I've burned through 3 shitty tripods in 6 months. I've decided it's time to invest some cash into a decent one.

Looking to spend around 200 for tripod + head. I mainly photograph landscapes, urbex, and architecture. I don't need carbon fiber since I've used heavier tripods for 8+ hour photowalks. Just looking for something that's going to be sturdy as fuck and tall enough so the center column doesn't need to be raised (I'm 6 foot even).

Currently looking at the manfrotto 055 series + ball heads. Any other suggestions?

not sure but just google tripod reviews and u will get page that reviews like the top 10 or 20

I'm using a Manfrotto tripod right now as well, and it's built like a tank. You can definitely trust them with build quality.

I'm using the tripod my dad bought for his video camera some 30 something years ago...
He and I used it like a Tonka truck and it's still in great shape!
It's in the car but tonight after work I'll tell you what brand it is...
It had to be a very good one back then, but it was worth the investment since it has had over 30 years of use!!

i use a high end velbon with a gitzo head.

and for light use i use a benbo with a manfrotto joystick head


all very good. but if i had the money it would be gitzo tripod gitzo head

I use a mid range slik
works fine

Its a u-212 If I remember right

This post was edited by flyjum on Feb 9 2012 08:46pm

Went ahead and got the manfrotto 055xdb and 498rc2 ball/pan head. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

Insanely stable, pretty heavy. Going on a 2 day photowalk of milwaukee this weekend. I'll post how it holds up.

good choice