8x10 Tripod that Won't Break the Bank, But May Break my Back

[sperdynamite]

Manfrotto still makes big tripods, B&H has them in the pro video section.

I have a 3021, it's perfectly serviceable, but it isn't super light. The leg set is almost 6 pounds. Weigh your mondo tripod to see how much you might save. Big old aluminum tripods and pan heads are not particularly fashionable, so if you are patient and can wait for a used one to turn up, you can get bargains (I mean bargain in the sense of use-value per $).

How strange... Many of them even have Large Format in their description. I even found my old 'quick release legs' model. Must be an oversight on the side of B&H. Probably not a lot of LF people buying legs like these.

[dodphotography]

A lot of great choices mentioned in this thread. I went the lighter route and saved (and saved) for a set of RRS legs.

Just changed heads, experimenting with this...




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[sperdynamite]

I ended up ordering a Manfrotto 161MK2B and a 229 pan tilt head. Man this thing is a beast, but my ultralight Gibellini Bellatrix is rock solid on it. I also went for 3/8th hex plates with the set screws, I think these make a big difference. Can't wait for shooting season to start.

[angusparker]

A lot of great choices mentioned in this thread. I went the lighter route and saved (and saved) for a set of RRS legs.

Just changed heads, experimenting with this...




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How is that working? I have all the parts to do the same.

[C. D. Keth]

A lot of great choices mentioned in this thread. I went the lighter route and saved (and saved) for a set of RRS legs.

Just changed heads, experimenting with this...




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What make is that quick release? I like the long handle and cam to lock.


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[dodphotography]

How is that working? I have all the parts to do the same.

It’s perfect... I couldn’t be happier.

I have a 6 inch rail from RRS for the 8x10 and the Kessler short rail for a 4x5.

Oddly, a few other plates I have at home don’t work in this, including one plate that is Arca branded.


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[dodphotography]

What make is that quick release? I like the long handle and cam to lock.


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Kessler Kwik Release, super engineered.


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