Not Another "What Tripod" Thread?

[PaulBoy]

I did try chipping in on another thread but now I have some specific tripods I am considering & would appreciate any views / advice
Having read (amongst other things) Thom Hogan's guide HERE it is clear that as with lots of camera gear buying most people (me included) end up going for the cheaper options before realising that quality comes at a price (?)
I am looking for a tripod (legs only) which needs to be light enough to carry about for the day but sturdy enough to hold a D200 & zoom lens steady ...
From what I have read this (for me) means carbon fiber(re) & my short list is as follows:
Velbon CF-630 HERE
Benro C-227n6 HERE
Manfrotto 055MF3 HERE
I was planning to spend up to £150 & the Velbon above can be had for just under but the Benro & Manfrotto are nearer £200 (?)
Any others that I should look at in this price range that will fit the bill (?)
Look forward to your help spending my Christmas bonus :nuts: - Paul

 

[EOSAddict]

Have you considered Dynatran or Feisol? I am getting a Feisol from a fellow forum member on another forum. Dynatran have a good rep too if you are lucky on fleabay they can be had for good price but their growing reputation means not as cheap as a while back...

 

[CT]

It's probably not what you want to hear but the 200 quid ones cost that much for a reason.. I'd go for the Manfrotto out of that choice.

Have a look at the Gitzo Explorer too.

CLICKY

 

[PaulBoy]

Have you considered Dynatran or Feisol? I am getting a Feisol from a fellow forum member on another forum. Dynatran have a good rep too if you are lucky on fleabay they can be had for good price but their growing reputation means not as cheap as a while back...

Thanks Al - Will have a look-see ... Paul

It's probably not what you want to hear but the 200 quid ones cost that much for a reason.. I'd go for the Manfrotto out of that choice.
Have a look at the Gitzo Explorer too

Thanks CT - Do you mean they cost £200 coz they're worth it? The Velbon sells for £270 but WE have it on at 1/2 price
Well look at that Gitzo ... Paul

 

[Darryn]

Ive spent the last 15minutes researching Tripods as I am thinking of asking Santa for one for Christmas, so far the Manfrotto 055MF4 with Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ball Head are top of my list.

 

[CT]

Thanks CT - Do you mean they cost £200 coz they're worth it? The Velbon sells for £270 but WE have it on at 1/2 price
Well look at that Gitzo ... Paul

As long as I can remember I've associated Manfrotto and Gitzo with quality tripods, the way everyone associates Purdey with the best in shotguns. That's not to say other manufacturers don't make equally good guns, but you just know the Purdey will be good... it's pretty well a given.

 

[mho]

The saying about Gitzo's is "The last tripod you will ever buy".

I have one ( 1348mk2 ) and if I had to buy another it would be Gitzo, Everything about them is pure class.

Had mine stood in the sea for 7 days last year, and all the salt and sand didnt touch it, a quick wash down with frash water and a light lube of the bushes it was as new.

 

[PaulBoy]

As long as I can remember I've associated Manfrotto and Gitzo with quality tripods, the way everyone associates Purdey with the best in shotguns. That's not to say other manufacturers don't make equally good guns, but you just know the Purdey will be good... it's pretty well a given.

CT - Can't fault the logic there (likewise mho01) That said from what I have read the Benro range were specifically designed to "take on" the big boys & allegedly do a good job of it - I'm still undecided but thatnks for the help so far ... Paul

EOSAddict - Nothing found on Dynatran & Feisol appear to be avaialble on import only which means I couldn't get one b4 Christmas :bonk:
... Paul

 

[EOSAddict]

Ahh OK, hadn't picked up the pre-Xmas timescale - yes they are import only unless you get one second hand.

 

[PaulBoy]

Ahh OK, hadn't picked up the pre-Xmas timescale - yes they are import only unless you get one second hand.

Even had a look on 3Bay & couldn't see any for sale or having been sold (?)
Paul

 

[EOSAddict]

Not easy... feisol sell direct. Dynatran you have to go to the amvona.com ebay shop in USA. If I wasn't at work I'd send you the link but our fun police have banned ebay!

Feisol are here..

http://www.feisol.com/english/feisolen.htm

 

[PaulBoy]

Not easy... feisol sell direct. Dynatran you have to go to the amvona.com ebay shop in USA. If I wasn't at work I'd send you the link but our fun police have banned ebay!

Feisol are here..

http://www.feisol.com/english/feisolen.htm

"the fun police" same for me @ work
yeah i googled my way to feisol but the importing side put me off tbh
wasn't clever enough to track down the Dynatran but likewise on importing
i have put an offer in on a Benro pod now so will report back if i like what i get (or keep very quiet if it turns out to be a pile of pew!)
Paul

 

[EOSAddict]

Problem solved for me - getting my Feisol second hand from a fellow POTN'er

 

[Ally]

will the Manfrotto hold a 5x4 system? or will I need any special head?

 

[CT]

will the Manfrotto hold a 5x4 system? or will I need any special head?

The tripod legs should be up to the job Ally. A good ball and socket head will probably manage the job with care, although it's not ideal. When you slack off the ball head, you'd have to keep hold of the camera which would be fairly bulky and heavy and likely to flop right over with a bang if you inadvertently let go of the camera.

A three way head might be better as you only adjust one axis at a time and usually have a pretty substantial handle to keep hold of.

There are more specialised heads you can use with this type of camera. Have a read of this thread.

CLICKY

 

[Pink Fairy]

As long as I can remember I've associated Manfrotto and Gitzo with quality tripods

It's ironic but both are ultimately owned by the same parent company... Unfortunately they are separate enough that my contact at Manfrotto can't get me free Gitzo gear

 

[CT]

LOL. Bummer Andy. I never knew that!