Light, Stable and Affordable Tripods

Spencer Pullen shows you his main three tripods he has used over the years. Also, he reviews the pros and cons of each. Spencer looks at aluminum with flip lock, wood and carbon fiber with twist lock. Different tripod heads such as ball heads will also be discussed.

[j.delaney]

Thanks for the video! After watching it, I found it for $250 on Amazon. I ordered it immediately. Very thorough video.

[jeffreygoldammer]

Spencer, what are your thoughts 3 years later? Still enjoy it

[colinmorris]

wow that's a great tripod, never used one.

[j.k]

Spencer, thank you so much. You have no idea how educative your videos are. This particular one is big for me. Danke danke from Germany

[buyaport]

Very nice video -- and entertaining, too. -- Had a closer look at the Manfrotto 055, which is their top of the line tripod, but that thing is just wobbly. I am not concerned about the 2 inch connector (the screw is 1/4" anyhow, it not the width, but the material that matters), but the legs are the problem. I am happy with my Benro carbon fiber tripod, but like your Induro, too.

[peterwillstein]

Spenser
Excellent video loaded with very useful information. While I am a DSLR user (Nikon D850), a few years ago, I switched from my Gitzo with a Studio Ballhead to an Induro with an Induro 5 Way Pan Tilt head and just love it. What a combo. I do have to admit, the Gitzo and Studioball head has served me will for a nearly 20 years but the weight had just gotten to be too much.
Peter

[bthemedia]

Albeit a long video... but a great story of tripod choice evolution and reviews! I have an old Induro carbon fiber tripod and head for my DSLR for 8 years now that works well-enough and the warranty was great - some of the plastic clips inside the legs snapped and the leg wouldn't hold so I was able to get replacement parts.

I bought an older used version of the Ries J100 tripod and J250 head for my 8x10 Deardorff... need to upgrade to the J250-2 head at least though to support for long bellows and downward angle shots (compression bands can handle the torque weight). Have been considering a big carbon fiber tripod (or more compact J600) and possibly those Luland heads (obvious Ries knock-offs!) - so I would love to hear how it holds up to support the weight. A detailed review of the tripod and head after extensive use would be nice!

So far, I love the "wood" (Ries) tripod with my "wood" (Deardorff) camera! I love that I "never" have to worry about the wood tripod in salt water or anything else like the maintenance required for telescoping tripods (very fine tolerances that can break/deteriorate in salt and sand). Ries are stable and will last nearly forever... though the weight can certainly be an issue.

[tangyorange]

I just found your stuff and I’m addicted!

[MadisonBeach]

Just came across your channel, I love your content! I've never shot large format, just 120mm and 35mm, hopefully I'll get the chance to try it out soon :)

[klausphotobaer]

Spencer, thank you for this in depths comparison and detailed information. That new tripod of yours is really a great piece of technology and I would certainly look for one like that if I ever upgrade to 8x10. Thanks 🙏

[jorgestravels]

Great video Spencer, really well explained!! I have to get a new tripod, I'm thinking of going for something like that manfrotto, the one I had couldn't support the weight of the Mamiya RZ67. Keep those videos coming!!!

[g_young_h]

I k now who you are talking about being sponsored but won't say names. He's an absolutely amazing photographer.

[irwinhh]

The Ries trupod is very very expensive when compared to a used large Bogan / Manfroto tripod with head on eBay for $50 to $150.

[jakobolszewski]

Very cool episode as always and great tripod comparison. As you impressive show it mustn’t be always Gitzo for a solid stable gear @ affordable cost. I am looking forward to seeing the next episode..

[flipflopsleica]

It’s been awhile, hope all is well. Please rush back to your large format passion as we’ve enjoyed your videos. Look forward to more. Thanks