Tripod for landscape?

Granty_

Granty_

Suspended / Banned
Messages
760
Name
James
Edit My Images
No
Hi all,

Been doing some searching around looking for my tripod which I hope to buy in a couple of weeks, looking to spend up to £200.

I will use it almost entirely for landscape but weight should not be an issue as for when I'm walking I intend to go without it as I never have time to set up when with people. When i'm out for photography only the walks will be smaller so weight not such an issue.

I've been reading some interesting threads on here especially the one "which tripod for hiking" but it always seems geared towards lightweight. I currently have a Velbon CX-640 or whatever it is which I bought back when I first started out for the intention of the odd shot, but looking through some of my recent images a lot dont seem that sharp when mounted on it.....sometimes I'm better off handheld!

Redsnappers and Benro tripods are looking appealing - but I keep hearing buy right first time (or second in my case). Any thoughts anyone?

I know I'll need a three way head. Like I said need to look at getting whole set up for £200-ish...

Thanks,

Granty
 
I am in the same position as you, so interested in this thread...

:thumbs:
 
Have you given any thoughts to the Manfrotto line. 055 or 190 series. both good value and good tripods too
 
I recently bought a Benro C-257 M8 - within your budget. Gitzo quality, cheaper than Manfrotto. Very light and strong, few frills, and a good size. If you don't mind a bit more weight, save money and get the alli version. From here, delivery in a few days and nothing else to pay http://stores.ebay.com/DCs-Photography-Store :thumbs: Cheaper still if you buy a head together.

Manfrotto are good, but I think the 190 series is a little small - you have to use the centre-column to get decent height which kills stability. 055 is a good size and a solid tripod without a doubt, just not so well engineered as Benro.

The head is very important. I'm a recent convert to a quality ball head (cheap ones are horrible) and have a Benro J-2 which is real class (Arca-Swiss copy). But if you prefer 3-way, the Manfrotto 410 geared head is simply in a class of one http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-manfrotto-410-junior-geared-head/p10890 Pricey and heavy though.
 
Well for me I have a Uni-Loc this is a very good for landscapes as One it legs are water and dirt proof. The bottom section of the leg is on the OUTSIDE so noting get up inside the legs.
Also the centre column is very good as you can have it in any place hight or low on the ground this centre column also has mounts at both ends for you can put a camera or flash both ends if wanted to.
Its not light but it stable with legs you can put in any direction unlike most tripods
 
Took me a few go's to get the right head, don't underestimate its importance for landscape work. For me it's the Frotto 410, when coupled with one of the 055 range makes a great setup
 
I just bought Manfrotto 055XPROB legs and a 808RC4 head - Im very pleased with both.

They also do a carbon fibre version of the legs if you want it to be lighter - I think that will put you over budget though.
 
I can't fault Manfrotto's 055, with a basic 115 head I've used everything up to light 5x4 without issue. I also tried a Benbo (1) but the great design feature of the BENt BOlt is also it's greatest weakness, on two occasions I watched with horror as the legs folded like Bambi on ice and sent my kit earthwards, there seems to be a fine line between the legs being tight or not, it now lives in the garage covered in dust.

Gary
 
Benbo.

Mine has the additional centre column bracket and I find it to be more stable than my previous Manfrotto. It can get into positions that the Manfrotto couldn't too. Sorry that the previous poster has had problems, no Bambi on ice tightness issues for me, I find the tightening handle to be big and accessible.
 
I don't generally do much landscape work, but occasional stuff on holiday, fireworks etc.
For that I figured if it wasn't light I wouldn't carry it, so I bought the Redsnapper Carbon with ball head. The ballhead is solid, probably weighs more than the tripod, but is solid as a rock, especially if I weigh it down using my backpack on the centre column. The carrying bag is very comfortable as well and I've not noticed carrying it over long walks.
 
i would say a manfrotto 190 series with a 3-way head, though i dont know much about tripods but i hear the 190 series is meant to be good and quite cheap compared to others plus a 3-way head would be better for accurate horizons than a ball head.

hope this helps.
 
stan the man said:
manfrotto 190 XPROB and 804RC2 head :thumbs: @ approx £136,absolutely perfect for landscape work IF you're no taller than 6ft...

http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails~man~Manfrotto~productID~6352~categoryid~158.html

:thumbs:
Click to expand...

