View Full Version : Tripod Recomendations
coupekid
25-06-08, 11:31 AM
Hi All,
I am looking to get a new tripod for my little 350D.
With a budget of about 50quid, what would you recomend?
Stephen
25-06-08, 11:51 AM
Hi All,
I am looking to get a new tripod for my little 350D.
With a budget of about 50quid, what would you recomend?
Are you sure that is all you can afford to spend?
Do you already have a tripod head that would go on a new model?
If it were me I think I would be inclined to push the boat out and get a Manfrotto 190ProB (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1017664) The difference is half a tank of petrol :D
coupekid
25-06-08, 12:14 PM
Are you sure that is all you can afford to spend?
Do you already have a tripod head that would go on a new model?
If it were me I think I would be inclined to push the boat out and get a Manfrotto 190ProB (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1017664) The difference is half a tank of petrol :D
Well, to be honest with you Stephen, my wife has offered to get me one for our wedding anniversery, and I didnt want to be presumptious!
But looking at that manfrotto, its a nice peice of kit.
With the current camera and lenses I have, I have never felt the need to get an expensive, or overly sturdy tripod.
Stephen
25-06-08, 12:24 PM
Well, to be honest with you Stephen, my wife has offered to get me one for our wedding anniversery, and I didnt want to be presumptious!
But looking at that manfrotto, its a nice peice of kit.
With the current camera and lenses I have, I have never felt the need to get an expensive, or overly sturdy tripod.
Ben, you can no doubt go to Jessops and get one of theirs for around £50. Frankly though they are IMHO rubbish. I have a very good friend, you will know him, who did the same, he regretted it and finally got himself a Manfrotto. I would not buy a tripod with an integral head and with a quick release plate that is not made from metal.
Patrick
25-06-08, 01:05 PM
Well, to be honest with you Stephen, my wife has offered to get me one for our wedding anniversery, and I didnt want to be presumptious!
But looking at that manfrotto, its a nice peice of kit.
With the current camera and lenses I have, I have never felt the need to get an expensive, or overly sturdy tripod.
I would agree with Stephen, buy a good one. I used to have a Benbo for many years but they are bulky (the trekker perhaps isnt but it not as sturdy). I use a Monfrotto these days, which I have had for over 10 years now. Its lighter to carry than the Bembo was but equally as sturdy.
As matter of interest I have just bought a Compact ball levelling head, this fits between the tripod and camera head in my case 141RC pan & tilt.
This purchase reflects my growing interest in panoramas, the levelling head ensures the camera head is level and has easy adjustment to make this possible, without playing around adjusting the legs of the tripod in an effort to get the spirit level true.
The range of accessories for Manfrotto tripods is amazing, the distributors are also very helpful. As I said the tripod is over ten years old and had the screw type leg adjusters, I wanted the snap type and they sold me a set at a very reasonable cost to convert the tripod.
Patrick
norn iron
25-06-08, 01:50 PM
I also agree with Stephen, I have had a Manfrotto 190 ProB for about 18 months and find it a really excellent piece of kit and now that it has an updated swinging center column it should be even better.
Ken
Hmm, bit over budget Ben, but I got a Velbon Sherpa 750R (http://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/p-velbon-sherpa-750r-tripod.htm) - works a treat.
jo
Hello everyone, this thread is quite timely as I have just this minute arrived back from a tour of the Manfrotto and Gitzo factories in Italy (both marques are owned by a company called Vitec, and marketed by Bogen Imaging in Europe and the US). Plus, myself and Paul Watkins are currently evaluating over half a dozen low to medium price (up to c.£100) tripiods from Giottos, Cullman, Manfrotto, Slik, Velbon, Jessops, Benro, and Benbo.
As has been mentioned already, it's not just the tripod, but you need to have a decent head. I would also recommend a quick-release type head.
