Which tripod should I get?

[WakkoWarner]

I recently purchased a used Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ carbon fiber tripod, with the GH-300T pistol grip head. The thumb lock is really hard to engage if you have the tension on the ball turned higher. So, I am returning it (plus the rubber came off of the thumb lock).

My question is if it is supposed to be that hard to operate? I am looking at the Vanguard ALTA PRO 2+ 263AGH Aluminum Tripod with the GH-100 pistol grip head. Will I have the same issue with that one (it is new, not used)?

The other one I am looking at is the Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripo with the 322RC2 pistol grip head. Which one will work the best? I do like the dual slot setup on the Vanguard, but I am concerned about the thumb lock. The strange thing is that the originasl GH-100 simply had a button to release the ball to move it - I don't know why they changed it.

The reason for the pistol grip is the need to change the camera position several times, as I am photographing items to list online, so I need the speedy adjustment. The links to the two tripods are below. I will be purchasing through B&H, as I have their credit card, so I can get 6 months same as cash. Let me know what you think. Thanks in advance.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1346935-REG/vanguard_alta_pro_2_263agh.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013388-REG/manfrotto_190cxpro4_carbon_fiber_section.html

[Cameratose]

I have the Alta Pro II aluminum with the ball head. The tripod itself is fine, the ball head sags with the 200-600. Fortunately, I rarely use a tripod, like once in the last 2-3 years, so I just deal with it. The tripod is heavy duty and very flexible for different uses, but I'd get a different head if my intent was regular use.  

Edited to add: Your tripod choices are all over the place, one is a carbon fiber lightweight and the other a heavy aluminum. I would say to define your needs first. For example, since you use it more in a product studio setting, there's no need to pay $$$$ for carbon fiber. On the other hand if you're traveling, then look for something lighter and more compact.

Edited August 16, 2024 by Cameratose

[Phormula]

I fully agree. The best tripod is the one you use. When I was younger and I was walking a lot on mountain trails, I used to carry with me a el-cheapo tripod that I bought in an airport duty free. It was small and almost all plastic but basically doing the job and it was less than one kg, so it was almost permanently attached to my backpack. My walking mates used to laugh at it first and then ask me if I could lend it to them, guess why? Because their super-duper-pro tripods were sitting in a drawer at home or in the car trunk. At that time the urban legend was that a good tripod should weight two times the camera and lens and who wants to hike with a 6 kg tripod and head? Too heavy to bring it around. At the same time, when weight was not an issue, I was using a Manfrotto 055 aluminium 3-section with a 141RC head that I am still using today, after nearly 30 years. When shooting sport, I was using a monopod instead. Sorry for the long story, but, really, first define your needs and then go shopping. A good tripod is an investment that will outlast many cameras and lenses.

When speaking tripods or monopods, I have never regretted buying Manfrotto and I also used their good spare parts service when I revamped my 055. If weight is not a critical issue, I prefer aluminium over carbon. Even for travelling, today I use a small Manfrotto, I can live with the small extra weight, but my experience in the field is that aluminium can take more beating than carbon, which could crack under stress. Sorry for not being able to comment on the two specific models you mention, as I have no experience with them.