One-Stop Tripod For General Use?

IanD · 22 Dec 2017

Good afternoon,

I appreciate that there's few tripod threads kicking about but I can't quite find what i'm after...

Which is recommendations for a carbon fibre tripod and with a nice sold locking head up to the value of around £250.

The biggest/longest/heaviest lens i'd use would be a Canon 70-200m f/2/8L mike on my Canon 5d mkIII I also have a 24-70ml which literally fell out of my old tripod whilst attached the the head that locks in. Admittedly it was a cheap tripod, but it was only the strap wrapped around my hand that stopped £3k of equipment from hitting the floor hard.

So, i'm going to invest in a new quality tripod and head which will hopefully be the one and only i'll ever buy.

Thoughts very much appreciated folks

johnf3f · 22 Dec 2017

My suggestion is biased - because I have one!

I would search out a used Gitzo GT2531 or similar. They are fairly light (very light considering what they do) and last almost indefinitely. If you do decide, in the future, to get longer lenses then it will cope with a 500mm F4 - not ideal but certainly adequate. I was not impressed with the newer version as is does no more or better yet weighs a little more and cost a lot more - just my 2p.

If you like ball heads have a look/try out of the Sirui K20X and K30X heads. I have the K40X and it is simply overkill - whish I had bought one of the smaller ones!

Phrasemaker · 23 Dec 2017

I'm also biased as I use one. The Benro tripods are in my experience superb. Use mine often with a 100-400L lens with no issues.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Benro-TAD1...956&sr=8-9&keywords=benro+carbon+fiber+tripod

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Benro-TAD2...47&sr=8-13&keywords=benro+carbon+fiber+tripod

The one I'm using has a 3 way head which I can't fault.

Byker28i · 23 Dec 2017

What are you going to use it for.

I've got a number of tripods, my carbon one is a redsnapper, , I've also a manfrotto befree for travel and a manfrotto 190 and 55 which I share with my son. All have manfrotto heads. What I will say is look at the heads, how you want to use them and their performance. The befree is for going in suitcase for worldwide travel, the redsnapper is for when I walk short distances and the others are for getting out of a car or using at home

On my main redsnapper I have a 327RC2 head - cant believe how much they are now! Trigger head so easy and quick to adjust, but does stick out more than a ball head. On the 190 or 55 we have some video heads (as thats what my son was into) and I have the original ball head as well. I found ball heads fiddly, but for the price they are good and they obviously are smaller which has it's advantages when packing in a carry bag.

chrism8 · 23 Dec 2017

Are u going to notice the weight difference between CF and Aluminium ? For example the manfrotto 055 CF version is ony something like 0.2kg lighter than the aluminium version.

My suggestion is compare the Alu version v the CF version before commiting your cash which may save u some or get u a better tripod

IanD · 23 Dec 2017

Thanks very much for your replies so far everyone...

Byker28i said:
What are you going to use it for

I know it's a random and slightly lame answer, but everything. I want to take some slow exposures, I do a bit of walking with the missus, so want to take it with me with a camera and lens, so weight may be vital over a 5 mile walk

Byker28i said:
I've also a manfrotto befree for travel

Have you used this with lenses in the size/length/weight of a 70-200 f/2.8L mkII and if so, how do you find it with the balance and locking of ballhead?

chrism8 said:
Are u going to notice the weight difference between CF and Aluminium ? For example the manfrotto 055 CF version is ony something like 0.2kg lighter than the aluminium version.

My suggestion is compare the Alu version v the CF version before commiting your cash which may save u some or get u a better tripod

Not sure to be honest Chris, if i'm walking around with it for 2 or 3 hours but good point mate

Byker28i · 23 Dec 2017

The befree is fine with the 5D mk3 and 70-200 f2.8 IS, but you need to put the lens on the mount, not the camera, just to more center the balance and give the head a chance. If it's windy or I think it's not stable enough then I don't open the bottom section of the legs. Drops the height but it's more stable. For travel I love it because it's light, very compact, fits easily in a suitcase.
I have the aluminium one, as there is a slight difference in weight, but not that much when you combine it with everything else. I've started travelling really light now, so just the 24-105, 14mm samyung, 70-200 f2.8 and a TC or 2

For walking I have a larger carbon Redsnapper if required, with a decent carry case it's not an issue.

