Help with tripod, please

[kendalcottages]

Hi everyone

I think I may have asked about this before (I know I did on a Google hangout) and was advised to go into my local camera shop. To be honest, they weren't much help, and pretty much said "here are our tripods" and pointed at half a dozen or so. Nothing about the pros and cons of each, or anything like that. And since I've never bought one before, I could really do with some proper help!

First, some information...

- I have a Canon 50D

- I like to take photos mostly of landscapes (I live between the Lakes and Dales) but wouldn't mind dabbling with macros

- I would like to do some long exposures (waterfalls, etc.), maybe even try my hand at startrails

- I would rather spend good money on something that will last and fulfil future needs, than skimp and find I need to get something better at a later date. That said, I don't have an endless budget. Could maybe go to £200 or a bit more.

- I would like something portable that I can attach to my camera backpack, and that I can take up hills, take on holiday (overseas), etc. without being too bogged down. (Does that mean carbon fibre?)

- I am not in a desperate hurry so could wait until January sales if that would mean I'd get a better deal (but maybe it wouldn't?)

- I don't have a head either, so would appreciate advice on that also.

- I've been told that Manfrotto, Gitzo and Giotto are the three main makes to look at

I have seen the following deals:

http://www.premier-ink.co.uk/photog...dium=product_search&utm_source=google-simple&

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001EZWJ...de=asn&creative=22218&creativeASIN=B001EZWJTU

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Gitzo...ods_Monopods&hash=item3a6c9489f5#ht_867wt_698

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GIOTTOS-9...ods_Monopods&hash=item2eb9637dc0#ht_695wt_698 (seems almost tooooo cheap )

Can anyone please offer some advice?

Thank you!

 

[woof woof]

The only advice I can give is that you should think about what positions you'll want to get your tripod into. For example I bought a Manfrotto and discovered that being a centre column through the legs design it was impossible to get the positions I wanted and I ended up ditching it for a Benbo.

If all you want is a straight up and down design then almost anything will do as long as it's stable enough but if you have some special requirement like flower or insect shots you might need something more positionable.

 

[KMPhoto]

The 055CXPRO3 linked at Amazon is a pretty good option; I don't know about the price but I do know that the tripod is great quality and reasonably portable. In terms of macro, you have the adjustable centre column which can be vertical as well as horizontal.

Carbon Fibre is the way to go if you want lightweight and stable all in one.

I have the 055XPROB (not CF) and am very happy with it on all counts except weight when I am out in the hills. On the other hand, a litre of water is a kilogram and I have no issues with carrying a few litres with me and disposing of it when near the end of the day!

 

[Naboo32]

As the others have said, for everything on your list (apart from the macro perhaps), the carbon fibre Manfrottos are very strong contenders.

I've just bought the 055CXPro4, because I wanted a more compact model (for travelling) than the 3-section (055CXPro3).

Warehouse Express are doing it for £244 (Link ...), which is a fraction over budget, but you get a free trigger grip head with it (supplied separately, by Manfrotto) and that sells for over £100 on its own.

There are many other options of course, as your budget is very sensible, but I'm overjoyed with my new tripod, hence the biased plug .

Good luck!

 

[SnapperMatt]

Just to add, the offer of the free head is not limited to Warehouse Express (it has to be an authorised dealer though I think) and applies for any carbon fibre Manfrotto in the 190 or 055 series. The offer lasts till 31 January 2012 and you have to send away to Manfrotto for it. I have no idea how long it takes for delivery as I have just sent off for mine (I bought an 055CXPRO3 and like Andy above am very pleased with it)

 

[kendalcottages]

Thank you. Would Amazon be regarded as an authorised dealer?

I see the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 is £232.70 there.

*edit*

Actually, on the Amazon site it says:

Dispatched from and sold by CameraKing UK.

 

[SnapperMatt]

A few more details (and links!)

This is a link to the offer leaflet itself (I found this following a link from the manfrotto site - number 8 here) showing the details as well as the terms and conditions. It does specify authorised dealers only and you can find a list of these here. It doesn't look like CameraKing UK are on the list.

However, fotosense are on the list and they are selling the 055CXPRO4 for £239 inc VAT (presumably plus postage). If you keep searching you may be able to find an even better deal.

 

[Naboo32]

Just to add, the offer of the free head is not limited to Warehouse Express (it has to be an authorised dealer though I think) and applies for any carbon fibre Manfrotto in the 190 or 055 series. The offer lasts till 31 January 2012 and you have to send away to Manfrotto for it. I have no idea how long it takes for delivery as I have just sent off for mine (I bought an 055CXPRO3 and like Andy above am very pleased with it)

I was astounded, Matt - mine arrived within 7 days of sending off the claim form !

I haven't actually seen it though, as I had it sent to my parent's place in England (offer only applies to UK buyers) and am stuck out in Germany myself. It's a bog box too, apparently . My mum said that it looked like 'it contained a football' .

 

[kendalcottages]

It doesn't look like CameraKing UK are on the list.

They seem to be the same as West Base Electronics Ltd. who are listed here:

http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/dealers?country=GB&keyword=&search=&zip=HA4+0JW&state=

...so I guess I can still buy via them.

I tried to clarify by making contact with Manfrotto via the contact form on their website but just got this somewhat unhelpful reply:

Good Morning,

The Shopatron Customer Service team manages order processing and order support for many manufacturers. Unfortunately, we do not have additional product or promotional offers information beyond what is noted on the manufacturer website. However, you may obtain more detailed product information by contacting product support directly. Most manufacturers provide a "Contact Us" link on their websites where you can ask specific questions about the product.

If you have questions about the product you are ordering, you may review our frequently asked questions, here: http://shopatron.helpserve.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=view&parentcategoryid=4&pcid=0&nav=0

We hope you get an answer to your question quickly, and we look forward to processing your order soon.

Thanks and Kind Regards,
Maguelone

Maguelone Edouard
Customer Support Representative
eusupport@shopatron.com

Celebrating 10 Years of World-Class eCommerce with Two High Fives, 2001-2011
Get more information at 10.shopatron.com

I guess I must have clicked the wrong 'contact us' link somehow...????!

 

[SnapperMatt]

I was astounded, Matt - mine arrived within 7 days of sending off the claim form !

Nice. Lets hope they are as quick with mine. I hope its just the box thats as big as a football!

They seem to be the same as West Base Electronics Ltd. who are listed here:

http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/dealers?country=GB&keyword=&search=&zip=HA4+0JW&state=

...so I guess I can still buy via them.

I tried to clarify by making contact with Manfrotto via the contact form on their website but just got this somewhat unhelpful reply:



I guess I must have clicked the wrong 'contact us' link somehow...????!

Ah, so they are! I searched for CameraKing and I didn't see it in the results. Good idea to check though so I hope it works out