Tripod Dilemma 'Cos I Got More Money Than I Thought I Would!

rusticalex

rusticalex

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Alex
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I was planning on getting a new tripod and head in the £50 region having asked for some cash for Xmas, but ended up getting more than I expected, which at the time seemed good, but now I'm more confused than ever :thinking:. I now have a budget of £100 - £120, and the choice out there when you look is a bit startling! I've kind of narrowed it down to these:

Velbon Sherpa 750 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Velbon-V20108-Sherpa-750/dp/B000A1T0W8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325292922&sr=8-1

Slik Pro 700DX - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000K6ZTDC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A3GI79VBNSVFZI

Giotto's MTL9351 + MH5011 Head - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Giottos-MTL9351-Tripod-MH5011-Three/dp/B001W6Q000/ref=pd_cp_ce_1

Redsnapper RS-324 + RSH-528 Head - http://www.redsnapperuk.com/camera-accessories/RS-324___RSH-528_Head.html

My remit is this. I like to take landscape, seascape, action, portraits, and some close up/macro. I often walk a fair way with my gear, so don't want anything too heavy. I want a tripod that I can set up close to the ground when required, and one that isn't going to deteriorate quickly because I've taken it on the beach. I'm not sure about the 3-way head or a ball head yet. Having been into Jessops today I was pretty much put off Manfrottos as they all seemed a bit fragile and a bit short, but I'm sure someone will correct me about that!

Anyway, if anyone can direct me to one of the above, or to an alternative that would suit me, I'd appreciate it very much! Sorry to sound so helpless - thank goodness I haven't won the lottery!!
:thumbs:
Alex
 
Why not just get what you were planning on getting before and then treating yourself to a tank of fuel or a few filters or something?
 
I have one of these http://www.fotosense.co.uk/velbon-ultra-luxi-m-tripod.html and am happy with it.

It will do all you need it to do, goes low to the ground and you can invert the centre column as well.

It has a lighter load capacity but will take a dslr with up to 300mm lens but it only weighs 1.25kg which is less than the ones youi have links to so may be a consideration.
 
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I have the Giotto's MTL9351 + MH5011- 3 way Head and its a cracking Tripod, never let me down and will serve you well ( I paid £145 for mine last Summer)


Les :D
 
+1 for Redsnapper, I have the ball head version but a nice solid tripod complete with carry bag.
 
Another vote for the red snapper system which will come in under budget, especially with the TP discount.
 
And a third vote for the red snapper combo
 
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I use a Manfrotto 055CX03 with an 804 rc2 head. I will be changing the head to the Manfrotto 410 soon.

I am 6'3" and can use the tripod without extending the centre column so it certainly isn't short!

The tripod is excellent and very stable, the only criticism is the lack of spiked feet. I certainly would not describe it the way the OP did.

Have a look at it before you discard it as an idea.

Andy
 
farrance said:
Why not just get what you were planning on getting before and then treating yourself to a tank of fuel or a few filters or something?
Click to expand...

I see your point, but all of my gear will need upgrading when I can afford (inc camera and lenses), so while I can I want to get a tripod that I won't feel the need to upgrade, at least for a good while!

DalyanJC said:
I have one of these http://www.fotosense.co.uk/velbon-ultra-luxi-m-tripod.html and am happy with it.

It will do all you need it to do, goes low to the ground and you can invert the centre column as well.

It has a lighter load capacity but will take a dslr with up to 300mm lens but it only weighs 1.25kg which is less than the ones youi have links to so may be a consideration.
Click to expand...

Like the look of this one a lot, thank you - I'll research it further.

tijuana taxi said:
Have a look at the 055 range, not short or fragile, in fact surprised to hear Manfrotto tripods described like that.

If I were looking to replace my ancient 055 CB, would be very tempted by one of these http://www.premier-ink.co.uk/photographic/tripods/vanguard-tripods/vanguard-tripod-legs/vanguard-altapro-263at-aluminium-tripod-205kg-7kg-63cm-169cm-p-2279.html
Click to expand...

Keebsuk said:
I use a Manfrotto 055CX03 with an 804 rc2 head. I will be changing the head to the Manfrotto 410 soon.

I am 6'3" and can use the tripod without extending the centre column so it certainly isn't short!

The tripod is excellent and very stable, the only criticism is the lack of spiked feet. I certainly would not describe it the way the OP did.

Have a look at it before you discard it as an idea.

Andy
Click to expand...

To be honest, it was mostly the salesman that put me off the Manfrotto, and he didn't even have an alternative! It was him that pointed out the lack of height and skinniness of the two that he showed me! The Vanguard tripod looks good, but a bit beyond me price bracket.

All in all, thanks for the pointers everyone. I'm not yet decided, but the advice will certainly help.

Alex
 
If you want to get really low to the ground, look at the Manfrotto 190XPROB or the 055XPROB. The horizontal arm comes in very useful for worms eye shots. If a 190 can hold my RB steady, it isn't going to struggle with a lightweight DSLR - a lighter tripod with a hook for ballast is easier to carry than a heavier tripod.
 
I use the Manfrotto 055PRO with an 804 rc2 head, making for a great stable tripod.
 
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