BillN_33 · 23 Dec 2017

my advice would be buy Gitzo - used - and a good condition used one should be 50% of new price

I have an older GT1541, (now replaced by the 1542) which I use a lot - the mountaineer range is good - strong and lightweight - which means it gets used a lot even with (occasionally) a 600mm f4

plus a couple of bigger heavy duty ones -

Byker28i · 23 Dec 2017

Good advice, used good condition is always good if you can find it. Most of my L lenses are second hand.

BillN_33 · 23 Dec 2017

to give you an example I have just seen a barely used Gitzo Explorer GT2531EX plus Gitzo GH2750QR Off Centre Ball Head on another forum

Bought 10 months ago from Clifton Cameras.

Price including the Ball Head £340 collection from London.

The tripod is £500 new and the head almost £200 new

IanD · 23 Dec 2017

BillN_33 said:
my advice would be buy Gitzo - used - and a good condition used one should be 50% of new price

I have an older GT1541, (now replaced by the 1542) which I use a lot - the mountaineer range is good - strong and lightweight - which means it gets used a lot even with (occasionally) a 600mm f4

plus a couple of bigger heavy duty ones -

Do you use your Gitzo at all for long exposure, time lapse etc Bill. Just been reading a few reviews that say that even using a 70-200 at 200 gets blurry images?

Tekagudun · 23 Dec 2017

I was stuck with this a while back
Waiting for decent used 1 to come up was a problem
In the end I bought manfroto 55 alumin for the price new there wasn't much of a saving used
I'm really happy withit
It's solid and I like the clips on the legs rather than twist lock

BillN_33 · 23 Dec 2017

IanD said:
Do you use your Gitzo at all for long exposure, time lapse etc Bill. Just been reading a few reviews that say that even using a 70-200 at 200 gets blurry images?

no I don't Ian - most of my shots are birds and wildlife, and I also use a "moving head" - a Wimberly gimbal or similar, (LensMaster and Manfrotto 393)

maybe with shots like that you need a heavy tripod, a metal Gitzo, plus tripod technique - hanging weight off the centre column, and a good remote and set up in camera, mirror up etc... does the movement come from "pressing" the shutter, (DSLR)

IanD · 23 Dec 2017

BillN_33 said:
no I don't Ian - most of my shots are birds and wildlife, and I also use a "moving head" - a Wimberly gimbal or similar, (LensMaster and Manfrotto 393)

maybe with shots like that you need a heavy tripod, a metal Gitzo, plus tripod technique - hanging weight off the centre column, and a good remote and set up in camera, mirror up etc... does the movement come from "pressing" the shutter, (DSLR)

Cheers Bill, the guy who did the review was using a remote BUT nothing hanging from the tripod so that's a good shout. Might steady the ship a fair bit.

Looks like i'm into 'two tripod' territory already

sk66 · 23 Dec 2017

I would suggest the Vanguard Alta Pro over the comparable Manfrottos... they're cheaper, at least equal quality, and arca swiss (if you get one with included head). The main thing is that you want a tripod rated for at least 2x the weight you will actually put on it. I like Gitzo, and I've owned several, but these days I don't think they really justify the price... there are a lot of comparable tripods for less.

tijuana taxi · 23 Dec 2017

Sound like a stuck record, but have a look at FLM tripods and heads, all I use now.
Unusually for this day and age they are made in Germany and have a ten year warranty.

Dave Semmens · 23 Dec 2017

Another shout out for Benro here. Used one for a few years now.

I spent time and money looking for a lightweight / small tripod for landscapes and in the end I started using my big Benro that was bought for wildlife and big lenses.

For landscapes I need a tripod that will give me as much height as possible and be capable of handling strong wind when required.

Also handy if you can add spikes as well.

I agree with the comment above about the Manfrotto clamping system - Arca Swiss is a better option in my opinion

Dave.

johnf3f · 24 Dec 2017

IanD said:
Cheers Bill, the guy who did the review was using a remote BUT nothing hanging from the tripod so that's a good shout. Might steady the ship a fair bit.