It's too early to give verdicts on the tripods we have in for evaluation, but I do have some news for tripod afficionados, as we were the first journalists to see the latest high-end tripods from Gitzo. These are in the same kind of regard as Leica, and with price tags to match, but the engineering that goes into them is exquisite. Their new range of ball heads are fantastic; teflon coated, unique large hollow ball design, ultra light but very adjustable and when locked, very secure. In general, I'm not a big fan of ball heads or twist lock tripod sections, but the Gitzo engineering of these features completely addresses my reservations.
We were mainly at the factories to see new carbon fibre Manfrottos (including a very nice shorter and lighter carbon fibre version of the popular 055 model) plus the new Gitzo heads.
Ian
I also agree with Stephen, I have had a Manfrotto 190 ProB for about 18 months and find it a really excellent piece of kit and now that it has an updated swinging center column it should be even better.
Ken
We've been given the carbon fibre version of this model to try - including a tough day trekking around Venice in 38 degree heat and very high humidity! :eek:
I'm not sure I could have coped with tripod any heavier and the 190 carbon fibre is a featherweight :)
Pix coming soon...
Ian
Patrick
25-06-08, 04:12 PM
I'm not sure I could have coped with tripod any heavier and the 190 carbon fibre is a featherweight :)
Pix coming soon...
Ian
Not a featherweight price though:rolleyes:
Patrick
Not a featherweight price though:rolleyes:
Patrick
Indeed - £249 (Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 Mag Fiber Tripod - Jessops price). You can get 190 model in aluminium for under £100, but only in 3 section type compared to the carbon Pro4 (4 sections).
Ian
Ben, I have used the Benro A-550EX - I took it to the Far East earlier in the month and used it with my Olympus E-3 and 90-250 zoom, which probably amounted to nearly 5 kilos of camera and lens :)
It comes with a ball head and can be had for around £80, though there aren't many outlets selling it yet. Here is one I found on Google:
http://photopal.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=68&products_id=149
I like it because it's light (practically as light as the carbon fibre Manfrotto 190CXPro04 that I'm using at the moment), compact (4 section legs), and seems well made. The supplied ball head doesn't have a separate pan adjustment, which is a cost-issue, but apart from that it's fine and it has a good quick-release system.
Benro is a Chinese brand that copies features from Gitzo models. Gitzo is much more expensive and deservedly so, but I'm impressed with what I have seen from the Benro so far, for the money.
The Manfrotto 190 Stephen suggested is a very high quality tripod and it has the excellent quick column shift so you can turn and lock the centre column to a 90 degree configuration, useful for macro and very low angle work. It's a shame the 4-section leg version is only available in the much more expensive carbon fibre form.
As soon as I have finished evaluating the other models we have in, I'll update this thread.
But for some basic advice, I would recommend avoiding a twist lock leg tripod (though Gitzo's G-lock twist lock is actually excellent) as usually they are difficult to undo when over-tightened and the leg tubes often rotate with the lock, go for a model that has a wide angle of up and down leg movement and easy locking and unlocking, I would recommend a tripod that can use third party heads, don't be swayed by models that have wind-up columns, it would be good to know that accessories like alternative feet are available from the manufacturer, etc. 4 leg sections instead of 3 will mean a shorter tripod for packing and carrying.
Ian
Ok perhaps a little bit dear for Coupekid, but maybe of interest for others reading this thread; Bristol Cameras are doing a very cheap deal on the Velbon CF-545 Carbon fibre 4 section tripod at £120 + £10 p&p
http://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/p-velbon-sherpa-pro-cf545-ph157q.htm
Just bought one myself and whilst I've not used it much yet and haven't owned anything else to directly compare it with, it seems pretty good, though not as rigid as my Manfrotto 161.
(8Kg plus, and that's the tripod without head, not it's load capacity. *LOL).
Deal includes a pan & tilt head which I didn't really want, but there was no discount without it. I guess I'll convert it to a hide or car window mount.
Best regards to all
Bill
The nearest I have to a home page
http://www.flickr.com/photos/peak4/
coupekid
27-06-08, 12:42 PM
ok, thanks for all the advice everyone.
