Looking for a new Tripod; Input sought

[J Gontesky]

In readying for the 2007 season (even though it has arguably already started (http://www.notesinthemargin.com/archives/category/weather/chase-reports/)) I've read a few samplings of tripod reviews and would love to hear the input from this forum on a good, solid, sturdy tripod brand/model.

I chase with a relatively light/small MiniDV camcorder, but a heavier Canon 30D with long lenses and need a solid tripod that will serve me better than the $40 minimalist model that I'm currently operating with.

I'd prefer one with a small detachable head/mount piece that I can buy duplicates of (so that I can leave these mounting parts attached to the cameras and just "snap" the cameras into place as need be and don't have to screw onto each camera each time I want to switch...).

Thanks in advance!

[Laura Hedien]

Hi- Very happy with the Manfrotto 458B tripod and 322RC2 head. A bit pricey but should last forever.
Legs just pull down and lock and unlock with the push of a button. Pretty smooth. It has am attached strap for carrying.
The head is a swivel/panning type head that fliips every which way, with levels in it.
It's sturdy- I've used it with a 13 pound 400mm lens.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=manfrotto+458b

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=manfrotto+322+RC2&btnG=Search

Hope that helps.
Laura

[Jason Boggs]

Manfrotto tripods are the way to go. I have the 3221 WN Wilderness tripod that's about 200 dollars. It is very steady and it has served me well over the last 4 or 5 years.

[Laura Hedien]

Oh yes... and with the Manfrottos, I have about 5 of the mounting plates attached to the video camera, the 400mm lens, 2 camera bodies, etc.
It's nice not having to change those out all the time. I bought the spares on eBay for about $11 each.
Laura

[Caleb Kimbrough]

I'll go ahead and third the Manfrotto tripods... They really are the way to go. You can even buy different heads for the tripod that are specifically made for video shooting.

You might also take a look at a ball head mount, they are great for video and photo shooting and are super smooth...

Like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bogen-Manfrotto-486-RC2-486RC2-Compact-Ball-Head_W0QQitemZ120089198155QQihZ002QQcategoryZ30095 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem