Tripod Advice

MattF

MattF

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Matt
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Hi,

I need some advice on a tripod. I realise this topic probably comes up frequently within this forum, but I have searched, and I cannot find anything that is much help to me.

I am looking to spend around £50 - £100 (able to stretch further if needed) on a tripod and head. It must be able to support my 450D with Tamron 70-300mm lens, be compact when folded and light to carry.

I want this for long exposures, so it must be stable. I am only around 5'5", so it doesn't need to be massive, however not too short as I would like it to last a while.

Thank you,
Matt
 
Have a look at Ffordes website and see what they've got left as ex-demo stock Manfrotto. Personally, I would avoid the Modo series of Manfrotto's as IMO they're too flimsy for SLR/long lens use but I'm sure others will recommend them.
 
Thanks for the info!

I would prefer to buy new to be honest. I know there is nothing wrong with ex-demo, but I just prefer buying new.

I don't really know what i'm looking for when I look at a list of tripods. Could someone suggest a head & tripod combo for £50-£100 that will meet all of the above criteria.

Thanks
 
When you specify able to support heavier equipment, but light and compact, you're really getting into expensive pods as light but rigid comes at a price.

I'd agree with checking Ffordes stock and don't be afraid to look at used pods, good ones are built to stand a lifetime of abuse. Check ebay too.
 
Check out REDSNAPPER on this site.Good equipment for the money
 
JIMC said:
Check out REDSNAPPER on this site.Good equipment for the money
Click to expand...
Ordered one yesterday with head and arrived today can't ask for more :clap:
10% discount too
 
HVStar.net is a British Columbia, Canada company which is shipping directly rom China to European and U.S. markets.

I am not sure how the import duties would work but, they have very good U.S. prices for Benro tripods and heads. Benro tripods are Chinese knock-offs of the U.K. produced benbo tripod.

www.HVSTAR.net
 
Redsnapper would seem the obvious choice, well made, stable and similar in weight to a Manfrotto 190 series. £50 for the legs, leaves you a bit of money for a head. Also features both spkied and rubber feet which can be options on other makes

Giottos MTL9351B is under £90, features a built in head and a multifunction center column thats swings to horizontal. 5 year warranty too. Recent review on the forum here.. http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=882238

You might also want to consider the Giottos MTL3361B, as this is slighty higher and has a 8Kg weight limit, compared to 5Kg for the 9351.

I've looked at Manfrotto 190/055 and to me they feel heavier than their quoted weight, and seem no more stable (in the high street shop) than supposedly lesser models.

Velbron might also be worth a look - one of the sherpa models is about £70 including 3 way head and is pretty impressive for the money. a bit plasticky but for occassional use i'm sure it'd serve well for many years.
 
Have no worries about "ex-demo" stuff from Ffordes. They told me they'd bought a distributor's stock. When you're on the `phone ask the chap if there are any cosmetic issues with the item.
 
Watch the postage though with Ffordes - you really need to negotiate it, as their std pricing is about £15 for a tripod !
 
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