Rollei Tripods

  • Thread starter Thread starter KJJ
  • Start date Start date
KJJ

KJJ

Suspended / Banned
Messages
78
Name
Kevin
Edit My Images
No
Hi All

Does anyone on here own a Rollei Lion Rock tripod and if so would you recommend one?

I'm looking to upgrade from my Manfrotto 055 carbon fibre as it's not as solid as I'd hoped and the Rollei Lion Rock 25 & 30 tripods look really good, they're also slightly less expensive than a Gitzo.

Thanks

Kevin.
 
I would see one in person before purchase and really inspect all the key bits particularly centre column and the locking mechanism

I have a cheap one from their brand and that failed immediately with heavy Manfrotto 410 head and a 5D attached. The column head attachment is too small for any decent manfrotto head. I don't know if lion is any different but I would carefully examine it before committing.

As much as I dislike Manfrotto tripods for their reliability issues, at least the aluminum ones are sturdy and can be replaced cheaply enough. I can buy 8 of these for the price of one lion rock.
 
  • Like
Reactions: KJJ
Manfrotto reliability issues? I've had my Manfrotto 190CX (carbon fibre three section tripod) since 2008 and it's never missed a beat. I contemplated replacing it a few years ago (wanted one that you could put the centre post in horizontally) but decided it works perfectly well and so didn't bother. I can't imagine my tripod would last me any less than another 10 years.
 
  • Like
Reactions: KJJ
LongLensPhotography said:
I would see one in person before purchase and really inspect all the key bits particularly centre column and the locking mechanism

I have a cheap one from their brand and that failed immediately with heavy Manfrotto 410 head and a 5D attached. The column head attachment is too small for any decent manfrotto head. I don't know if lion is any different but I would carefully examine it before committing.

As much as I dislike Manfrotto tripods for their reliability issues, at least the aluminum ones are sturdy and can be replaced cheaply enough. I can buy 8 of these for the price of one lion rock.
Click to expand...

Not being able to see one in person is my concern and I'm not aware of any UK stockists. Thanks for the reply.
 
welly said:
Manfrotto reliability issues? I've had my Manfrotto 190CX (carbon fibre three section tripod) since 2008 and it's never missed a beat. I contemplated replacing it a few years ago (wanted one that you could put the centre post in horizontally) but decided it works perfectly well and so didn't bother. I can't imagine my tripod would last me any less than another 10 years.
Click to expand...

Prior to my carbon fibre 055 I had the aluminium and it was rock solid, more so than the carbon fibre one that I now have. I upgraded to save weight and the aluminium one had seen better days but I'm not entirely happy with it. Thanks for the reply.
 
Sorry I have no knowledge of the Rollei tripod range. Were you looking at their Systematic types (no center column) or their models with a center column? Either way they appear to be Gitzo copies, no bad thing, but they are far more expensive than any of my Gitzo tripods!

Certainly no bargain in my books (but a very nice tripod) - have a look at this one:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gitzo-GT...773348&hash=item33caf27273:g:gtcAAOSwTM5Y0mjf

Not too far away and a very reputable camera shop, it is where I go.

If you could give us more info on your specific needs/uses/lenses then perhaps we could help more. I am not far away (Bridgend area) if you want to bounce some ideas off me.

All the best!
 
welly said:
Manfrotto reliability issues? I've had my Manfrotto 190CX (carbon fibre three section tripod) since 2008 and it's never missed a beat. I contemplated replacing it a few years ago (wanted one that you could put the centre post in horizontally) but decided it works perfectly well and so didn't bother. I can't imagine my tripod would last me any less than another 10 years.
Click to expand...

Mg-Al alloys oxidising to white powder? Not seen any of that? I shoot almost every day, some on here probably take out their tripod two times a year and never get it wet. It could last 10 years, sure. Carbon fibre one may not have much Mg-Al alloy if you are lucky, but I suspect the leg dreaded locks do.

KJJ said:
Prior to my carbon fibre 055 I had the aluminium and it was rock solid, more so than the carbon fibre one that I now have. I upgraded to save weight and the aluminium one had seen better days but I'm not entirely happy with it. Thanks for the reply.
Click to expand...

Stability vs weight. It is one or the other. Then there is cost too. You could maybe have a smaller one for hillclimbing and stick with good old heavy one for the rest.
 
KJJ said:
Does anyone on here own a Rollei Lion Rock tripod and if so would you recommend one?
Click to expand...

I haven't used that tripod but the few Rollei's I've tried before felt a lot like re-branded Chinese models.

Personally I would never pay that much for one, that kind of money can buy you any brand you want be that Gitzo, Benro, Sirui etc. Even a used RRS.

If you hunt around you can get discounts on certain brands, Wex has (or had) a 15% off code for any Gitzo tripod, Robert White has some good prices on a couple of models too (GT3533S at £627 inc etc).

What exactly do you need out of your tripod?
 
Last edited:
Rollei went out of business many years ago and now only exists as a brand name. I'm not sure they actually manufacture anything these days. Echo Simon's comments.

If you want a Gitzo, get a Gitzo. If you want Gitzo clone - not as good but much cheaper - there are plenty to choose from with lots of user feedback and reviews available.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top