Tripod recommended for 500m+ wildlife

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wildsam90

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Basicly just orderd a sigma 50-500
My current tripod is light and naff!

Im after a heavy + strong build tripod whats good for wildlife/Recording

Seen Manfrotto legs in a camera shop what ticked all the right boxes but they sold there only 2nd hand one they had! :(
 
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SLICK PRO 700 DX legs are a good sturdy option and suit if your tall.

I grab them ahead of the Manfrotto 055 legs although i use different heads with them.
 
Im 6'4 but its no often i ever i shoot at that high tbh,
Just after any strudy legs what are heavy to keep my camera there no matter on the weather :)
 
I have a very nice heavy duty and sturdy Gitzo in the clasifieds, but I doubt you have access yet.

The Slik Pro, which I also own is pretty good too.
 
I have a Giottos - very sturdy and comes in around £120 :thumbs:


Les :D
 
TCR4x4 said:
I have a very nice heavy duty and sturdy Gitzo in the clasifieds, but I doubt you have access yet.

The Slik Pro, which I also own is pretty good too.
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Ive just checked and i can! You able to send me a link?
Little lost looking at it all lmao!
 
Aslong as its got a fair bit of weight to it,
And its like stainless steel or somthing im intrested!
 
Sorry its rather too much for the price i was looking at speicaly with out the head,
Looks very nice tho!

I was looking at :- manfrotto 055cl tripod
Max kg 7
and it weights 2.3kg

So i think this will suit me fine?
 
The 055 classic is very substantial, a good basic reasonably heavy duty tripod.
Just make sure you can manage the weigh, there are a few different ways of carrying tripods and it's worth experimenting a bit to find the best way for you to manage the weight. (I use an optech briefcase strap clipped to itself from one end then clipped onto the tripod hook (at the top of the legs), and put that over my shoulder so it hangs by my side)

Then put a video head on it (or a 3-way if you don't mind sacrificing a bit of smoothness in the panning for a bit more flexibility) and you're good to go :)
 
Is there any other Tripods like the 055? Im purely after the weight and the soildness,
Thanks for the tips squishy i normaly slip the legs though my bag so it all adds to my back which does't bother me til ive walked a good 30mins lol.

If any one find a good deal on ebay hit me on up with the link :D Honestly dont really wanna pay past 110!
 
What is your budget?

Buy cheap and you`ll regret it if you get the wildlife bug.Honestly, spend as much as you can, look at Benro tripods on ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BENRO-C37...70804777263?pt=US_Tripods&hash=item3f0d38f92f


Yes, it is expensive and you need to buy a head as well. But a good tripod and head are vital if you get into bird/wildlife stuff.


Ah.......just seen your budget, forget the above. Have a look at Redsnapper stuff, sponsor on here.
 
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wildsam90 said:
If any one find a good deal on ebay hit me on up with the link :D Honestly dont really wanna pay past 110!
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Buy cheap.. Buy twice.. Or more like 10 times in my case. I wont ever buy anything but a Gitzo again. Ive had pretty much everything available and none compare to the Gitzos for sturdyness and build quality.
 
TCR4x4 said:
Buy cheap.. Buy twice.. Or more like 10 times in my case. I wont ever buy anything but a Gitzo again. Ive had pretty much everything available and none compare to the Gitzos for sturdyness and build quality.
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Likewise.............:D

The benros are very good quality and a lot cheaper than the named brands.
 
I've a Giottos MTL9351B & I'm 6'3 and when its fully extended with a Manfrotto ball head & a D700 with a MB-D10 attached I need a box to stand on to look thru the view finder :lol:

I got the Giotto as was a lot cheaper than the Manfrotto an done virtually the same thing with the centre columm..
 
Trig's said:
I've a Giottos MTL9351B & I'm 6'3 and when its fully extended with a Manfrotto ball head & a D700 with a MB-D10 attached I need a box to stand on to look thru the view finder :lol:

I got the Giotto as was a lot cheaper than the Manfrotto an done virtually the same thing with the centre columm..
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So you guys saying even if i buy this one, it'll be more strudy and stronger build than anything else in this range?
 
I think people are getting carried away with height.. You want stability not overall height.
That Giottos at full height with a sigma 50-500 is not going to be sturdy.
 
It is worth investing a fair bit of cash on a head. I was lucky and got an Arca Swiss ball head second hand, and I use an l plate on the camera.
 
