Tripod Help

So, on my last WDW trip, I had a Manfrotto tripod that I had bought the year before. The tripod is great; very sturdy, supports my camera and lenses(the heaviest combo being the 5D Mark II and the 24-70mm f/2.8L), but it had one downfall. It wasn't tall enough. I couldn't get over some guard rails for shots, people got in the way during fireworks shows, and it was making me crazy. So, as a temporary fix, I went to one of the "rip you off" stores off WDW property and bought a cheapo tripod that was tall enough. It was good enough for the next few days, but now I need to get a real tripod for my next trip. So, I come to TMIP for help. This is what I need:

-To be at least 63 inches, yet be able to fold down so that it fits in a suitcase
-To be able to hold a 5D Mark II with different heavy L lenses (24-70 2.8, 70-200, etc)
-Weight is not really an issue to me
-To not be astronomic in price, so "sort of budget"

Thanks guys!

 

This is the newer version of the tripod I had when we met up (mine was the Luxi F): ; http://www.amazon.com/Velbon-Ultra-LUXi ... 472&sr=8-1

After the 'incident' on that trip, I added a Manfrotto 486RC2 ballhead to it. ; It's a great setup, and not overly expensive. ; Not sure if it can hold the weight you need, though.

 

Thanks for the help Tom. If B&H is telling the truth, my heaviest combo weighs in at 3.85 lbs, which is the 5d with the 24-70. That Velbon looks to be able to hold 5.5 lbs according to your link, so that should suffice. It also doesn't come in at a staggering price tag either.

 

Roger,

You can't go wrong with Gitzo's carbon fiber offerings, or the Markins' ball head. With the addition of a Wimberly Sidekick, there's not a lot out there that you can't support!

The system isn't cheep, but if you're supporting big glass, why skimp on what is holding it up? My M20 and Gitzo can hold up to about 90lbs.

Cheers!

 

So after going back and forth for a few days, I went ahead and ordered the Velbon Luxi L. It looks real nice, gets plenty of great reviews, and was pretty cheap. Somewhere along the road(birthday next week, then Christmas after that) I'll get a nice ballhead to match it. Thanks for all the help guys!

 

Good, so on the next photo trip, I won't be the only one who feels inadequate when compared to Jeff's, Joe's, and Matt's tripods. ; The Luxi L does the same thing as their tripods and is much lighter (and likely much much cheaper) so the joke is on them!

 

Knowing how much Matt is willing to spend on gear, I don't even want to imagine what his tripod setup is like.

 

So, the Velbon came in today! ; 8) And I love it. It feels very sturdy, folds down perfectly, and I love how it can collapse so that my camera is only inches off the ground. Thanks for all the help TMIP!

 

I got an Ultra LUXi-L prior to PixelMania and LOVE IT! ; The only thing I could get over was everybody else's tripods on the Train Station for Fireworks ; (But could have increased height up and over using the Center Column). ; It folds down small enough to fit inside my backpack that I carry around the parks (~15"). ; However, I think that the Ultra LUXi-L only holds 3.3lbs. ; There was one that holds 5.5lbs but not sure the model. ; I think the nicest thing is the twist-lock legs that make it very easy to set up and take down.

 

I agree with Tim on the twist lock legs being the only blemish.

 

Hmmm, the twist lock legs are one of my favorite features. ; Interesting what we each prefer. ;

 

I prefer the flip locks as well. ; I have the Manfrotto 055XB and love it, very sturdy. ; It is not the lightest tripod to carry around WDW, but it sure is rugged. ; It also has a great range of heights, 2.8" to 70.3". Before Pixelmania I was looking into purchasing something lighter and smaller but didn't like anything i tried. ; I also tried the twist locks and just did not like the feel of them.