do i need a tripod and a head?

S

stu_miller

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Stu
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hi all

i'm very new to photography and have just got myself a sony a200.

i'd like to do some landscape shots and know that i need a tripod for this. please could someone explain in newbie terms exactly what i need and what my options are ideally for less than £100

thanks in advance
stu
 
Hi Stu and welcome,

Being faily new here myself i had a similar question.

I originally bought a cheap Hama tripod (£25) as it had quite good reviews (for the price), hwever, i found that it really wasn't sturdy enough for me to feel comfortable attaching my camera and lens to it. I had visions of it letting go of my kit and causing untold damage.

My budget was the same as yours and after looking around on here i came across reviews about the redsnapper tripod and head so i bought one (you get 10% discount by being a member here :thumbs:)

I haven't had a chance to use it as i only received it yestrerday but i can tell you it's a really well built and high quality bit of kit.

Others on here will have a few other comments to add, but if you do a search for redsnapper on the forum, you'll probably find that it'll suit you quite well.

S
 
The 2nd Redsnapper recommendation of the thread - get a Redsnapper tripod and ball head, and that should come in on budget!! :D
 
nice one, thanks guys...

so what model would it be and how do you get the 10% discount?

cheers
stu
 
think about the head. If you plan on panoramas or suchlike a head where you can turn the head without mucking up the position of the camera is useful. A Pan/Tilt head offers this, but some ball heads can do this as well.
 
with what i have heard on here - redsnapper seem the way to go with your budget - you will always enjoy a good tripod.
 
I dont see why you need a trypod for landscapes? if you are taking shots at night or low light then yes you will but for just mid day landscapes then no you dont need a tripod.
 
i find the best landscapes are evening and mornings so i think one is essential.
 
That Redsnapper is NOT budget! £49.99+£49.99=as near as £100 as damn it (Ok its £99.98 exactly)

I have a Sevendayshop.com £10.99 special. I'm happy with it, Though its only really used to stabilise my 300mm lens in low light.
 
TheKrikkitWars said:
That Redsnapper is NOT budget! £49.99+£49.99=as near as £100 as damn it (Ok its £99.98 exactly)

I have a Sevendayshop.com £10.99 special. I'm happy with it, Though its only really used to stabilise my 300mm lens in low light.
Click to expand...


I've got one as well, it's a bit plasticky but superb value for money, they offer a 30 day money back if you don't like it :clap:

Direct Link
 
TheKrikkitWars said:
That Redsnapper is NOT budget! £49.99+£49.99=as near as £100 as damn it (Ok its £99.98 exactly)

I have a Sevendayshop.com £10.99 special. I'm happy with it, Though its only really used to stabilise my 300mm lens in low light.
Click to expand...

If you're talking about this one

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_1&products_id=99654

Then that's a bargain as it's identical to the Hama one i bought for £25, but in my opinion it didn't feel safe for my camera.

Hence why i personally chose to spend £100 for something i'm confident with.

I guess it's whatever suits.

S
 
i agree £100 is budget compared to what you can pay for tripods - i have just spent £180 on a tripod and head setup. Not because i have a lot of moeny but because with my future upgrades planned i know it will cope. i know it will last.

and besides what is £100 when you are putting housands of pounds of equipment on it?
 
The Redsnapper heads are not budget perhaps, but a set good quality of legs for £50 isn't exactly expensive???
 
Redsnapper are very good VFM............:thumbs:

Buy cheap, pay twice, as I learnt to my cost about tripods......:bang:
 
With my limited experience, i already know that i wouldn't recommend that anybody put a few hundred pounds worth of kit on a £25 tripod (i know this because i did it). Exactly the same as if some one asked for ideas on a camera bag i wouldn't recommend a plastic carrier bag from the local shop (i haven't done this!).

Could i also try to bring this thread back on track? The OP didn't ask for a 'budget' tripod, he asked what he needed for landscapes, and what he could get for less than £100.

The less than £100 I could answer, but i'm too inexperienced to say what is actually 'needed' for landscape photography. Maybe you guys can let him know?

S
 
DeadlySmurf said:
I dont see why you need a trypod for landscapes? if you are taking shots at night or low light then yes you will but for just mid day landscapes then no you dont need a tripod.
Click to expand...

I would say the primary purpose of a tripod for landscape photography is to allow you to compose the picture more accurately. Keeping the camera steady is only really a secondary role. For that reason, I would strongly suggest using a tripod for every shot you take, only hand-holding where the tripod is really impractical. You're mileage may vary.
 
Just goes to show what a wide range there is to landscape photography. As far as I'm concerned, a tripod is a must for any photographer. Just a shame I broke mine about a month ago... two legged tripods just aren't as stable LOL. I'm seriously looking at the Redsnapper to. Yet to decide on a head (can only afford one, so want it to be the most versatile for me). Have been looking at secondhand pro gear to.
 
Landscapes demand a tripod. Light is best early and late, and you want to be around f/11 more often than not, especially with a crop sensor. You can only do this and be tack sharp with a tripod.
 
thanks for everyone's input on this... much appreciated

looks like i'll be ordering the redsnapper stuff come payday!
 
Hi Stu,

Firstly, welcome to the forums :)
Redsnapper gets my vote as well.
When you place the order with Joe, don't forget to mention that you are a member of TP and he will give you a 10% discount.
 
Its worth a look on here aswell: Ffordes as they are selling quite a lot of ex demo kit at the minute I got a Manfrotto 190XB + 390RC2 head for £69 (£76 delivered) its like new!
 
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