Tripod recommendations please!

Nick T

Nick T

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Morning all,

After being quite rightfully chastised by Les McLean for having a Canon 5D Mark II on a £12 Aldi tripod (he likened it to running an Aston Martin on shredded wheat) I now feel compelled to buy a new tripod.

Primary use - landscapes & long exposures, secondary use macro and general times when you need a tripod. I'm thinking big and sturdy but not too heavy that I'll get ****ed off lugging it around the lakes.

My long term thoughts were for a Manfrotto 055XPROB and 804RC2 head (because I like the idea of the reversible centre column and also the independently splayable legs). It certainly felt sturdy when I had a play at the convention...

But there are also Redsnapper and Giottos tripods to consider, but I have no knowedge of these brands whatsoever.

Budget is up to £150 including head - so please don't suggest the 055CXPRO (was bad enough drooling over it at the convention :lol:).

Appreciate any / all advice and insight :thumbs:
 
Can you get to a decent shop to try them out? The 055 is definitely sturdy but some might find it a bit heavy and if you're short maybe a 190 might be better? The Giottos are also pretty good and you could get a carbon fiber Giotto for less than the comparable Manfrotto.

I'm in the same boat and I plan on making a trip to Warehouse Express soon to try out some different tripods (so the comments above are just my opinions having read about them and seen the 055 in a shop). They have quite a few on display and enough room to put them up.
 
Redsnapper get good reviews and I am really pleased with mine, albeit I have a manfrotto head on it!
 
Cheers Steve - I'm a 6 footer so height isn't a prob. :)

I have two Jacobs, Jessops and an indy near me, but they don't have any decent tripod displays - certainly not for what I've been looking for in the past. May try and visit again this weekend with a clearer objective :)
 
I saw the 055 (and the 190) at a Jacobs near my work (the Cannon St branch). There wasn't room the play with there though so I was limited to checking out the build quality, weight etc. They were certainly nicely made.
 
Another tripod thread.
Another chance to roll out practically the only thing anyone ever needs to read about tripods.

http://bythom.com/support.htm

If you're serious, which owning a 5d MkII I should hope you to be, you won't waste money on anything less than a CF Gitzo/Gitzo-like clone. The 055/190 legs transmit vibration like you wouldn't believe, and I'm not much of a fan of their heads either, though in honesty I've not used their latest Hydrostatic line, only the "traditional" ballheads, so don't know how good the latest top-of-the-line ball is from Manfrotto.

Read the Thom Hogan article. If you can't afford what he's suggesting, buy a beanbag and start saving :)
 
Nick T said:
Interesting - so are heads compatible across brands?
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Yes

The Redsnapper tripods, though not quite as nice as the Manfrottos, are closer than the price difference would suggest.
 
acs said:
The Redsnapper tripods, though not quite as nice as the Manfrottos, ...
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That's arguably is a matter of personal preference - I find Redsnappers nicer than Manfrottos. Especially the ones in the competing price range.

To OP, if you want the ultimate quality for the money go with Redsnapper. Which one - depends on your needs really. I have 283 carbon now with the Redsnapper ballhead and find it fantastically good. It handles heavy load and is relatively light yet very sturdy tripod.
 
Nick, if you're not in a hurry, I'll be bringing my Redsnapper kit on the Lakes Trip so you can give it a good test :)
 
Nick T said:
Morning all,

After being quite rightfully chastised by Les McLean for having a Canon 5D Mark II on a £12 Aldi tripod (he likened it to running an Aston Martin on shredded wheat) I now feel compelled to buy a new tripod.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry about I chuckled aloud at that one, half the office is staring at me now. :D
 
dalex_257 said:
That's arguably is a matter of personal preference - I find Redsnappers nicer than Manfrottos. Especially the ones in the competing price range.
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You have to compare equivalent models, so yes, you have to pay more for the 'brands'.
 
Thanks all for your input :thumbs:

Denyer: Very interesting link, thanks :). As for being serious, yes I most definitely am, but the camera will only make me money in weddings and portraits. The landscapes are just for my own personal enjoyment. As such, I can't justify hundreds on a Gitzo carbon tripod (although I could afford it ;)). Thanks for the input on the Manfrotto legs though :)

MrGubby: I was hoping to get a decent one FOR the Lake District trip :lol: If I haven't bitten by then, I'd gladly take you up on the offer of a play.

Everyone else: Thanks for the Redsnapper recommendations. Am now considering the 283C and ball head. :)
 
I own a Manfrotto 055CX and find it excellent much more sturdy and better made than my aluminium Giottos. The bit above regarding vibration is IMO nonsense, haven't suffered myself.
 
Very happy with me redsnapper one but I've not used it much yet and I'm only starting out. Seems like very good quality and features for the price though.
 
Take a look at Benro carbon tripod kits, available from ebay

I know I know :( dodgy ebay you think.......but I received mine from China with no import duty in 5 working days, the quality is excellent & the price a lot lower than the Euro factories.

The ball head on mine (J1) is also excellent.

Bought from here: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/id=896782438

Other TP'ers have also had trouble free transactions with this guy

MB
 
acs said:
You have to compare equivalent models, so yes, you have to pay more for the 'brands'.
Click to expand...

I found it better then Manfrotto twice its price but again it is a personal opinion.
 