Even a 6ft'er will need to use most of the centre column to shoot at eye level with a 190 - lf thats your plan, you're probably better off with something a little taller, an 055 size tripod will be more stable as you will need less column extension.
 
Another vote for the Manfrotto 055XPROB. I'm using an 804RC2 head with mine as I prefer the 3 way head for landscapes.
 
bostin said:
Even a 6ft'er will need to use most of the centre column to shoot at eye level with a 190 - lf thats your plan, you're probably better off with something a little taller, an 055 size tripod will be more stable as you will need less column extension.
Click to expand...

at 6ft myself,i do have to use the centre column at about 80% extended,which i had to do recently to clear a fence at stonehenge,but it was as solid as a rock..and provided you use a remote release[which you should always do to eliminate movement],shouldn't have any problems.i would say that if the OP is shorter than 6ft,then the 190 should be okay,but if in doubt,then the 055 will fit the bill..
 
I've just bought a Redsnapper RS-284 & RSH-12 Ball Head combination and I have to say I'm very impressed.
I have also have a light weight Velbon tripod (and monopod) and the Redsnapper compares very nicely quality wise. It is certainly very sturdy and the ball head works well.
 
stan the man said:
at 6ft myself,i do have to use the centre column at about 80% extended,which i had to do recently to clear a fence at stonehenge,but it was as solid as a rock..and provided you use a remote release[which you should always do to eliminate movement],shouldn't have any problems.i would say that if the OP is shorter than 6ft,then the 190 should be okay,but if in doubt,then the 055 will fit the bill..
Click to expand...

With the 055 tripod the package in morrisphoto is only £20 more (£156)...

Why are 3 way heads better than ball ???

Is this mainly that you can use these for pano shots ???

What about a pistol grip head ???

:thumbs:
 
When I recently decided to take up photography as a hobby I felt I was somewhat in the know for all things tripod. In previous employment I used to set up and reset a tripod about 50 times a day, for 3 years !!!

Big and sturdy is always the way to go, the smallest number of legs to reduce vibration form wind and easy to fix / replace bit when they break, which they will if you take yours everywhere.

I went for the Manfrotto 055 XPROB becuase the leg thickness is slighter wider (read more sturdy) than the 190, although I would still like a smaller 4 section carbon 190 for travelling.

Just my two cents.
 
Redsnapper for me too, would leave enough change to buy some more stuff?
 
Looks like I bought the wrong bits, I have just bought a 055CXpro4, I thought stuff it I will buy what I will wish I had bought in the first place, I am still waiting for the head to arrive I couldn't decide between a ball or a 3 way in the end I have gone for the 460mg 3 way and may just buy a ball head at some point maybe the 322 RC2 I like the idea of grip release.
 
Still quite a lot to think about.

The frotto 055 is on the list.
One of the Benros seems a way to go.
The redsnapper carbon fibre is very tempting, would be hell of a lot cheaper than most.

One thing i'm almost convinced on is the frotto 410 head though. Am I right in thinking it'll be compatible with all the above tripods?

Carbon fibre is sounding more tempting too. I got £220-ish for my old camera so budget is around there. Probs willing to go a little more cos of the head I want.
 
I have the Manfrotto 055XPROB - tried it next to the 190 which was very good but the 055 edged it and I managed to pick up an as new second hand one for less than a new 190 (from T4 Cameras)

I've got a 322RC2 gripped heady - very happy with it so far

Buck
 
Dont know how it quite happened really...

But I ended up buying a Benro C357 M8 (got this over anything else cos of the height) and a Manfrotto 410 junior geared head. Not quite sure what happened to the £200 budget.

But fully extended without head the tripod is at my head height and i'm 6ft7! Hopefully I wont regret it!
 
