Recommend a tripod!
 

Hi

Now that I've got my 40D, I need a good tripod, as the one we had is now unusable because one of the plastic leg locks broke... Never buy Manfrotto! [cursing]

Too bad, really, as it was no more than 37cm folded, and would extend to 120.

I'm looking for something similar (not more than 55cm folded... that's already hardly transportable) of good quality. What do you guys recommend?

I agree that Bogen/Manfrotoo tripods are fantastic. Their 3001 line is all metal except for the caps on the end of the screws you use to tighten the legs to select a height. Even so, I often carry it like a bat if I'm in the Boondocks and I feel like I need a weapon. http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...es/tongue1.gif

Slik also makes great tripods, but a price range would be nice, because some of these can be quite pricey.

guess what broke...

Hah!
Check this out, what this dude describes is EXACTLY what happened to me: http://photonotes.org/reviews/manfrotto-digi/

Talk about design flaw indeed...

Well, I really wouldn't call that a top=notch tripod, but it certainly isn't at the bottom of the barrel either. I guess a lot depends upon the tripod's use/abuse and whether or not critical parts are made of durable materials. I still say that something like a Manfrotto 3001 series tripod with head would be about the best you could do. It's sturdy and all metal and should fit into the size range you've described (or very close to it)

I have a ~20 year old Manfrotto. Built like a tank, and weighs as much too.

You get what you pay for in a tripod.

Yeah, I bought a new Manfrotto 475B (BLK) PROF. TRIPOD w/322RC2 HEAD this year. Its big, bulky, and weighs a fair bit. But I wanted something able to extend to ~9ft and be stable doing it.

I have no complaints but then I am not really all that hard on it. I also own a few Manfrotto lightstands that I really like. Very light and sturdy. Whichever brand you decide to go with, I suggest not skimping on the head.

Based on my experience with my Manfrotto, I would definitely buy another.

I'm eying the Manfrotto Neotec Pro Photo tripod with the 322RC2 head... Hmmm... expensive stuff... but looks pretty solid as a matter of fact...

I got a freakin' awesome SLIK tripod for christmas.

http://www.amazon.com/Slik-AMT-Titan.../dp/B00009R6RF

It's a little heavy, but it seems to be practically indestructable and has all the features I could want.[thumbup]

I've got a lightweight SLIK tripod that I took to Costa Rica with me this year. Cost about 100 euro, and weights nothing. Its not quite as sturdy as the big heavy construction ones, but it coped with my 30D + 100-400 just fine http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...s/biggrin1.gif

I have an old Slik which I bought from a photographer's widow off a car boot sale for £4. Weighs a fair bit but it is incredibly sturdy, I imagine it cost a lot new, moral of the story: clueless widows ftw.