Looking For Good Head (Probably Nice Balls?), But Not Fussed About The Legs

68lbs

68lbs

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April 2008
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Ok, I know I've asked tripod qu's before, but I still havent purchased one and am still using my old jessops one.

The thing is, I'm quite liking it - for the simple reason that I dont give a toss about it, and as such can stand it in mud, sand, ram it between rocks, and not worry that my £100+ sexpod is going to get an incey scratch. What I do hate is the head. I say head, but I don't think it's removeable, so I mean 'the top'. It is a bitch to adjust! In fact to get straight horizons, I have to make one leg shorter than the others. And I usually fail miserably and settle for 'shopping afterwards.

So...

I am thinking would it be a good idea to spend lots on a decent head (I am reallly liking the manfrotto ball grip one which I think Edi-Gaz has), and then get a cheapy set of legs. Does this sound a good idea, or are budget legs going to just wobble etc? And what would be a recommendation for budget legs? Also, are ball heads secure and what do people recommend. Heaviest lens is probably the sigma 24-70 f/2.8 with lee filters fitted on the front.

Oh, and I'd also like the ability to be able to get really low with the tripod.

Sorry if I'm going over old ground or anything, but I'm really struggling to sort the wheat from the chaff on this one.
 
I have some Velbon Sherpa 450 legs(around£65) and a giottos ball head(I think it was about £80)
Supports my 400d and 100-400L no problem. It does for my needs:D
Legs do not go that low though

Not sure if that helps really:shrug::D
 
honestly have a look at the hahnel triad 100 it cost me 70 quid its full alluminium with ball head legs go all the way out for macro, and its also a monopod :)

I love it and it does exactly what i need it too
 
I've got the Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod and the legs splay out quite wide and go really low :eek: ;) and you definitely need sturdy legs ;) and I like the adjustable centre column - very versatile :) It's sandy and scratched but still works :D and the 486RC2 ball head is great for my 400d - It supports the 70-200mm fine. :) Not sure if that was any use whatsoever! :lol:
 
I love good head. Mine is the Manfrotto 488RC2. They have good sized black balls and can be screwed and locked into any position you like. It has a nice flange (1) that can be released quickly, or slowly if you prefer and is restrained by a lovely clamp (2). It has a ball lock to one side (4) to tether the black balls into place and a cock (3) that prevents circular swing.

488RC.jpg
 
Holy innuendo Batman. Double entendre man strikes again.

Andy
 
Thanks for the input everyone :)

I cant believe that out of everything, a tripod is proving the most difficult thing to work out what is needed. :bang:
 
68lbs.........

Congratulations.......you are the winner of the 'Thread Title of the Day' award :clap:
 
Choosing a tripod is difficult. Same with a head, because it's so easy to render everything redundant if you just get a heavier lens or heavier kit.

I'd say choose a ball head with takes generic Arca type plates and as long as it's a good quality head, you can can always get the plates suitable for future lens purchases. I've made ALL the mistakes with heads in the past. ;)
 
I thought choosing a tripod was a simple affair - redsnapper legs and head, good quality head (cheap price too) and bargain legs (good quality too). £90ish with the TP discount!
 
Manfrotto 190XPROB + 804RC2 Head (£125.00) and stop worrying about scratching it, what's the point? You ain't never gonna sell it cos it'll do everything you're ever likely to want it to so why worry about a scratch?
It's the pics you take with it that matter, not it's paintwork......
 
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