Three or Four Leg Sections?
Most tripods come with legs that have three or four adjustable-
sections. The only reason for having four rather than three leg
sections (to my knowledge) is because the tripod folds up into a
more compact package for hiking or storage. Having used both
types, I always opt of the three-legged version. They weigh less
and are inherently more stable and solid. I no longer consider four-
section legs when I purchase a tripod, only those with three-section
legs.
Center Columns
For a similar reason I no longer will purchase a tripod for field work
with a center column or, if it has one, I remove it at once and
consign it to the closet. No matter how strong that center column is
(in a lightweight tripod) it will never be as sturdy as a simple three-
legged tripod with a mounting plate and no column. Those columns
invariable wiggle and wobble just when you don’t want that.
Develop the discipline of not using a center column except, as
mentioned earlier, in the studio and with heavy tripods. So what to
buy? I can only tell you my experience.
Using Tripods in the Field
I use Gitzo tripods for most of my work. An example of a nice but
finally not-quite-sturdy-enough tripod is the Gitzo G1228
Mountaineer Reporter MK2. This carbon fiber tripod is quite
lightweight (around 3.4 lbs (1.54 kg) and is easy to carry in the field.
It is rated to carry a 17.6 lbs. (7.98 kg) load. However, with a big
DSLR (Nikion D3s, D3s, etc.) and a good-sized lens (Nikon 70- 200
f/2.8) it is not sturdy enough for the best macro work, especially if
you add something like a multi-tier panning rig or whatever else you
might attach. They run about $600 but have been discontinued. It
comes close to being usable but clearly does not cut it. What I use
now is the Gitzo GT3531s Systematic 6x Carbon Fiber tripod with
three-section legs and no center column. It weighs 3.7 lbs (1.7 kg)
and the diameter of the individual legs are wide enough for real
stability. It is rated to support 39.6 lbs. (18kg). This tripod can
support a big DSLR, a big lens, and a full multi-tier pano rig. As of
October 22, 2011 they cost $780 at B&H Photo.