Help me choose a new tripod....please :)

Marcel

Marcel

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Marcel
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I've decided what I want for Christmas from my wife and kids Santa.
A tripod upgrade.

At the moment I have a 190CL with a Benro ball head.
I didn't think the lack of height on the tripod (I'm 6'4) would be a concern, but I think there isn't much else I'm hankering for, so I think now would be a good time to upgrade.
Also, the ball head does need that little bit of extra tightening when I have the grip attached with both batteries and a very heavy lens on.

I'm thinking of getting the following :

Manfrotto 055xProB (£120), with the
Manfrotto Heavy Duty 322RC2 Grip head (£80)

Any thoughts? Weight isn't that much of an issue. Obviously I dont want to be carrying around the weight equivalent of a small elephant, but I can't afford (nor justify) the cost of a CF tripod.
 
The 055 is a bit heavier than the 190, but not so much that it's too heavy to carry about. IIRC it extends to about 70 inches or so, which means a shortarse like me needs stepladders to use it :lol:
 
As you're 6'4", the 055XPROB is the ideal choice - I get away with the 190XPROB cause I'm only 5'11". Any taller, I'd need the 055 too...

The head part is entirely dependant on what use you're going to give it:)
 
don't overlook redsnapper. Their tripod is very well made and similar in size to the 055. I prefer the quick twist leg locking system too. It's less than half the price giving you more cash for a better head!

Allan
 
Marcel I am 5'8'' and i have the giottos 3271B Tripod its sturdier than the manfrotto 055 and cheaper as well. This tripod when fully extended and WITHOUT the center column raised is about the same height as i am. With the camera mounted this maybe ideal for you.
Jacobs are doing this and in their catalogue and maybe online they give you £20 off the head you mentioned. I have this combo and really love it to bits.
I think my whole setup cost £170
 
I did look at Redsnapper (that was my first port of call). Unfortunately, it doesn't have the extra centre column swingy functionality thing which I think Im going to find quite useful (thats the official technical name for it doncha know).

The head, I'm quite content with my ballhead, except for a couple of niggles (when the portrait bit is on the correct side, the head loosening part ends up on the wrong/unnatural side). I like the freedom and instant readjustment the ballhead gives me too.

However, like I say, while it copes well with most of my kit. When I have the 40D, grip, 24-70 and flash, (all full of batteries too), it does tend to require stiff tightening, and doesn't like being at a harsh angle (pointing stright up or down, for example), so I need something more heavy duty.
 
Thanks Lee, I'll go have a look at that one now.
 
33L said:
Marcel I am 5'8'' and i have the giottos 3271B Tripod its sturdier than the manfrotto 055 and cheaper as well. This tripod when fully extended and WITHOUT the center column raised is about the same height as i am. With the camera mounted this maybe ideal for you.
Jacobs are doing this and in their catalogue and maybe online they give you £20 off the head you mentioned. I have this combo and really love it to bits.
I think my whole setup cost £170
Click to expand...

Did you mean you have the Giottos 3271B legs, and the Manfrotto 322RC2 head? Which are Jacobs giving the £20 off? I can't see mention of it on either, on their site.
 
the discount is on the head But only if you buy a set of legs at the same time! If its not online then it is in their brochures. I used that but i did have to point it out to them.
 
Marcel

I have that head on a set of manfrotto 190MF3 and I find it OK.... although I must admit I have never in 3 years changed the centre column from vertical to horizontal.

Cheers

Nigel
 
I am 6 foot 3 and i have a 190pro to be honest I never really use the tripod at the hight I always seem to use it Low as I like low shots getting the forground in the shots etc... I would of though if I had it high up the shot wont be as good??
 
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