Recommend me a tripod for shooting long focal lengths in potentially windy conditions in low light.

SFTPhotography

SFTPhotography

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So I have a Manfrotto 190 X pro and 3 way head. It takes the 645z and the 28-45 and 45-85 fine and can shoot long exposures with that and everything is tack sharp.

I'm finding with the 5ds and 100-400 - especially at the longer end - that isn't quite so much the case - even with cable release in.

I despise ball heads with every inch and fibre of my being so I would like a recommendation for a head/tripod that doesn't include ball head. I like 3 way heads.

Cost - rig ideally under £500 but certainly not over £1000.

I was originally thinking a Manfrotto 055 and a 405 geared head.

Throw me ideas.
 
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The 410 is a good head Steve and I think the larger plate will suit the camera too.

The 055 aluminium is not a bad set of legs, but you could do better. I used this combination for a while, but ended up replacing the legs with larger 057 carbon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-MT057C3-Carbon-Tripod-Sections/dp/B0048LXTUA

I don't use the column - it's not even fitted and I tend to use the ball head https://www.manfrotto.com/uk-en/057-magnesium-ball-head-with-top-lock-quick-release-mh057m0-q6/ instead of the 410 when outdoors.
 
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Sky said:
The 410 is a good head Steve and I think the larger plate will suit the camera too.

The 055 aluminium is not a bad set of legs, but you could do better. I used this combination for a while, but ended up replacing the legs with larger 057 carbon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-MT057C3-Carbon-Tripod-Sections/dp/B0048LXTUA

I don't use the column - it's not even fitted and I tend to use the ball head https://www.manfrotto.com/uk-en/057-magnesium-ball-head-with-top-lock-quick-release-mh057m0-q6/ instead of the 410 when outdoors.
Click to expand...

That looks a beast - going to do some man maths on this. There's a used 410 on here so could do the rig for under a grand.

Do you think this would do the job


Or am I better digging deeper for the 057
 
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Maybe look for something 2nd hand? 500 quid sounds like an awful lot... I use a couple of old - like 35-40 years old - Gitzo Reporters I picked up on my travels and they're still going strong.
For stability, the heavier the better, so I'd avoid carbon tripods, unless you have to carry them long distances, but I've carried one of mine up Snowdon and around the Glyders in North Wales a couple of times, so it's not that difficult - I also carry a string shopping bag to fill with rocks or sand (in a plastic carrier bag) to give extra weight which I suspend from the bottom of the centre column by a hook...
 
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I have the 057 - 410 combo and can highly recommend, please note that although the legs are CF is quite a heavy beast. I use it alongside a Gitzo with a Kirk ballhead.
 
If you want sturdy you need weight , there's a reason TV camera tripods are massive
 
I would forget travel tripods; they're just too flimsy for me and will wobble in the slightest breeze. OK for a crop sensor and a short prime in nil wind, but not good for much else.

I was always of the opinion that heavy is a must, but I've had about a dozen tripods over the last forty years or so and this 057 is by far the best. I picked mine up second-hand on here and having used it for a while now would not have been disappointed if I'd spent the £800 full price on it (as it was then).

Considering my camera and lens combination cost in excess of £5,000.00 a few hundred quid for a decent tripod was worth the extra few hundred quid IMO.
 
I'm just mean - I resented spending the price of a good 2nd-hand lens on a bunch of sticks - liberating these old ones from a rubbish skip when the previous user moved to Gitzo Carbon tripods back in 2003 seemed a better option: took about four or five to build the two that I've got...
Interestingly, these old ones lasted longer than the replacements, which on average only survived about 2 years in use whereas the old ones were at least a decade old when I rescued them...
 
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Personally I use a Manfrotto 410 on a series 3 Gitzo Systematic and this is a very stable combination. I have added a Henja acra adapter and replaced the manfrotto plate (I don't like the rubber pad it adds flex) and a good arca plate is much stiffer. If I was starting again I would look at the Leofoto g2 head (https://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/pan__tilt/leofoto_g2_geared_head_with_np60_plate/29825_p.html), this type of gearing (goniometer) is very strong and rotates on the central axis. I have a Arca Swiss cube in work which is outstanding and uses the same construction. Personally I don't think a Manfrotto 55s are particularly stiff also have several of these in work they are reliable but too flexible for critical work. I would be tempted to look at Leofoto or FLM carbon legs.

​

 
If you want as close to absolute stability as possible, try an old wooden surveyor's tripod. I bought one upty years ago for a couple of quid and once set up, the camera on top was immobile. For a rather more portable but equally stable platform, I recommend the Benbo standard with the Manfrotto 405. It works well for me.

Benbo Tripod in use HX90 DSC00704.JPG
 
Sounds like you've now bought something but I use a 055 aluminium legs with a 405 for things like moon photos with a 600mm and it is steady enough that you can watch the moon actually move across the sky in real time with the live view zoomed in. I have noticed issues on soft ground, moss, grass, etc. but the only thing that can really help with that is lots of weight and not moving while shooting.
 
Some tripod thoughts on the linked Photography Online video from minute 7, if that's of interest?

 
wookie6262 said:
I have the 057 longer version and bigger geared head. Works very well. Pondering selling too and if you are ever down Edinburgh way you are welcome to give it a go
Click to expand...

