Hi all,
I'm looking for a good tripod for both my LF and DSLR. I currently have a Bogen 055XPROB, which has a center column. For the most part, I HATE the center column. It prevents the tripod head from getting to the ground, and the only way to get the DSLR really low is to hang it upside down via the center column, or flip the column on the horizontal plane (so it is sideways). This is "ok" for DSLR's (but still not ideal), and seems like disaster for LF.
I also have an 50-year old Linhof tripod that I bought online; that purchase was a mistake. It is rugged when the legs are collapsed, but wobbly when they're extended. It's also a PITA. (my mistake not listening to others who warned me against it).
Re my Bogen 055XPROB, the center column has been useful sometimes, for weird angle shots on hills or whatnot, but is usually just a pain when I want to get low.
So I'm considering two options: (a) Buy a "short" center column, almost 7" long, which means he camera is about 11" off he ground optimistically; (b) Get a tripod without a center column.
I lean towards (b). I never use he center column for precise adjustments of height, as I worry about it's stability. I'm considering the Berlebach 4002 wooden tripod (2in to 64 in height). 64" translates to 5.33 ft. I notice that the Manfrotto 055XPROB specs say max height without center column up is 4.66 ft. This seems wrong to me. With the legs at the narrowest angle, and extended all the way, the max height is at eye-level for me or higher (that's 5.5 or more feet). Do they specify "maximum height" at something other than the narrowest lockable position?
Also, what do you guys recommend for a 3-way pan-tilt head that will work with both my LF (4x5, heaviest lens is Nikkor 90/4.5) and DSLR (Oly E3 + heaviest lens 70-300/4.5-5.6).
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