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Count Arthur Strong

Count Arthur Strong

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Basically, if you use a tripod, what make and model, and would you recommend it?
I have inherited a Manfrotto Neotec, an unusual model with semi automatic leg locks. Very clever but the problem being its really heavy and the nature of its engineering means you are forever getting a slight smear of oil on your hands from the legs, not ideal when you are handling bodies with touch screens and lenses. As a result I am getting by with a cheap telescope tripod that only gives landscape and wont adjust to portrait.
Do you have any recommendations?
 
There have been lots of threads on tripod recommendations and requirements etc. already, so I'm sure you'll find plenty of answers if you just use the forum's search function.

If that bears no fruit for you, let us know what kit you're using and what you expect a tripod to be able to do for you and then we'll all confuse you further by giving our 'recommendations'. ;)

In the short term, have you considered an L Bracket for your camera? That will make swapping between portrait and landscape a lot easier anyway. Using a tripod this way can unbalance it if you're not careful.
 
Count Arthur Strong said:
Basically, if you use a tripod, what make and model, and would you recommend it?
I have inherited a Manfrotto Neotec, an unusual model with semi automatic leg locks. Very clever but the problem being its really heavy and the nature of its engineering means you are forever getting a slight smear of oil on your hands from the legs, not ideal when you are handling bodies with touch screens and lenses. As a result I am getting by with a cheap telescope tripod that only gives landscape and wont adjust to portrait.
Do you have any recommendations?
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It really depends on your camera kit and what you use it for. I'v 3 Tripods that all do different jobs for me plus a now redundant Travel Tripod that I used to use when I flew for work because it would fit in my suitcase for hold luggage but is reasonably sturdy, enough for my X-T2 with the smaller lenses. Like @Sky says there are loads of threads discussing this but no-one can advise without more details. What is good advice though whatever the use you need it for buy as the best you can afford with tripods buying cheap means buying twice or more.
 
Redsnapper for anything near to the car and usually tracked astro shots. I've had this about 11 years now!

I bought a 3LT Travis a few years ago for a lighter hiking tripod to replace the Redsnapper. I have done tracked astro stuff with this tripod too and it has been my 'regular' tripod since I bought it. I did add spikes to it too.

I also use L Brackets on the A7 and my film camera.
 
I was a member on here a long time ago (circa 2008/09) and purchased a redsnapper (don't know the model) based on the forum reviews and comments.

Still got it, works fab, not a scratch on it. It's the only one I have ever had.
 
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I also have had a Red Snapper for about seven years . Has been a good tool for me.
 
TGphoto said:
Personally I’ve found Benro provide the best mix of quality to price ratio.
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I've just bought a Benro for a lightweight option on longer hikes, it's fine with my X-T2s but I'm not sure it would support my GFX also it doesn't really give me the height I like with my big Gitzo but as I said for the longer hikes it's fine. Not sure as to it's longevity though as I haven't had it long. My Gitzo's though seem to be bomb proof but a bit heavier.

DSC03210 PS Adj.jpg

Gitzo in action, photo by Mrs T.

I was shooting a digital version of the shot I had set up on the Film Bronica, this is what I mean bt height I needed to get up high to give some separation to the subject, the long legs are also really useful on steep banks etc.
 
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All my 'pods (tri and mono) are older models. A mix of makes and models. All were tried in-store apart from the travel Gitzo and Giottos which were bought on personal recommendation from here and another forum. All work well. Heads are at least as important as the legs (as long as the legs are sturdy enough!) and again, all mine were bought after playing in shops (I always buy from shops if I've used them as playrooms) or with friends' kit. Mine are all Manfrotto RC2 compatible so I can switch between supports without the faff of changing QR plates. The Arca Swiss QR system is supposedly better but the Manfrotto system works well for me!
 
Nod said:
All my 'pods (tri and mono) are older models. A mix of makes and models. All were tried in-store apart from the travel Gitzo and Giottos which were bought on personal recommendation from here and another forum. All work well. Heads are at least as important as the legs (as long as the legs are sturdy enough!) and again, all mine were bought after playing in shops (I always buy from shops if I've used them as playrooms) or with friends' kit. Mine are all Manfrotto RC2 compatible so I can switch between supports without the faff of changing QR plates. The Arca Swiss QR system is supposedly better but the Manfrotto system works well for me!
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I do agree that if you've tried in shop you ought to buy from them as well. (y)
 
Precious few proper camera shops around now. :( Only one in Exeter is LCE (Jessops don't qualify!)
 
LeeRatters said:
Redsnapper for anything near to the car and usually tracked astro shots. I've had this about 11 years now!

I bought a 3LT Travis a few years ago for a lighter hiking tripod to replace the Redsnapper. I have done tracked astro stuff with this tripod too and it has been my 'regular' tripod since I bought it. I did add spikes to it too.

I also use L Brackets on the A7 and my film camera.
Click to expand...
I have a Redsnapper, also for near to the car, and a 3LT Travis for hiking. Although since buying the Travis I won a Peak Design tripod, that has pretty much replaced the Travis.
 