Do you have a price in mind for the pair - not bought new yet....still bawking at the price of the head and legs. Good stuff costs money but the less money the better.

I want the 057 and 405 - if you are selling gimme a number, start a thread and see where we go. Given size etc I'd collect off you in Edinburgh
 
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SFTPhotography said:
Do you have a price in mind for the pair - not bought new yet....still bawking at the price of the head and legs. Good stuff costs money but the less money the better.

I want the 057 and 405 - if you are selling gimme a number, start a thread and see where we go. Given size etc I'd collect off you in Edinburgh
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I'll have a think. I was keeping it as it is the only tripod I have that is really tall. So good for hilly places. I'm 6f and can nearly walk under it and it has a centre column!
 
Forddes have a Gitzo 5532ls used for 550 plus the 410 geared head in the classifieds. You need to allow say 30-40 for the spacer as the head size on the 5 series is too big for a 410 on its own, limited movement issues. I’ve had the 5531S spacer and 410 for a few years. I do long exposure, sometimes 5 mins + with this and it was my upgrade from MN 190 legs which seemed to vibrate like a tuning fork in a light breeze. Happy with the setup

recently I was looking for something taller for Astro work. Wanted 5 series tall from gitzo but I could pay the deposit on a house for the price of them and rare second hand. Ended up taking a chance on a newish Chinese brand Artcise as90c for about a third of t be he cost incl levelling bowl head which I find very useful. Long term who knows but I’ve got the gitzo stripped down and cleaned rugularly after beach work and 3 artcise to 1 gitzo’s seemed a chance worth taking at that price
 
My 410 is currently with Ffordes. It has a spacer.
 
I have one of these and its solid ! Compact but expensive, luckily I managed to get one when on offer a year or so ago. Keep an eye out for second hand as really is impressive

Gitzo GT4553S

www.gitzo.com

Gitzo tripod Systematic, series 4, 5 sections

The Gitzo GT4553S Series 4 Systematic is a powerful, 5-section, professional carbon fiber tripod designed to securely support longer lenses and heavy cameras. It delivers a perfect combination of height, lightness, durability, and uncompromising stability. Not only are the Gitzo’s strongest and...
www.gitzo.com www.gitzo.com
 
AdamSi said:
I have one of these and its solid ! Compact but expensive, luckily I managed to get one when on offer a year or so ago. Keep an eye out for second hand as really is impressive

Gitzo GT4553S

www.gitzo.com

Gitzo tripod Systematic, series 4, 5 sections

The Gitzo GT4553S Series 4 Systematic is a powerful, 5-section, professional carbon fiber tripod designed to securely support longer lenses and heavy cameras. It delivers a perfect combination of height, lightness, durability, and uncompromising stability. Not only are the Gitzo’s strongest and...
www.gitzo.com www.gitzo.com
Click to expand...

In the end went for a Manfrotto 057 - just because the extra mass will make it ultra steady in the wind.
 
I use a 410 head as well as a rebuilt neewer gimbal - both solid.
I cheaped out on tripods and got old aluminium 192 and a 055 for 40 quid each from ebay. Only use the 055 with the heavy lenses and it’s ok but something meatier like a gitzo 5 series would be nice.

There are some CF bowl tripod legs floating round amazon and ali express that look pretty substantial from Innorel - about 300 quid. Possibly worth a try sale or return ?

www.amazon.co.uk

INNOREL Technologies Co.,Ltd.

INNOREL Technologise Co.,Ltd.
www.amazon.co.uk

and lots from leofoto.
 
LongLensPhotography said:
Whatever you do make sure to use lens collar and timer release.
Click to expand...

I do, the 5ds only has 2 secs or 10 secs like the 645z so it is cable release time- ended up with the 410 head off Joe Turner and Amazon had a stonking deal on the 057 legs so got them for a lot less than £569.

Nikon camera's had a lovely 5 sec delay, long enough to press the shutter on the body and all movement to dampen out, but not so long as to wait an age between frames.
 
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No issue with my 405 on the same legs. The 410 doesn't have a silver spacer but the 405 does. It lifts the head a good inch. I've had both and there is a big difference in strength with the 405 a good bit ahead. It is miles heavier though. Treat yourself to an Arca Swiss conversion if you use those plates it makes a big difference especially in portrait mode. Not as important if you are only using for a long lens with tripod collar though.
 
wookie6262 said:
No issue with my 405 on the same legs. The 410 doesn't have a silver spacer but the 405 does. It lifts the head a good inch. I've had both and there is a big difference in strength with the 405 a good bit ahead. It is miles heavier though. Treat yourself to an Arca Swiss conversion if you use those plates it makes a big difference especially in portrait mode. Not as important if you are only using for a long lens with tripod collar though.
Click to expand...

645z has two tripod mounts for this reason - makes the camera a treat to use. My other camera is the 5ds with a 100-400 perma attached to it. I just rotate the collar.
Sky said:
You'll need one of these Steve: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-120-38-Tripod-Column-Spacer/dp/B001L5XV4K
Click to expand...

Thanks - £34 quid though for a bit of metal. Giraffes come to mind
 
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Hmmm . . . certainly cheaper and the large one would be a better fit, but I wouldn't want to trust a bit of plastic to hold my camera and tripod together. :eek:
 
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