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Another vote for the Slick Pro been making tripods for years at very good prices, good and sturdy and head included for £120 but may not be the head you require, check out Park cameras.
 
TCR4x4 said:
I think people are getting carried away with height.. You want stability not overall height.
That Giottos at full height with a sigma 50-500 is not going to be sturdy.
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Very true lol,

Ill have another full look tomorrow when i can!

Any links to new/2nd hand tripods or heads would be great help,

Thanks
 
wildsam90 said:
So you guys saying even if i buy this one, it'll be more strudy and stronger build than anything else in this range?
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I wasn't quite getting at that - all I was saying/suggesting that its suitable for a tall person where you dont have to be on your knees to view as so to speak... & came in under £90
 
TCR4x4 said:
I think people are getting carried away with height.. You want stability not overall height.
That Giottos at full height with a sigma 50-500 is not going to be sturdy.
Click to expand...

Agree, very rarely use mine at full extent.......Tripod, behave............:)
 
The Gitzo Tom is selling is ideal for wildlife and heavy lenses -it will also last a lifetime. It's fitted with the anti lock legs and will be an absolute cinch to set up and take down quickly when you're moving around in the field.

A wildlife tripod needs to be able cope with everything from lying flat on the ground, to a comfortable seating height to a comfortable standing position. When you're standing for long periods you don't want to be bending or stooping in the slightest to get your eye to the viewfinder - it's fatiguing and introduces the dithers - the eyepiece wants to be right there level with your eye when you're standing comfortably upright. Don't forget you can add the best part of a foot to the overall height when you include the head and depth of the camera body.
 
Trig's said:
I wasn't quite getting at that - all I was saying/suggesting that its suitable for a tall person where you dont have to be on your knees to view as so to speak... & came in under £90
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Sorry i was using your post as above they we're high rating the make,

CT said:
The Gitzo Tom is selling is ideal for wildlife and heavy lenses -it will also last a lifetime. It's fitted with the anti lock legs and will be an absolute cinch to set up and take down quickly when you're moving around in the field.

A wildlife tripod needs to be able cope with everything from lying flat on the ground, to a comfortable seating height to a comfortable standing position. When you're standing for long periods you don't want to be bending or stooping in the slightest to get your eye to the viewfinder - it's fatiguing and introduces the dithers - the eyepiece wants to be right there level with your eye when you're standing comfortably upright. Don't forget you can add the best part of a foot to the overall height when you include the head and depth of the camera body.
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But surly there is somthing more in my budget? or at least do have the job?
Im open to 2nd hand as well :S

Is there a name to this tripod what dont have a center column?
 
wildsam90 said:
Sorry i was using your post as above they we're high rating the make,



But surly there is somthing more in my budget? or at least do have the job?
Im open to 2nd hand as well :S
Click to expand...

Of course - there are plenty which will do the job but it's difficult to put a price on a tripod ideally suited to the purpose for which you're using it. No-one wants to start out spending a lot on a tripod and I was no different - I must have had half a dozen over the years before I wised up, bit the bullet and bought a Gitzo. I still have three tripods , but there's only one I'll consider for actually out there taking wildlife shots.
Is there a name to this tripod what dont have a center column?
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Not that I'm aware of, but it just provides the most stable support for heavy lenses as the head simply screws down onto a solid base. Raising the centre column just introduces potential vibration and is best avoided if at all possible.
 
CT said:
Of course - there are plenty which will do the job but it's difficult to put a price on a tripod ideally suited to the purpose for which you're using it. No-one wants to start out spending a lot on a tripod and I was no different - I must have had half a dozen over the years before I wised up, bit the bullet and bought a Gitzo. I still have three tripods , but there's only one I'll consider for actually out there taking wildlife shots.


Not that I'm aware of, but it just provides the most stable support for heavy lenses as the head simply screws down onto a solid base. Raising the centre column just introduces potential vibration and is best avoided if at all possible.
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I've scaned though ebay for a good hour looking at the top brands and have't really seen any tripod with no center column, Able to list any models ect?
I wish i was happy to spend over 200 but as im right in the center of learning flash photograhy and wildlife its having to be spred til i pick one or the other :S

Has no one else got any models they would recomand whats around the 100 mark inc head?

Thanks
 
I'm quite surprised that no-one has mentioned redsnapper yet....
 
Honestly i think the problem is people are just saying what brands are good,
But ever brand has there good and better gear,

Atmo ive got my eyes on a manfrotto 055cl tripod what looks the part but who knows lmao
 
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