Tripod Upgrade. How good is this set up ??

[tonybassplayer]

Like many others I have managed to accrue a bit of Xmas cash and looking to spend it wisely on my Photography.

One area I am possibly looking to upgrade is my tripod set up.

I currently have the following (my first tripod purchase a couple of years on eBay) and was wondering what standard it is when looking at upgrades.

Tripod 190D
Head 390RC2

In general I have been happy with it but I definitely want to upgrade the head to a “geared” style one to give me better control when getting the horizon etc straight for landscapes which will be it’s primary use

In my next tripod I would also like a little more height, the ability to hang a bag in the centre for stability and perhaps being able to add spikes would be a benefit too

Any thoughts would be much appreciated

PS If I spent it all I would have £350 ish but not sure how much of an upgrade it would give me from my existing set up

Many thanks

Tony

 

[itsdavedotnet]

I don't even shoot landscapes but absolutely love my geared head, they are quite a bit heavier than non-geared though

 

[Paul Cronin]

I would definitely recommend the Manfrotto 410 geared head. Very stable and precise although its a big lump to cart about on long walks and hikes and possibly heavier than my Gizto tripod. I do mainly landscapes and probably my third best buy behind the camera and tripod.
Tripod wise I wouldn't buy one with a centre column as I think they bring in more shake as its not that stable, but again that's just my opinion, but I would definitely buy the best you can afford as it will last you.

 

[JohnX]

OP. As suggested, just change the existing head for a geared one. The Manfrotto 410 is a good choice, but as said, is heavier.

 

[ah5168]

A good 3 way head will give you a bigger payload, lighter weight and a lower cost than the comparable geared head. I spend all my working day having to get images vertical and level and find a 3 way head is a quick and accurate way of doing this. I use an 808RC4 head on a Gitzo 3 section tripod, it gives me up to about 1800 mm to the viewfinder and I can carry it all day without any problem.

Gitzo tripods can be brought 2nd hand for around £300-£350

 

[THIRTYFIVEMILL]

OP. As suggested, just change the existing head for a geared one. The Manfrotto 410 is a good choice, but as said, is heavier.

If you get the 410 Junior be sure to get the old version and not the latest "XPRO" incarnation. The XPRO version is severely deficient and is not at all stable. The old 410 Junior is rock solid and a cracking a tripod head once you've gotten used to using it.

 

[johnf3f]

Another vote for the Manfrotto 410 Junior geared head - slow but very precise. Landscapes don't tend to run/fly off so they are great for this sort of use!

In the future I would suggest a better tripod and, like "ah5168" I would suggest Gitzo tripods. Prices vary a LOT! Firstly do not look at "New" prices - well not unless you have a Defibrillator handy!
Used Gitzo tripods are still very viable and will have more life left in them than nearly all brand new tripods. Keep an eye on FleaBay and other used sources there are some bargains to be had if you are patient. For example a friend picked up a Gitzo G1327 (Carbon Fiber 3 series) in mint condition for £100! A couple of months later I got a Gitzo G1329 Carbon Systematic + G1318 center column in near mint condition for the same price
More recently I got a GT4542LS (bit of a monster for landscapes!) brand new for £375 direct from Gitzo UK.

At the moment the asking prices on FleaBay are a bit silly so I would suggest that you get the 410 head and wait for a nice 2 or 3 series Gitzo to come along at sensible money.