I hope this isn’t too far off the thread, but wonder if anyone has experience of the Manfrotto carbon 055 tripods. I currently use an 055XPROB which is great, but having not used any other similar tripod I cant compare it.
The head I use is a Manfrotto 393 gimbal head which makes the whole thing fairly hefty to carry, its manageable but still heavy.
I am thinking of replacing my 055 with the carbon equivalent, the 055CXPRO3, or even a similar quality in another make. I don’t want to lose any of the stability of the 055 though. Do you find the carbon tripods to be as sturdy as the aluminium equivalent.
Its ok looking at adverts like Redsnapper, which I am sure are very well manufactured and seem to be popular, but you can’t beat either having a good recommendation or having hands on to see what the quality is like.
Has anyone had experience of carbon tripods and has opinions on them or do you think it’s better to stay with the 055XPROB.
To complicate matters, there is a 4 section carbon set available in the Manfrotto range, 055CXPRO4, this has the advantage of being smaller when folded up, but I am concerned that the extra leg joint will lower the stability, again, has anyone any experience of this.
Thanks guys
Trev
 
I just bought Manfrotto 055XPROB legs and a 808RC4 head - Im very pleased with both.
Click to expand...

Have to agree this is one of the best set ups. Tripod is excellent for landscape work & the gear head is good also for any macro work. Good velue for money & will not let you down. I have the 4 leg version which has travelled extensively with me in the Lakes & is easy to carry as walk on on air flights
 
I have the 055CXPRO4 legs and 460Mg head but I have only used them once last night and it did the job felt very stable, I had the legs at full extention but didn't need to extend the column I'm a short ass.
 
O55 is a very good tripod, as you know, and very popular on here. Carbon is better in every way, and quite a bit lighter, but a lot more expensive. Check the links I put in post #4. If you like gimbal heads, a few of those to choose from on there too.
 
HoppyUK said:
O55 is a very good tripod, as you know, and very popular on here. Carbon is better in every way, and quite a bit lighter, but a lot more expensive. Check the links I put in post #4. If you like gimbal heads, a few of those to choose from on there too.
Click to expand...

Thanks Richard, John, and Peter. TBH I am happy with the 055 but am looking to reduce weight. I am keeping my present one for use with a ball head, but having just bought a Manfrotto 393 gimbal head, I want a sturdy but lighter tripod to use in the forests etc., so carbon seemed logical. Having never had the chance to handle a carbon one, I was concerned in case it wasnt so good as the alli one. Richard said that the carbon is better in every way, that seems prety positive. The only other thing is whether 4 legs are as sturdy as the 3 leg version.
Thanks again for the advice guys.
 
I bought a cheapo manfrotto first off and it fell to bits within six months.

Bought a Redsnapper RS-283 & RSH-12 Ball Head, nice and sturdy, decent bag with it too
 
The main advantage of the 4 piece legs is that they are shorter when retracted and slightly shorter when extended, the downside is they are slightly heavier than the 3 peice legs. The strange thing is the prices, some places sell the 3 peice legs for less than the 4 other places the 4 are less expensive, just keep your eyes open for discounts are certain retailers like Jessops and jacobs but usually have some sort of discount if you spend over a certain amount.

If you were up my way you would be more than welcome to pop round and have a look at the 4 piece legs, so far I am more than happy with them.
 
Trev4 said:
Thanks Richard, John, and Peter. TBH I am happy with the 055 but am looking to reduce weight. I am keeping my present one for use with a ball head, but having just bought a Manfrotto 393 gimbal head, I want a sturdy but lighter tripod to use in the forests etc., so carbon seemed logical. Having never had the chance to handle a carbon one, I was concerned in case it wasnt so good as the alli one. Richard said that the carbon is better in every way, that seems prety positive. The only other thing is whether 4 legs are as sturdy as the 3 leg version.
Thanks again for the advice guys.
Click to expand...

IMHO, the main advantage of 4-sections is the shorter folded length, the main advantage of 3-sections in my view is one less set of leg locks to fiddle with. The difference in weight and sturdiness I would say is negligible, as is price generally.