Looks like i'm into 'two tripod' territory already

Not necessarily. A Gitzo 2 series Mountaineer will do the job (longish exposures). Long exposures are not really my field but, when I had my 70=200 F2.8 L IS, I had no problem getting sharp (long range) shots of Lincoln Cathedral at night. However if LONG exposures are really your thing then just change my suggestion from a 2 series to a 3 series Gitzo

Others have recommended brands such as Benro, I like their products, Sirui and Feisol are well worth a look too - all good stuff! However my problem with the Chinese copies is their price!

Yes I know that sounds a bit illogical but I have always managed to get Gitzo tripods at sensible money. My last purchase was a Gitzo GT4542LS (bit of a monster for your uses!) and that was £375 brand new (inc postage) direct from Gitzo UK. On the used market my Gitzo G1550T (traveller) was £140 and a few years ago I picked up a G1318 Carbon center column for £100 - was it a bargain? YES because it came with a G1329 Mk 2 Systematic Carbon Fiber tripod!

If you are patient then Gitzo tripods are cheap - I can't afford the copies!

IanD · 24 Dec 2017

Cheers John. I think i'll take your advice and take my time. I have an old and sturdy tripod to get by with for now and i'll keep checking all of the usual used market places

StewartR · 24 Dec 2017

Dave Semmens said:
I agree with the comment above about the Manfrotto clamping system - Arca Swiss is a better option in my opinion

I know I'm in a minority but I'm going to dissent from this. I think the Manfrotto RC4 quick release system is superb. Two main reasons:

1. When you're attaching the camera/lens to the head, the QR system snaps shut automatically when the plate engages with it. So you can keep two hands on the camera/lens the whole time, which I think is definitely advantageous. Especially if it's big, heavy, and/or expensive.

2. It has a very clearly binary nature: the QR clamp is either open or closed, and there's no intermediate is-it-done-up-tightly-enough state. One thing that frustrates me with the Arca Swiss is that you have to hold the camera/lens very precisely in the right location - with one hand - and then screw the clamp closed. If you're a couple of millimetres out of position, it doesn't screw closed properly. You don't have any of that uncertainty with the Manfrotto.

Byker28i · 24 Dec 2017

StewartR said:
I know I'm in a minority but I'm going to dissent from this. I think the Manfrotto RC4 quick release system is superb. Two main reasons:

1. When you're attaching the camera/lens to the head, the QR system snaps shut automatically when the plate engages with it. So you can keep two hands on the camera/lens the whole time, which I think is definitely advantageous. Especially if it's big, heavy, and/or expensive.

2. It has a very clearly binary nature: the QR clamp is either open or closed, and there's no intermediate is-it-done-up-tightly-enough state. One thing that frustrates me with the Arca Swiss is that you have to hold the camera/lens very precisely in the right location - with one hand - and then screw the clamp closed. If you're a couple of millimetres out of position, it doesn't screw closed properly. You don't have any of that uncertainty with the Manfrotto.

Never used an Arca Swiss, but I don't have issues with the Manfrotto, put the camera on, it snaps shut locking it on, push lever to check.

sk66 · 24 Dec 2017

My problem w/ Manfrotto heads is not the reliability/function, it is the variability. I have/had RC0, RC2, RC4 at the same time, and having to swap plates around is annoying. With long lenses the ability to slide the lens for balance, the ability to clamp in a position other than where the screw socket is, and the ability to use more than one securing screw (anti-twist) are all real benefits... and Manfrotto makes another head/system for that too (kinda). And the Manfrotto L-brackets are a mess (IMO).
Arca swiss is just simple... I have a plate on all of the bodies/lenses and they will mount in all of the different heads I have w/o fuss.

ChrisH · 24 Dec 2017

One thing to remember with Carbon fibre tripods whatever make is that if they ever come into contact with saltwater or salty air is to wash them with soapy water and then dry thoroughly. Carbon fibre can swell in the presence of salt and will split or shatter.

HoppyUK · 24 Dec 2017

StewartR said:
I know I'm in a minority but I'm going to dissent from this. I think the Manfrotto RC4 quick release system is superb. Two main reasons:

1. When you're attaching the camera/lens to the head, the QR system snaps shut automatically when the plate engages with it. So you can keep two hands on the camera/lens the whole time, which I think is definitely advantageous. Especially if it's big, heavy, and/or expensive.

