One Tripod to Rule Them All?

[dodphotography]

Well, I am now in a pickle... I have small tripods, I have large tripods. I'd like ONE.

I am now using a Bogen 3236, it's massively heavy!

I am shooting with a Wista 45DXII and am looking to purchase a modern 8x10 in the future. I'd like to consolidate and purchase a tripod with a future camera in mind.

The modern cameras I am looking at are the Ritter 8x10 and Chamonix models, both come in at 6.5 and 8.5lbs respectively. I think with that lightweight of a set up I think I could make one tripod fit both.

Do you have any suggestions.

Dan

[Drew Bedo]

Sure: Give it a try.

One of the joys of photography is collecting tripods and heads.

[IanG]

You usually need small & large tripods. There could be circumstances when you'll be out with the 5x4 and need a smaller light-weight tripod, particularly if back-packing.

My larger tripods Slik and Manfrotto are quite capable of holding my Agfa Ansco 10x8 cameras and are reasonably portable, however I have a small Slik Sprint which fits inside a small backpack which I use when out with my Super Graphic particularly in areas where I might not be able to use a tripod.

Ian

[dodphotography]

Ian, my issue now is shooting at eye level. I have a real small Gitzo from way back in the day whose legs are shot so I can only shoot on the first level. Size and weight isn't a huge deal since I'm used to a 20 lb tripod.

[Vaughn]

Ries J Series. If you are considering wood as an option. Plenty of words posted about wood vs metal vs carbon fiber, so I'll give that a rest. At 8 pounds, I do not know how that compares with your 3236. The H Series is basically the same pod but a smaller crown (2" instead of 4.25' dia).

I have the A100, great for heavier 8x10's and larger, so I think the J100 might be a better fit for the lighter 4x5 and the lighter weight 8x10's.

http://www.riestripod.com/products/tripods

[DrTang]

One Tripod? Heresy!!!

[dodphotography]

Lol limited funds boys and girls, need one to make up for all the rest!

[dodphotography]

Pref a lighter metal! Carbon is nice but I think gitzo carbon is a tad outside the budget

[EOTS]

I'm using a Gitzo 5541LS Carbon with RRS BH55
Ball head.
Very stable but also not very compact or ultraleightweight ...
I'm using it as a walking stick :-)

For 8x10 use I prefer a 3-way pan/tilt like gitzo g1570.

Best,
Martin

[Alan Gales]

I use a Ries J100, like Vaughn recommends, with my 8.7 pound Wehman 8x10. It works great!