Top tripod picks for long exposures with Canon EOS 90D?

Question

What tripod should I actually get for my Canon 90D to do long exposure landscape shots? I am so stoked because I finally saved up for a decent setup and I'm heading to the Oregon coast next month for a solo trip to shoot the sea stacks at sunset. I've been looking at the Manfrotto 190XPRO3 because it's a classic but I saw people complaining that flip locks get jammed with sand and salt water which is a huge deal for where I'm going.

Then I looked at the Peak Design travel one but I'm worried it won't be stable enough for 30 second exposures when the wind picks up. My budget is around $300 and I really need something that wont shake if a breeze hits...

Michael_Evans · Accepted Answer

^ This. Also, be careful with travel tripods in heavy Oregon wind. I would suggest the Benro Mach3 2 Series Aluminum Tripod TMA28A instead. It is way more rigid than the Peak Design and way cheaper too. Check these points:Twist locks are a must for sandUse the center hook for your bagBuy spiked feet for the shore You can get this and a Benro B2 Double Action Ball Head for under $300 easily. Safer than risking your 90D on a flimsy setup.

highlinehopper · Answer

^ This. Also, for coastal environments, you really need a tripod with specific weather sealing in the leg locks. I have been very satisfied with the Sirui W-2004 Waterproof Aluminum Alloy Tripod which is designed exactly for these conditions. The twist locks use internal gaskets to keep sand out, which works well for long sessions near the surf.

IPX7 waterproof rating on the legs

39.7 lb load capacity for high stability

Includes stainless steel spikes for soft sand I find the 18kg load rating is more than enough for a 90D even with a heavy lens. The aluminum version stays planted better in heavy wind compared to lighter carbon models. Its been a solid performer for my long exposures and fits perfectly in that 300 dollar range. Just dont forget to give it a quick rinse after the shoot... salt is still brutal over time.

turtlebaytalker · Answer

> flip locks get jammed with sand and salt water Unfortunately, you're right to worry about those flip locks. I had issues with the Manfrotto 190XPRO3 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod after a single trip to the coast... the tolerances are just too tight for grit and it felt like it was grinding every time I moved it. Not as good as expected for real landscape work. For 30-second exposures on a Canon 90D, you need serious vibration dampening. The Peak Design legs are too thin and the center column is a huge weak point in the wind. Honestly, look at the Sirui AM-284 Carbon Fiber Tripod with A-10R Ball Head. It hits your budget and uses twist locks which are much easier to clean. It doesnt have a center column, which is actually a feature here because it lowers your center of gravity and stops the camera from acting like a sail.

10-layer carbon fiber

28mm leg diameter

33lb load capacity