I cant believe that no one can recomend a tripod for under 80quid!
The Manfrotto is a very nice tripod, but at 80 quid, plus the head, its a little out of my price range. I have been using a Velbon tripod, which is cheap and cheerful, and served me very well. However, one of the locking legs has now bitten the dust, which after so many years, I dont think is too much to complain about. So maybe, I will look at getting another of the same. :D
Next time someone wants advice on a cheap car, I will recomend a Ferrari! *LOL
Stephen
27-06-08, 01:06 PM
ok, thanks for all the advice everyone.
I cant believe that no one can recomend a tripod for under 80quid!
The Manfrotto is a very nice tripod, but at 80 quid, plus the head, its a little out of my price range. I have been using a Velbon tripod, which is cheap and cheerful, and served me very well. However, one of the locking legs has now bitten the dust, which after so many years, I dont think is too much to complain about. So maybe, I will look at getting another of the same. :D
Next time someone wants advice on a cheap car, I will recomend a Ferrari! *LOL
Pretty sure Ian mentioned one in his post Ben, inc the head and a case apparently. I saw it yesterday, when I called in at Ians. We think it would be ideal for your camera lens combo
Think mine came in a smidge under £80 including quick release plate :(
jo
Think mine came in a smidge under £80 including quick release plate :(
jo
I agree. I also agree that yours is a very nice, very capable tripod. We have 2 of them actually and one of them lives permanently under a bed in the campervan for those times when I either forget the Manfrotto (055) or when something lighter and easier to carry would do the job just as well.
The advantages of the Manfrotto are that it's more stable, black and with the facility for an interchangeable head. The only disadvantage, for me anyway, is that it's quite heavy and I sometimes forget to pack the 3-way pan/tilt head as I tend to use the 222 joystick ball head more often.
The colour of the velbon can also be a bit of a disadvantage, though not too much, as the light colour of the legs can be more reflective than black legs. I've used the Velbon safely many times with the large Sigma 150-500mm too, though care is needed to make sure it's set up in a firm and stable location because the tripod isn't as heavy, therefore stable, as the Manfrotto.
The integrated head has always served me well too. It can drift with a long/heavy lens attached - but you can take measures to make sure it doesn't when you're aware and careful about setting up.
We have several tripods around the place but I wouldn't like to be without the Velbon.
I'm not so sure the Velbon would be so ideal for Ben though as it might not be adequate for some of the wildlife locations he uses.
Pol
ok, thanks for all the advice everyone.
I cant believe that no one can recomend a tripod for under 80quid!
The Manfrotto is a very nice tripod, but at 80 quid, plus the head, its a little out of my price range. I have been using a Velbon tripod, which is cheap and cheerful, and served me very well. However, one of the locking legs has now bitten the dust, which after so many years, I dont think is too much to complain about. So maybe, I will look at getting another of the same. :D
Next time someone wants advice on a cheap car, I will recomend a Ferrari! *LOL
For around £50 you are almost certainly going to have to settle for a tripod with a plastic 'spider' - the bit at the top that connects to the legs. You may even have a head with a plastic mount. All this plastic results in much less stability. Cheaper tripods often need bracing arms and this minimises the versatility of the tripod (getting low by splaying out the legs).
I've bought cheap tripods in the past and have always regretted it. No disrespect, Ben, but I think you don't really know what it's like to use a competent tripod. I'd really recommend finding a shop that has some of the models mentioned here on display so you can see for yourself how much of a difference they make.
Ian
Blimey Pol, I just bung me 30D on top and off I go! (must admit don't like the wobbly wind-up centre column though)
jo
Blimey Pol, I just bung me 30D on top and off I go! (must admit don't like the wobbly wind-up centre column though)
jo
I never use that feature - I just raise the legs higher instead.
A raised centre column just makes the set up top heavy and less stable imo, especially if there's a long lens attached.
