TRIPOD AND HEAD ADVICE

[border323]

Hey all

Im looking at buying a tripod and head, Im into wildlife photography and motorsport so need something fast and pretty easy to get going.

I really like the neotec legs from manfrotto, but not keen on the cost.

So Im looking at these two as a bundle from ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Manfrotto-Tri...cessories_TripodsSupports&hash=item2eb227e35f

Can anyone on here who has a similar setup let me know what it is like to use, durability etc and is that a pretty decent price.

it seems so to me... but im just looking into it.

any help would be very welcomed.

 

[NickA]

I have the Manfrotto 055XPROB Legs but with the Manfrotto 804RC2 Head which are coming on to being 3 years old soon and have lasted me very well over the years.

I've used the tripod at lots of places including the beach and in water without any problems.

I paid £175 for the Legs and Head but that was back in 2008, if you are doing a lot of walking it can become quite heavy to carry about unless you have a backpack like i do that you can tie the tripod to.

 

[J.D.]

I use the the 498 head with a 190CXPRO3, I dont do much wildlife and dont use a tripod for motorsport but the pan lock would probably be useful which the 496 and below dont have. The only thing I'd say is that the RC4 quick release is too big for an SLR (IMO) - I use the RC2.

055XPROB is a good solid tripod, as is the 190XPROB if you dont mind losing a bit of height and want something a bit lighter

 

[Mackie]

Have you looked into the trigger heads at all? I've used the Manfrotto one for about 3 years now and don't think I could change.

 

[border323]

Thanks guys for taking the time to answer my post , It's really appreciated.

Have you looked into the trigger heads at all? I've used the Manfrotto one for about 3 years now and don't think I could change.

Honestly no I havent looked into the trigger head, thought they looked a bit gimmicky... However I will definately look into it more now you have suggested them.

I have a budget of around £200 .. I dont really want to spend any more than that, because I do want to save for a sigma lens also, and think the lens is more important than a tripod, although I do understand there is no point skimping out on tripods, you get what you pay for.

again thankyou all very much for your advice ... guess Ill have to shop about a bit and see what the best setup for me will be.

 

[casts_by_fly]

Hi Steve,

the 055pro is a sweet tripod. I was comparing that to the 190 series last week. The 55 is on the top of my list because of the height and the overall feel of quality. It isn't a featherweight, but it still felt pretty good.

The 496 ball head is probably what I'll get, though I'm not 100% sold on it yet. It wasn't as smooth as I'd have hoped, though it may have just been the display model.

Thanks
Rick

 

[border323]

Thanks again guys... well I took the plunge and bought a setup..

Hopefully here by wednesday next week I have coming..

X550PROB legs & 498 RC2 ball head with quick release plate.... including delivery costs all in at £200.07 ..

So im a very happy , thanks again for your advice guys.. cant wait to get it and start using it now...