I'm looking at replacing my el cheapo camera tripod with a more decent one but am not really well versed with the ins and outs of camera tripods. I'm considering the zomei Q666 as it seems to be solid and has a quick release system.
My camera now is a sony a7m2 and venture into larger lens like the sel70200, funds permitting. Not really planning on taking the tripod on overseas trips but might be open to it in the future.
Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.
I've been using Manfrotto with ball head since early 2000, a bit bulky but very functional and never let me down. We recently did a Japan holiday and decided that I wanted something lighter with the same functionality so I picked up Manfrotto BeFree Advance - https://www.teds.com.au/manfrotto-befree-advanced-travel-tri…. After 2 weeks in Tokyo where we did lots of walking and train ride, the tripod was worth every dollar as it's very light, compact, very sturdy and it was able to handle my Canon 6D with 24-70 lens and battery grip without any issues.
I agree; mine's is even smaller and lighter https://www.teds.com.au/manfrotto-mk-compactlt-ball-head Don't know how big that 70-200 lens is though, if it's f2.8, I imagine it is big. Hooley dooley, even the f4 is enormous. You'll need a bigger tripod than that zomei - imolared's recommendation of the befree is looking good.
You should see my tripod collection….phew. I have one for different time of the day of the week….
Anyway…there really 2 parts of a proper tripod. legs and head.
2 main factor of the legs. weight and the height. The idea height is your eye level with the head, without the center column extended. Never extend the center column unless you really need to.
There are 3 main type of different head: pan and tilt head, ball head and pistol grip heads. Google them for pictures and more information. I favor ball head for small size and easy to setup. pan and tilt heads offer more precision. pistol grips offer…..I dunno. the feeling like you are using a gun?
Then there is the quick release system employed on the head. I favor arca swiss style. it is basically a jaw clamp system. There are a few reasons why. Mainly, I like to use l brackets on my cameras. so I can have the camera in a portait orientation without the camera hanging on one side of the ball head.
L bracket for your camera on ebay
In any case, there is a payload rated for the tripod and legs. You want your camera and lens to be well within the payload. If your camera and lens is 2kg, get something that can support 4kg. This is a number I just pulled out.
expensive isnt always good. I use a little slik gm mini pro with the smallest ballhead. It is small, light and cheap and I rarely fully extend it. My camera for hiking is a little mirrorless fuji. Well suited for a little tripod.
Zomei Q666
Make sure you can live with the twist lock system on the legs. I personally find them frustrating.
I purchased the Q999S (which I think is the same family as the 666), and found it to be inadequate for my use. It is very flimsy and with all the legs extended was extremely flexible. I wouldn't recommend any of that range of tripod.
I ended up finding a second hand (but mint condition) Benro carbon-fibre tripod on Gumtree for a great price, and love it. The difference is night and day.
+1 for carbon fibre.
If shooting video also consider a fluid head so you can get smooth motion
Depends on your shooting style.
Not knowing that, I'd suggest getting something on individual axis adjustments. A ball head system is frustrating especially when setting up panoramas.