Anyone got strong feelings on the latest and/or best tripod around? My hubby wants a good one for his birthday - and has suggested Manfrotto 190PRO. What do you think? By the way, he is interested in macro shots.

Price
Stability
Weight

Choose 2, it's up to you. :)

Manfrotto or Gitzo are probably the most popular of the pro models. I have a Manfrotto Magfibre 190MF3 with a 468RC2 head and I think thats a great combination - extremely sturdy and strong. the removable centre column works well too for low angle shots and as a counter balance arm when you are doing product shots on a studio table.

One thing to bear in mind though is a set up like that can cost you nearly as much as your camera body so you'd have to either want one real bad or be likely to get a lot of use out of it. depending on what kind of macros he is planning on taking have you considered something more flexible (and cheaper) like a Gorillapod SLR-Zoom tripod? you could still add a good quality ball head to that as well.

I use that one and it isn't bad it has a 2 section center post that will allows you to get close to the ground . BUT the most important is the head , for macro shots you'll need one that doesn't "creep " . I suggest a good ball head like this one
or if you are feeling very generous the Super Gitzo .
I think a tripod is one of the most important pieces of photo equipment you can have so buy the best you can afford .

It would appear that's a popular combination then :-)

Thanks a lot - appreciate the advice. Guess it had better be the best - make up for being missing on photography and 'Caedes' time!

what about a monopod? they're easier to move around for macro shots.

My advice would be to go for the lightest and most easily transported tripod you can find (edit: afford...). If you buy something heavy or cumbersome you probably won't end up using it much as you won't want to lug it around with you.

I have my heart set on a Gitzo 2227.

yes, your EOS 5D would look lovely sat on that :-)

as would a new 500mm and Wimberly head;-)

show off

...i think sum1's going to get robbed tonight.

Sticks and stones.....and who is Rob anyway? Have you been Robbed Noah?

Third eye?

So anyway have a look at the Gitzo Explorer series...they seem like the bomb for macro. Also check out Benbo for its articulating center post.

Thank you - you've certainly given me a choice - definitely two to be ordered I think? One for David - one for me?

Have ordered a Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod and 468RC2 head - so I hope these two will be compatible! Kate

yes - they will be fine.