If you want to reduce weight, you are carrying a lot of ballast around with the 393 gimbal head which weighs a whopping 1.6kg I think. £175 buys you a Benro GH1 gimbal, similar to a Wimberley, weight 0.7kg. A high quality ball head will weight a bit less than that still.

Your alloy 055 weighs about 2.4kg, my carbon Benro C-257 which has very similar dimensions is 1.42kg, and cost £175 delivered from the link I posted.

So, if you were to swap to those two, you would knock 1.9kg off your combined load - it's almost exactly half the total weight. I don't think you will get anything else which is that light, or as big and strong, or such high quality, or as modestly priced.
 
You have been given some good advice in which tripod to aim for, I'll concentrate on what to look for in a tripod.

As mentioned it should be stable, and one with a hook on the central column is a bonus, you can hang a camera bag etc to increase stability.

Carbon fibre is not as cold to the touch as metal-important in very cold weather.

Go for legs that can be easily adjusted for height, nothing more frustrating fumbling about trying to get a horizontal plane.

Look for one where you can get ground level positions, either the legs at acute angles or reversible centre columns.

Choice of head is so important, look for one that will securely lock the camera into position, landscapes often equal long exposures, so even a minor movement/droop of the head can ruin an image.

Go for a head with a quick release, and buy a quick release plate for every camera body you take.

If you intend to use long lenses, (with collars), buy a QR plate for the collar-much more stable than mounting the camera.

Pick a tripod, (carbon or metal) that will take some punishment, landscape photography puts a strain on most equipment.

Try and keep the tripod mechanisms a simple as possible, too many levers/catches, screw threads means more can go wrong, and be more vulnerable to dirt/water/grit etc.

Consider alternative heads, I take a relatively light head when I'm trekking, when I don't take any big lenses, and a heavy duty head when I know I'll be shooting with heavy lenses, but little or no walking.

Personally, I've found tripods with a spirit level of no real use as I use a ball head, and prefer the small spirit level mounted on the camera hotshoe.
 
I'm 6ft 5in and the Redsnapper is just fine.
 
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and advice, its always a big help to hear your experiences when deciding on a make and model. You have summed the various points up nicely Les, thank you, and your guide is sound Hoppy. I wasnt sure about the 4 section ones in case they were more unstable but being shorter is attractive for carrying. I have only just bought the 393 so thats staying for the time being, the tripod is being replaced and the Benro looks a good choice, but I take on board all you have said. How do you find the rotating locking mechanism as against the lever locks.
Thank you John for commenting, its rare that I am up your way, but your offer is very kind and appreciated, if I was closer I would have taken you up on that, cheers. :thumbs:
 
Trev4 said:
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and advice, its always a big help to hear your experiences when deciding on a make and model. You have summed the various points up nicely Les, thank you, and your guide is sound Hoppy. I wasnt sure about the 4 section ones in case they were more unstable but being shorter is attractive for carrying. I have only just bought the 393 so thats staying for the time being, the tripod is being replaced and the Benro looks a good choice, but I take on board all you have said. How do you find the rotating locking mechanism as against the lever locks.
Thank you John for commenting, its rare that I am up your way, but your offer is very kind and appreciated, if I was closer I would have taken you up on that, cheers. :thumbs:
Click to expand...

I always thought I preferred lever locks, until I tried a good rotating collar.

I think the key is to have non-rotating legs so it's a one-handed job, and the bit I like is that if you just undue them slightly they have enough friction to hold the leg in place without fully tightening. Just makes them easier to adjust, I think.
 
Cheers Richard, I am prety well convinced now and am looking at the site you gave.

I must apologise to Granty, I seem to have inadvertantly hijacked your thread, it wasnt intentional, but I hope the conversation has been useful to you and in keeping with your question. :thumbs:
 
Haha don't worry - I did get my tripod anyway and it was a Benro C357 and a Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head.

Tried it out for the first time the other day. The height is huge but suits me and I REALLY like the head and ease of use.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top