Pol
Patrick
27-06-08, 05:43 PM
I never use that feature - I just raise the legs higher instead.
A raised centre column just makes the set up top heavy and less stable imo, especially if there's a long lens attached.
Pol
I don't know anything about Velbon tripods these days, its about 40 years ago since I owned one and it was I have to say rather poor. I found wind up centres unsatisfactory, isn't that feature usually associated with video heads?
As to stability with a heavy lens the Manfrotto can be used with a good spread on the legs (three different points on the one I have), and there is still the old trick of hanging the camera bag under the tripod to increase weight and lower the point of balance.
I also use a lighter model Manfrotto 725B, when weight is a factor. This comes with a none removable quick release ball head (using the same plate has my 141C pan & tilt head) and employs 4 section legs, it is remarkably stable.
Unfortunately it is still over Ben's £50 budget at around £100.
Patrick
I have a Manfrotto 785B. You can get them now for about £51 and they throw in a mini tri-pod too.
I will try and find the link to it.
Nice tri-pod by the way, very sturdy indeed and quite light. The head on it is excellent too, you can go wrong really!
Found the link. http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment/review/Manfrotto_Modo_785B_tripod_11362.php
Here is one for £49 with the free minipod. http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails~productID~6024~categoryid~158.html
If you want, I can post mine to you and you can have it for a week or so if you want to try before you buy just let me know if you want. :)
I don't know anything about Velbon tripods these days, its about 40 years ago since I owned one and it was I have to say rather poor. I found wind up centres unsatisfactory, isn't that feature usually associated with video heads?
As to stability with a heavy lens the Manfrotto can be used with a good spread on the legs (three different points on the one I have), and there is still the old trick of hanging the camera bag under the tripod to increase weight and lower the point of balance.
I also use a lighter model Manfrotto 725B, when weight is a factor. This comes with a none removable quick release ball head (using the same plate has my 141C pan & tilt head) and employs 4 section legs, it is remarkably stable.
Unfortunately it is still over Ben's £50 budget at around £100.
Patrick
The Velbon 750N isn't too bad - just not really robust enough for rough terrain imho. David also has a Velbon Video tripod somewhere around the place but I never used that one. I think it is (or was) a D700 and I seem to recall one of our sons hammering it when he used to use it at College.
The 750N has an integrated 3-way pan/tilt head and a split column so it can be a handy thing to have around the place for a low level macro and I've also used them for off-camera flash.
It's certainly an acceptable tripod to have around the house and garden as well as on the street - though I'd still avoid using the centre column! I must admit I'd rather have the Manfrotto with me - if David's willing and able to carry it for me. He's a good lad and he's possibly lurking too so I have to say that). :D
Pol
(must admit don't like the wobbly wind-up centre column though)
jo
I hasten to add I don't use that wobbly centre thing - do ya think I'm some kind of amateur or what *LOL
jo
I hasten to add I don't use that wobbly centre thing - do ya think I'm some kind of amateur or what *LOL
jo
*whack 'course yer not some kind of amatcha!
One of our sons once wound that wobbly thing right up and off. It was the same son who knackered Davids D700 Velbon video tripod thingee.
They called me a "kit snob" when I got my Manfrotto but I didn't care - I just sat back and watched them argue over who had mucked up the D700 and who was gonna get the 'wobbly thing' back into the centre column of *David's* Velbon 750. Anybody who values their earholes doesn't go within 6ft of any of my kit. *LOL
Pol
Hi Ben ive read a few responses and agree that you would be better spending double and get a tripod that will last you a long time, I understand that you are into nature photography, well a tripod for 50 quid is not going to suit an slr with a big lens on.
If its a ball head, which you need, always look at the weight it can handle, an slr with a big lens for wildlife is heavy, bear this in mind.
I bought the manfrotto 190 xprob, for 80 quid, I then realised that for a suitable ball head from manfrotto was going to cost nearly the same again.
