Tripod Advice - Is this Manfrotto the way to go?

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Stolen_Souls

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Hello there, I've spotted this deal on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-MANFROTTO...14&_trkparms=72:1300|66:2|65:12|39:2|240:1318

I've currently got a fairly naff tripod and it really needs an update. My budget really is £100 max so this seemed ideal. However, I've no experience whatsoever with Manfrotto and just wondered if this was actually a decent deal or would I be better with an alternative?

I've looked at redsnapper, but the cost of their tripod legs + ball head + quick release plate puts me over budget unfortuantely.

My biggest concern with the above tripod is that it seems to use htumbscrews to tighten the legs - which to me indicates that it'd be a complete pain to adjust - even my cheap tripod can be just clicked into place!

I'd really appreciate any sort of advice.
 
have you not seen the special yuletide offer from redsnapper.
ok not the ball head but still nether the less damn competetive.

pace


ffordes sale as well
 
I'd go for the 190xPROB instead, check Morris Photo out, they usually are about the best for Manfrotto gear
 
Manfrotto are really good, but be warned this tripod is only 156cm tall with the centre column.
 
pacef8 said:
have you not seen the special yuletide offer from redsnapper.
ok not the ball head but still nether the less damn competetive.

pace


ffordes sale as well
Click to expand...

Yeah I have, and I agree that it's an absolutely cracking deal for what is by all regards an fantastic bit of kit.

However, I've got my heart set on a ball head, and that's still at full price which puts it nearly £30 more than this manfrotto. If the redsnapper + ballhead + quick release were cheaper then I'd definitely buy.
 
Stolen_Souls said:
Yeah I have, and I agree that it's an absolutely cracking deal for what is by all regards an fantastic bit of kit.

However, I've got my heart set on a ball head, and that's still at full price which puts it nearly £30 more than this manfrotto. If the redsnapper + ballhead + quick release were cheaper then I'd definitely buy.
Click to expand...

Hmm are you sure you got it right?
RedSnapper TRI-283 Tripod - £49.95
RedSnapper TB-12 Ball Head - £49.95
Total (with 10% discount for TP forum members): £89.91 - still under 100 quid

The TB-12 ball head already includes the quick release plate so you don't need to buy that separately.

Re: screw tripod leg adjustments vs. click ones - it's a personal preference to be honest. I always preferred screw ones because for me tightening by screwing seems easier and less fiddly especially when aligning on uneven surface (but then again - that is my personal preference). I find Redsnapper being much easier and requiring less turning then smaller travel tripods like Velbons or some of the Giottos. And it requires very little movement to tighten it rock solid.

I must say before I got the Redsnapper, I've tried quite a few tripods and heads including quite expensive ones. To get something that equals Redsnapper in quality you'd need to go above 200-300 pounds range for just a tripod. So for that price and within your budget, I'd say this is the best deal you can get.
 
Stolen_Souls said:
Hello there, I've spotted this deal on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-MANFROTTO-...3A2|240:1318
...

However, I've got my heart set on a ball head, and that's still at full price which puts it nearly £30 more than this manfrotto. If the redsnapper + ballhead + quick release were cheaper then I'd definitely buy.
Click to expand...

In addition to my previous post, I'd say that I would not even compare MANFROTTO 190XDB with Redsnapper because they simply are not in the same league. This Manfrotto model is now very popular in the stores like Jessops and I had a look at it before going for Redsnapper. I found this Manfrotto to be significantly lighter and less sturdier so it won't hold the heavier camera/lens combo reliably. With Redsnapper, I'd quite confidently put my Nikon D200 with 70-200 f/2.8 VR lens on - not so with this particular Manfrotto.
 
Redsnapper holds a 300-800 sigma, a D300 and a 393 head,albeit without the centre support being raised.
 
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