The Tripod Upgrades Have Begun

February 24, 2026 | Gear and Gadgets

Another test post, this one for the tripod swap I am doing as I revamp my gear set.  I am upgrading my 10-12 year old Dolica tripod set to Neewer, a brand I have come to like over the years.  I have used their camera bags with great success for the last few seasons, and have found their other products to be really good.  I am also downsizing the collection from 5 to 3, with two higher end tripods for my main shooters and one for travel.

I have never been a expensive tripod guy (i.e. Manfrotto)… I beat the hell out of my tripods and I just can’t, in my brain, justify the cost of the Manfrotto brand.  Dolica was a solid brand for me, like I said, a couple of those tripods were purchased back in 2014-2015, so they got some life.  And honestly, they could continue to be used, but they’ve developed quirks from some damage that is more nuisance than use-breaking.  But the time has come, and it’s coming in the midst of a major gear overhaul I am undertaking right now (more on that once the dust settles).  So it just seemed like the right time to make the change.  Fortunately, I am recouping a bit of cash back on these, nothing to set the world on fire, but that’s always nice to pass along the old gear.  Again, totally useable, and the guy I sold a couple of them to yesterday was telling me his plans for them.  The various parts have varying degrees of good use left, so these may find alternative uses for someone else.  But alas, they’ve reached the end of their service with me.

The thoughts and opinions expressed here are solely my own and do not reflect the views of my employer or affiliated organizations.

Tony's 10-Day Chase Outlook

TODAY APR 11
Possible Chase Day
Central KS
TOMORROW APR 12
Likely Chase Day
Central KS
MONDAY APR 13
Likely Chase Day
Central/Northern IA
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Likely Chase Day
Midwest
WEDNESDAY APR 15
Likely Chase Day
Midwest/Mid-South
THURSDAY APR 16
Possible Chase Day
TBD
FRIDAY APR 17
Possible Chase Day
TBD
SATURDAY APR 18
No Chase Planned
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No Chase Planned
MONDAY APR 20
No Chase Planned
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