Tripod upgrade

wallyboy

wallyboy

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walter
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Been using a cheap tripod, for indoor and limited outdoor use, no complaints,
Now I am looking for a tripod that is capable of securlely holding a 200-500 lens, budget around £120,
Thanks
 
The problem with long heavy lenses is their tendency to droop unless the head is screwed up tightly, and when you take your hands off it droops anyway and your carefully chosen composition is gone. This problem is removed if the lens is supported under the centre of gravity of camera and lens. Often the lens foot isn't long enough to do this, and you need to use a long adjustable extension p!ate. That makes the droop problem go away completely for one particular angle. Tilt the lens up or down and the off-centre support problem starts to return. If it becomes annoying you can shift the extension plate to compensate. Or you could use a gimbal mount which pivots about the vertical centre of gravity.

In other words it's more of a head problem than a tripod problem.
 
chris malcolm said:
The problem with long heavy lenses is their tendency to droop unless the head is screwed up tightly, and when you take your hands off it droops anyway and your carefully chosen composition is gone. This problem is removed if the lens is supported under the centre of gravity of camera and lens. Often the lens foot isn't long enough to do this, and you need to use a long adjustable extension p!ate. That makes the droop problem go away completely for one particular angle. Tilt the lens up or down and the off-centre support problem starts to return. If it becomes annoying you can shift the extension plate to compensate. Or you could use a gimbal mount which pivots about the vertical centre of gravity.

In other words it's more of a head problem than a tripod problem.
Click to expand...
Yes you are spot on, and this is why i need an upgrade i did a moon shot the other night and it dropped (bear in mind its a £15 tripod) a hama star 61, been looking at this
 
wallyboy said:
Yes you are spot on, and this is why i need an upgrade i did a moon shot the other night and it dropped (bear in mind its a £15 tripod) a hama star 61, been looking at this
Click to expand...

The manfrotto range is good for its price. I have a 4 section 055 carbon tripod (previously a 3 section aluminium 055) and use it with a 200-400 f4 and find the legs to be very stable. There is the red snapper range that many recommend as a cheaper alternative to manfrotto. Nest are another brand I've heard good things about. Centre columns make things a little less stable but within your price range that's most likely what there is.

chris malcolm said:
The problem with long heavy lenses is their tendency to droop unless the head is screwed up tightly, and when you take your hands off it droops anyway and your carefully chosen composition is gone. This problem is removed if the lens is supported under the centre of gravity of camera and lens. Often the lens foot isn't long enough to do this, and you need to use a long adjustable extension p!ate. That makes the droop problem go away completely for one particular angle. Tilt the lens up or down and the off-centre support problem starts to return. If it becomes annoying you can shift the extension plate to compensate. Or you could use a gimbal mount which pivots about the vertical centre of gravity.

In other words it's more of a head problem than a tripod problem.
Click to expand...

One thing with manfrotto is your budget may have to grow, £120 may get you a new tripod but the head that you use is just as important and it's going to set up back about the same as the tripod. There are a few different types of heads about but for long lenses it's likely to be either a ball head or gimbal style head. The good thing about buying a good sturdy tripod and head is that it will last you years if you look after it.
 
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