After alot of research I came across a small company that actually manufacture there own stuff. Photoskill produce very substantial quality products at very reasonable prices.
I purchased the ps4061 medium ball head, and I am very impressed with the build quality for the money, and will screw directly onto the manfrotto.
Here is a link for you:
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/photoskill
hope this helps.
cheers
Ash.
Hope you don't mind me re-opening this thread.....
I need to get a new tripod since the Manfrotto monopod and cheapo tripod I borrow will shortly be leaving when I become newly single again...
I got an email from 7dayshop this morning with the Manfrotto 785B on special offer: http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_1&products_id=104438
However, having weighed my Canon 400d with the 300mm lens on, it exceeds the maximum weight... so have been having a quick search...
Has anyone got any experience/recommendations/don't do it any cost for this one: http://www.purelygadgets.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=7224
I really don't want to carry a heavy tripod due to back problems, did treat myself to a new Tamrac daybag because the one that came with the camera was an over the shoulder job...
Any suggestions appreciated for a good, lightweight tripod that doesn't cost the earth!
Carol
Stephen
30-08-08, 01:33 PM
Caz, with the camera and lens setup you mention, a cheap lightweight setup such as the ones you link to maybe just throwing your money away IMO
Consider the Manfrotto 190B with a suitable ball head. Will last you for many years and its not too heavy.
Patrick
30-08-08, 01:57 PM
Caz, with the camera and lens setup you mention, a cheap lightweight setup such as the ones you link to maybe just throwing your money away IMO
Consider the Manfrotto 190B with a suitable ball head. Will last you for many years and its not too heavy.
I know its not what you are looking for but there are circumstances when a Bead Bag can do the job for you.
True you need somewhere to give support and rest the bag, but some photography like wildlife it can be very stable but more flexible in use.
I intend experimenting with one on a tripod without the pan & tilt Head which reduces the carrying weight considerably. Jacobs do a lightweight bean bag made from Wax Cloth, over priced but very good quality.
Patrick
Stephen
30-08-08, 02:20 PM
Also, as a lightweight option, the Joby Gorillapod is worth thinking about. I've just taken delivery of the compact digicam version this morning so I can use my G9 on it whilst away on holiday in a couple of weeks time.
I've made a decision not to take my 1D and lenses this time, they are too big and heavy for use in Florida and I'm going to manage with the G9. Actually looking forward to using the G9 with the Gorillapod.
Caz, with the camera and lens setup you mention, a cheap lightweight setup such as the ones you link to maybe just throwing your money away IMO
Consider the Manfrotto 190B with a suitable ball head. Will last you for many years and its not too heavy.
I know its not what you are looking for but there are circumstances when a Bead Bag can do the job for you.
True you need somewhere to give support and rest the bag, but some photography like wildlife it can be very stable but more flexible in use.
I intend experimenting with one on a tripod without the pan & tilt Head which reduces the carrying weight considerably. Jacobs do a lightweight bean bag made from Wax Cloth, over priced but very good quality.
Patrick
Thank you both for your suggestions. I hadn't considered the bean/bead bag option! Since I take a lot of images of flowers, not sure whether that would be the option.
The reason I'd gone for the kit option is that it included a quick release plate. True, the 190 doesn't appear to weigh a great deal more, but it's the fact that you then have to buy a head to go with it (which increases the weight) - and that's when I really get confused!
Patrick
30-08-08, 02:44 PM
Thank you both for your suggestions. I hadn't considered the bean/bead bag option! Since I take a lot of images of flowers, not sure whether that would be the option.
The reason I'd gone for the kit option is that it included a quick release plate. True, the 190 doesn't appear to weigh a great deal more, but it's the fact that you then have to buy a head to go with it (which increases the weight) - and that's when I really get confused!
The Bean Bag would be great for taking flowers, many pro natural history and serious amateurs use them.
I have just bought one and was amazed how stable the camera and lens are, its very much easier and quicker to re-compose than a pan and tilt.
Patrick