I have a Benbo 1 Trekker. Once you get used to the way it works it's a very versatile tripod but it's not a quick use, it's like trying to control a set of bagpipes as once the single locking screw is loosened the whole thing moves in all directions like a thing alive. Persevere and it's a great piece of kit.
 
Another vote here for Benro. I have the Benro Tortoise and have really enjoyed using it over the last few months.
 
Topsy said:
LCE Plymouth are fantastic, I've dealt with them since the early 80s can't fault them. Also I have done good deals with the LCE online facility agian no complaints. (y)
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I bought most of my modern equipment through LCE Plymouth -- probably eight grands worth over the years; best customer service I've ever got anywhere.
 
Used to get most of my kit from the Devon Camera Centre until a combination of a greedy landlord and "showroomers" killed them. Not bought much recently (past 3-4 years) but usually get it from LCE (Exeter - Plymouth's a bit far for me to go [from Exeter!!!]) or Fuji refurb.
 
Nod said:
Used to get most of my kit from the Devon Camera Centre until a combination of a greedy landlord and "showroomers" killed them. Not bought much recently (past 3-4 years) but usually get it from LCE (Exeter - Plymouth's a bit far for me to go [from Exeter!!!]) or Fuji refurb.
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When I lived in Honiton I used LCE Exeter and found them good aswell. I've dealt mail order with a few other LCEs for used kit and always found them very good to deal with. No I don't work for LCE just in case anyone was going to ask. :ROFLMAO:
 
I have a collection of tripods & find different ones work for different requirements.
My Manfrotto 058 is rock solid & easy to adjust but VERY heavy. Good in the studio or if you have a really heavy load on it. (It holds my telescopes solidly)
My Benbo is good for macro when you need support low down or in awkward spots
I have a carbon fibre travel tripod which works OK for normal shooting if you need something light but it's not quite as tall as I'd like.
Then I have some older basic tripods I can just leave at work or in the car...
 
I've had three, a cheap plastic one from a high street shop, a Manfrotto 055 (or something) and a Benbo Treckker (with the additional column bracket which IMO greatly aids use) and it's the Trekker that I like the most, I'm not a fan of traditional centre column through the middle designs.
 
Petrochemist said:
I have a collection of tripods & find different ones work for different requirements.
My Manfrotto 058 is rock solid & easy to adjust but VERY heavy. Good in the studio or if you have a really heavy load on it. (It holds my telescopes solidly)
My Benbo is good for macro when you need support low down or in awkward spots
I have a carbon fibre travel tripod which works OK for normal shooting if you need something light but it's not quite as tall as I'd like.
Then I have some older basic tripods I can just leave at work or in the car...
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So many tripods, I think you may have an obsession ;).
 
Count Arthur Strong said:
Basically, if you use a tripod, what make and model, and would you recommend it?
I have inherited a Manfrotto Neotec, an unusual model with semi automatic leg locks. Very clever but the problem being its really heavy and the nature of its engineering means you are forever getting a slight smear of oil on your hands from the legs, not ideal when you are handling bodies with touch screens and lenses. As a result I am getting by with a cheap telescope tripod that only gives landscape and wont adjust to portrait.
Do you have any recommendations?
Click to expand...
Pretty hard to recommend anything without knowing what you're going to put on it.
You might ought to disassemble and clean your Neotec. There's no way you should be getting oil on your hands from handling it - sounds like someone ignorantly oiled it.
 
ShinySideUp said:
So many tripods, I think you may have an obsession ;).
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Only a mild one when it comes to tripods, as I do most of my photography handheld.
It's a bit more severe with cameras (I've reached 85) & lenses is where it hits hardest.
 
I have a couple dozen cameras, from lightweight 35mm rangefinders to 4 x 5 Crown and Speed Graphics, and close to 100 lenses from 21 to 800mm. I seldom shoot hand-held, and to provide the ideal support for most any combination, I have 9 different tripods and 9 different tripod heads (I don't like to compromise). I think the only one I have that is still in production is a Ries J600 with J250 head.
 
Petrochemist said:
Only a mild one when it comes to tripods, as I do most of my photography handheld.
It's a bit more severe with cameras (I've reached 85) & lenses is where it hits hardest.
Click to expand...

Winslowe said:
I have a couple dozen cameras, from lightweight 35mm rangefinders to 4 x 5 Crown and Speed Graphics, and close to 100 lenses from 21 to 800mm. I seldom shoot hand-held, and to provide the ideal support for most any combination, I have 9 different tripods and 9 different tripod heads (I don't like to compromise). I think the only one I have that is still in production is a Ries J600 with J250 head.
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I thought I had GAS, I feel very normal now :D
 
I recently picked up a bargain on eBay for a Gitzo carbon fibre tripod. It’s an older model but in fantastic condition.

Certainly nicer to carry around than my big old Manfrotto 290 XL I had. A great solid tripod but weighty. The Gitzo is lovely and steady, and a lot lighter too.

Just need to save for the Gitzo head for it now and it should last me quite a while I would imagine.
 
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