Livin The Dream said:
The bit above regarding vibration is IMO nonsense, haven't suffered myself.
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It is not nonsense but to what degree really depends on a equipment you use (heavy/light, higher/lower resolution etc) and the conditions you use it in (windy, people walking etc.)
 
Another vote for the Redsnapper. I went for the 4 section (284 & ball head) as it was 130mm (5”) shorter when folded down then the 283. Just thought it would be a bit easier to lug about, or attach to the rucksack.

Decisions decisions :lol:
 
My vote has to go to Giottos... I bought the MTL9351B with MH7001 head over a year ago, after looking long and hard at the Manfrotto 190 + equivalent head, too. When I looked, those were the two options in my price bracket (as little over £100 as possible!!)

As I seem to recall (although with less than 99% certainty), the Giottos supports a higher weight (which, for a 5D with attached lens may become an issue?:shrug:) than the Manfrotto, while having very very similar features, including reversible/angle column.

As if that wasn't enough, at the time, David Noton had his name against Giottos products and if it's good enough for him... :thumbs:
 
More Redsnapper love here as well, I've got the 283 alloy one.
TBH, it's not that bad weight wise. I carried it around the Peak district on Saturday for 8 miles strapped to the back of my rucksack without really noticing it, other than when I turned round and accidently smacked the wife round the head with it :(

If I were doing it again, I'd be tempted with the 4 section one, and would probably go for a ball head, rather than the pan/tilt one I have.
 
I personally believe that Giottos is every bit as good as Manfrotto but usually ~25% less of the price. Best advice - go to a decent shop and try a couple of different legs and heads.
 
Another vote for Redsnapper here. They are fast developing a very good reputation for quality and build that far exceeds the price point.

I have the RS-284 with ball head and I can testify that it really is a fantastic bit of kit :thumbs:
 
Value for money,Redsnapper.........:thumbs:


PS..........I don`t go with the buy Carbon now,because you will later.Ask yourself if the weight saving is worth the money.We are all different ,your choice.
 
Mad Badger said:
Take a look at Benro carbon tripod kits, available from ebay

I know I know :( dodgy ebay you think.......but I received mine from China with no import duty in 5 working days, the quality is excellent & the price a lot lower than the Euro factories.

The ball head on mine (J1) is also excellent.

Bought from here: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/id=896782438

Other TP'ers have also had trouble free transactions with this guy

MB
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I might get another Benro, infact I may get the same model again as its so good. Could you tell me whether the tripod carrying bag is also included?

Thanks
 
Nick T said:
Thanks again all for all your input - certainly plenty to think about - but there's lots of love for RedSnapper in this thread!
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I`m doing a review of the Redsnapper based on two years,or so, ownership. Should be in the reviews tomorrow or Thursday.
 
evo456 said:
I might get another Benro, infact I may get the same model again as its so good. Could you tell me whether the tripod carrying bag is also included?

Thanks
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Yes indeedy, it comes with a very smart carry bag & strap, I'm thinking of getting a gimbal head from them too!

Quality is A1

MB
 
Mad Badger said:
Yes indeedy, it comes with a very smart carry bag & strap, I'm thinking of getting a gimbal head from them too!

Quality is A1

MB
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I can vouch for the quality, certainly as good as the Gitzo IMO. I have a couple of tripods from DC in HK and he delivers fast. I also have the GH-2 gimbal head on the Benro C-397 legs and it is an awesome combination.

The best of Wimberely and Gitzo for less money... difficult to fault it.

Paul.
 
:thumbs: Redsnapper, fairly light, not too expensive and holds a decent weight.

Went for the 283 + ball head 99 quid all in :)
 
Just to add closure to the thread - thanks to all who showed the love for Redsnapper I am now in possession of an RS283C and ball head :)

Top service from Joe :) and first impressions are that it's a really nice bit of kit. Will try it out this weekend, weather permitting.

Thanks everyone for your input and opinions in this thread, they were all very much appreciated :thumbs:
 
Hi all, can you please help me guys (sorry to hijack this thread).. I was thinking of buying the redsnapper RS283 tripod but couldnt decide on the head unit... Could somebody please tell me which one is better out of RSH12 ball head unit & 3 way panning head as there's about £50 difference (with the offer)...
 
pm79 said:
Hi all, can you please help me guys (sorry to hijack this thread).. I was thinking of buying the redsnapper RS283 tripod but couldnt decide on the head unit... Could somebody please tell me which one is better out of RSH12 ball head unit & 3 way panning head as there's about £50 difference (with the offer)...
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I haven't tried the panning ahead I just went ahead and ordered the ball head and RS284 combo when I got mine just before Christmas.
Having said that I think it's got to be a given that the ball head will be much sturdier than the pan and tilt head, just a look and the load capacity of each confirms that.
In operation I find the ball head very easy to use, flexible and importantly very solid.
 
Greytop said:
I haven't tried the panning ahead I just went ahead and ordered the ball head and RS284 combo when I got mine just before Christmas.
Having said that I think it's got to be a given that the ball head will be much sturdier than the pan and tilt head, just a look and the load capacity of each confirms that.
In operation I find the ball head very easy to use, flexible and importantly very solid.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that... I think i'll go with ball head as well then.... One more question... Is there much difference between 284 and 283?
 
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