2. It has a very clearly binary nature: the QR clamp is either open or closed, and there's no intermediate is-it-done-up-tightly-enough state. One thing that frustrates me with the Arca Swiss is that you have to hold the camera/lens very precisely in the right location - with one hand - and then screw the clamp closed. If you're a couple of millimetres out of position, it doesn't screw closed properly. You don't have any of that uncertainty with the Manfrotto.

What?! Manfrotto RC4 is huge and clumsy and horrible. Manfrotto RC2 is much better and I'm sure works well for a lot of people, but it's still a bit clunky with protruding lugs that catch on your bag and it's not infallible - it can snap closed without the camera being properly secured so you still have to take care. It would be easy enough to incorporate a snap-lock to Arca-Swiss but it's unnecessary, would add extra complication and impede other functionality.

Manfrotto is frankly a non-starter for things like L-brackets, gimbals, nodal slides and macro rails etc.

tijuana taxi · 24 Dec 2017

ChrisH said:
One thing to remember with Carbon fibre tripods whatever make is that if they ever come into contact with saltwater or salty air is to wash them with soapy water and then dry thoroughly. Carbon fibre can swell in the presence of salt and will split or shatter.

Can't say I ever did that with my CF beachcasters, regularly put them under load launching a 5oz lead weight skywards.
Just wiped the crud off before putting them back in their bags.

HoppyUK · 24 Dec 2017

tijuana taxi said:
Can't say I ever did that with my CF beachcasters, regularly put them under load launching a 5oz lead weight skywards.
Just wiped the crud off before putting them back in their bags.

Salt water is highly corrosive and will kill any tripod, sometimes within days. Even the very expensive Gitzo Ocean series with seals and stainless steel fittings is not completely maintenance free.

tijuana taxi · 24 Dec 2017

HoppyUK said:
Salt water is highly corrosive and will kill any tripod, sometimes within days. Even the very expensive Gitzo Ocean series with seals and stainless steel fittings is not completely maintenance free.

So is that just tripods or does that apply to CF on boats and the aforementioned fishing rods?

HoppyUK · 24 Dec 2017

tijuana taxi said:
So is that just tripods or does that apply to CF on boats and the aforementioned fishing rods?

No, it applies to the metal fittings, except stainless steel. Dried-on salt water will bung up any parts that move regardless, then sprinkle on a bit of sand and you have a right mess.

tijuana taxi · 24 Dec 2017

HoppyUK said:
No, it applies to the metal fittings, except stainless steel. Dried-on salt water will bung up any parts that move regardless, then sprinkle on a bit of sand and you have a right mess.

Not disputing that, but the comment I quoted specifically mentioned the CF being damaged

ChrisH · 24 Dec 2017

I think it was more about wicking between the legs on carbon fibre tripods. There was a number of stories backed up by pictures of the aluminium fittings corroding and bursting the carbon fibre especially when the carbon is cold. All alloy tripods don't suffer as bad as the aluminium will expand with the corrosion to a greater level.

There where also stories of very cold conditions causing Carbon fibre to shatter if knocked but I've never seen evidence and think thats probably just myth.

Dave Semmens · 24 Dec 2017

StewartR said:
I know I'm in a minority but I'm going to dissent from this. I think the Manfrotto RC4 quick release system is superb. Two main reasons:

1. When you're attaching the camera/lens to the head, the QR system snaps shut automatically when the plate engages with it. So you can keep two hands on the camera/lens the whole time, which I think is definitely advantageous. Especially if it's big, heavy, and/or expensive.

2. It has a very clearly binary nature: the QR clamp is either open or closed, and there's no intermediate is-it-done-up-tightly-enough state. One thing that frustrates me with the Arca Swiss is that you have to hold the camera/lens very precisely in the right location - with one hand - and then screw the clamp closed. If you're a couple of millimetres out of position, it doesn't screw closed properly. You don't have any of that uncertainty with the Manfrotto.

My main problem is that the clamps on the 2 Manfrotto heads I owned still allowed the camera to move slightly (under a small amount of stress) when attached. This does not happen with my Arca Swiss.

For my landscapes I rely on the camera staying in the exact same position for long periods.

As for the bigger wildlife lenses - they are not going anywhere near a Manfrotto clamp.

I will stick with my Arca Swiss and the confidence I have in it.