Tripod Advice

[chrism_scotland]

Looking for a little advice on tripods/heads, my partner has kindly offered to get me a tripod for my Birthday next month and I'm taking a look at the options.
I've narrowed it down to 3 I think:

Redsnapper TRI-283
Manfrotto 055 / 0190

I'm a little confused as to why there are so many different versions of the 055 & 0190, can someone explain them to me?

Also I have seen the Redsnapper Carbon tripod which isn't all that much more expensive than either of the Manfrotto's is it a decent piece of kit?
I recently bought a Manfrotto Monopod and I was very impressed with its quality and construction and I'm a little hesitant to go for the Redsnapper in case it doesn't measure up.

I'm also looking for a head, preferably one that I can use with my Monopod and Tripod, can anyone reccomend a suitable Manfrotto head that I can use with both?

 

[Gonetae]

I bought the Redsnapper TRI-283 this week and one of the 3 way heads, it's an awesome piece of kit in my opinion especially considering the price, very well built, cracking carry bag with it and to buy one that would have be an equivalent in the way of materials and features would cost around double what the 'snapper is from the research I done when I was looking to buy.

I don't know much about heads for monopods though sorry. Good luck with your tripod shopping though and hope you are happy with whatever combination you end up with.

 

[antonroland]

I would recommend the 055X pro

The Mf 190 does not extend nearly as high and the X Pro legset has a central column which pulls out and mounts horizintally in a half a jiffy

I own the 322 RC2 head which is great as an allrounder with a minor irritation or two. Macro work is a bit of a challenge as the head moves slightly when the grip is released...even with a very small and lightweight D-SLR and lens combo.

I wouldn't recommend a head on a monopod...simply attach the monopod straight to the camera lens or body. Up to a 300/2.8 with 1D body works very well when attached to the lens collar (Manfrotto 681 monopod).

Anything larger and you should look at serious dedicated tripods or monopods with specialized heads.

HTH

 

[seriousrikk]

The manfrotto 055 and 190 are not really in the same catagory - the 190 is shorter.
IMO the toss up for you is the 055 or the redsnapper. Both are comparable height and build, the main differences are:
Leg locking: The redsnapper has twist locks wheras the manfrotto is flip locks. This really is down to personal preference, but I didn't get on with twist locks.
The redsnapper comes with built in spikes on the feet, this is extra on the frotto.
The redsnapper comes with a short centre column, the frotto, well what you get depends on the model.
The clip for changing leg angles is much smoother and easier on the manfrotto pods.

With regards to manfrotto models, the different numbers etc are usually subtle differences. THe major difference is the inclusion of a centre column mount that can go horizontal in some models.

 

[antonroland]

THe major difference is the inclusion of a centre column mount that can go horizontal in some models.

Yep, agree ^^

055X Pro specifically has this easy function...most of them have the ability for the central column to be mounted horizontally or even upside down on some of the older ones but with a varying degree of required tools and patience...it is simply a breeze with the X Pro.

Also, to attempt to explain the different models, you have 3 section legs, 4 section legs, aluminium legs, carbon fibre legs etc etc etc.

As has been said above, personal choice really Al vs Cf, locking mechanisms and all those. Definitely not meaning to open that can of worms again...

 

[chrism_scotland]

Thanks for the help folks, I like the Redsnapper but I feel that if I buy a Manfrotto I am likely to keep it and use it for a number of years wheras I think I'd want to replace a Redsnapper.
Looking at weights the Carbon Redsnapper isn't that much lighter than the Aluminium one, can anyone tell me what the Redsnapper Ballhead is like?

 

[C&C]

can anyone tell me what the Redsnapper Ballhead is like?

Very well made, solid, smooth to adjust. Specified to 10Kg. Certainly handles 3.5Kg no problem (40D, Sigma 120-300 f2.8 + 1.4x converter).

Also, although different people have different preferences, there is an argument for using a ballhead on a monopod rather than attaching the camera/lens directly with no head, as it allows you to angle the monopod for a more stable arangement yet still have control of where the camera is pointing. Some info on using a monopod here.

 

[chrism_scotland]

Very well made, solid, smooth to adjust. Specified to 10Kg. Certainly handles 3.5Kg no problem (40D, Sigma 120-300 f2.8 + 1.4x converter).

Also, although different people have different preferences, there is an argument for using a ballhead on a monopod rather than attaching the camera/lens directly with no head, as it allows you to angle the monopod for a more stable arangement yet still have control of where the camera is pointing. Some info on using a monopod here.

Thanks mate I am going to go for the Redsnapper Tripod / Ballhead Combo, I see that Redsnapper are out of stock of the 3 way head and have taken a look at others have been reccomended the Giottos MH5001 3-Way Tripod Head, any comments?

 

[Andy77]

im a proud owner of a redsnapper tri-283 and ball head, same a the combo your buying and its an amazing piece of kit and stands up to any jobs you throw at it no probs, carry bag is awesome to and you get a shorter center section for those low to the ground shots too, anyway enjoy it when you get it, its the best piece of gear that ive ever bought im my opinion