New Tripod

[jameshobson]

Hi was just looking for suggestions on which tripod i should look to get next, i have gone the past few years buying cheap plastic £30 things but now i understand they are useless and can not hold my medium format film camera, i use a canon 5d and mamiya c330, i need something that can hold 5kg, i don't mind buying second hand and know that manfrotto or gittos might be my best bet, looking to spend no more than £150 with a head but don't care about carbon fibre and other new selling points, i just want something sturdy that will last me a long time, thanks very much for reading and any responses that you send.

 

[Just Dave]

Id go for the Manfrotto 055 or 190 series great all-rounders, and great for macro as it goes flat to the ground Clicky Linky and a Ball head Manfrotto 496RC2 Clicky Linky

 

[jameshobson]

Thanks for the suggestion will check them out, just another note I will be using it mainly for landscapes so needs to be very stable for long exposures.

 

[Just Dave]

I have the 055 and its rock solid and has an hook to hang your bag on

 

[Trig's]

posted this before in a similar thread:

I was looking at Manfrotto 055 & 190 series a year or so ago then saw reviews for the Giottos MTL9351B... So I ended up getting that as it virtually done exactley the same as the Manfrotto's but at quite a bit less than what they wanted for the Manfrotto... Did get it with a Giotto head but sold that and got a Manfrotto ball head as it was easier as I've got a Mnafrotto monopod so I didn't have to keep messing about with different heads..

You could also have a look at Redsnapper as they come recommended on here as well which would come well within your budget.

Also theres a review just click the link ---> Giotto MTL9351B

 

[Just Dave]

Giottos MTL9351B doesnt go flat to the ground for real low down shots

as I do a lot of macro I went with the 055, goes flat to the ground for real low down shots also its strong enough to use my gimbal head and long lens for birding/wildlife

 

[Gypsy_Biker]

Just picked up the Manfrotto 190xprob and 496rc2 ball head from Jessops on Saturday - couldn't be more pleased! The build quality is second to none, very impressed.

Also got a nice Manfrotto carry bag for half price, fits the tripod with head attached so all good.

 

[markmullen]

I use a Manfrotto 055XProB and am very happy with it, stable enough to hold 1 series with weighty lenses for 10 minute exposures without any wobble, even in high winds.

I use a 405 geared head which is perfect for landscapes, albeit weighty and expensive, with a Manfrotto 438 levelling base for panoramas.

 

[rob-nikon]

I've been using a manfrotto x055prob tripod with a manfrotto 498rc2 ball head since Christmas. it's a great tripod, I can use it from any distance between about 10cm off the ground to eye level (I'm about 6ft) without extending the centre column. The horizontal centre column method is great for get close in and down low.

I went for the 498 ball head for the pan function which I find really useful but either the 494 or 496 heads would have been fine. The adaptable friction setting knob is quick and easy to use and best of all it stops the lens and camera just dropping forward when the ball is unlocked.

It's a tripod that will last me years and you can buy accessories in the future as your needs change. The only problem I have found is sometimes the long centre column stops me getting as low as I would like to the ground without turning the centre column horizontally, but there is a shorter replacement column that can be purchased to over come his problem. Couple this to a different head type in the future and you have got a quick way of changing between heads.

The only bad point anyone says is it's weight but it's not too bad, ok the CF version is half the weight but its double the price. A good sturdy tripod will weigh around this amount to give you a solid support. I Don't regret getting this tripod, one of my best buys yet and the weight doesn't stop me taking it out and using it regularly.