a more stable footing. No, it's not light ... but real sturdy. Better than most aluminum bats. :D

In fact, here's a shot of it in action ... with a larger lens:


33867

[T06]

Same old same old. The more you spend the better it gets. Honestly if money is not an option then go for carbon fibre, I've read some reviews of people that have gone from some very good aluminium pods to carbon & they rave about them. Me I've got a slik tripod with a manfrotto head & think it's alright, now I'm wondering about the fibre too.:D

[BBPhoto]

If there is a good photo shop near you I would say start there. Bring your gear and try the tripods for yourself. If not and you are contemplating buying on-line then make sure to purchase from a dealer with a liberal return/exchange policy.

[SynterX]

That's the problem. The two final things I want to buy are a proper case and walk around bag, and a tripod. Both of these I feel I need to try in person to get right. All I have around me are Ritz and Wolf camera shops. What a total joke these places are. They have low end house brand for the most part. I was super disappointed at all of them. The lenses, tripods, etc. they had were pathetic for a dedicated camera store. My only other choice is Calumet Photo, but it is a seriously long drive to get to one. My home life at the moment precludes me from being able to go there for several months (new baby, a 4 year old, and a sick wife...). So, I'm going to try to do my research and buy online even though I don't really want to.

I like carbon stuff (I'm a mountain bike racer and have carbon on my bicycle), so I might go that route right off the bat, what the heck.