One of the tools that is very important and one that you will use a lot in the RCC photo program is a tripod. In fact if you purchase a good one it will last for many years to come.
There are many out there from which to choose, probably too many, so we have compiled a list of sorts to help you navigate to a good purchase.
Below are the tripods we consider to be a good investment and are able to do everything you will need them to do.
Below shows a list of tripod legs and a list of tripod heads. You need both
Medium format film cameras are heavy! We highly recommend the Bogen-Manfrotto, Slik, Induro or Benro brands. 3 way pan/tilt heads are preferred, ball heads are not recommended. Standard or quick release plate heads are both acceptable.
Below shows a list of legs followed by a list of heads. You need one from each or a complete tripod kit which includes both legs and head.
Tripod Legs |
Load Cap. |
Max Height |
Folded Length |
Price +/- |
| Benro TAD18A | 17.6 Lbs. | 56.5” | 19.3” | $110 |
| Benro TMA27A | 26.5 Lbs. | 63.6 | 24.6 | $170 |
| Benro TMA28A | 30.9 Lbs. | 61.2” | 20.7” | $180 |
| Benro TMA37AL | 35.3 Lbs. | 70.5” | 26.8” | $200 |
| Benro TMA38CL | 35.3 Lbs. | 69.7” | 23.2” | $450 |
| Induro CLT303L | 44.1 Lbs | 70.7″ | 27″ | $475 |
| Induro CLT203 2 Series | 35.1 Lbs | 63″ | 14.8″ | $375 |
| Gitzo GT2542 Mountaineer | 39.7 | 65.7″ | 22″ | $1,000 |
| Manfrotto MT190X3 | 15.4 Lbs. | 63” | 23.2” | $180 |
| Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 Aluminum | 19.8 Lbs. | 66.9” | 24” | $270 |
| Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 Carbon Fiber | 19.8 Lbs | 66.9 | 24″ | $600 |
| Sirui W-1004 Waterproof Aluminum | 33.1 Lbs. | 65” | 19.3” | $190 |
| Sirui ET-1204 Waterproof Carbon Fiber | 17.6 Lbs. | 65” | 19.3” | $200 |
| Sirui W-2004 Waterproof Aluminum | 39.7 Lbs. | 70.9” | 20.5” | $250 |
| Sirui W-2204 Waterproof Carbon Fiber | 39.7 Lbs. | 70.9” | 20.5” | $420 |
Tripod Heads | ||||
| Benro HD2A 3 Way Pan/Tilt Head | 17.6 lbs. | $110.00 | ||
| Benro HD3A 3 Way Pan/Tilt Head | 26.4 lbs. | $135.00 | ||
| Benro HD2 3 Way Pan/Tilt Head | 17.6 lbs. | $110.00 | ||
| Manfrotto XPRO 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head | 17.6 Lbs. | $200 | ||
| Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head w/ 410PL Quick Release Plate | 16.6 | $220 | ||
| Slik SH-737 3-Way | 11 Lbs. | $75 | ||
Complete Kit | ||||
| Vanguard VEO 3+ 263AP Aluminum Tripod with VEO 2 PH-38 Pan Head | 13 Lbs. | 68″ | 30.5″ | $200 |
| Slik 700 DX legs with 700DX 3-Way Pan Head | 12 lbs. | 64.2″ | 27″ | $180.00 |
Prices and availability vary.
REV. 8/8/2022
RCC A North Carolina Photography School 