Tripods, where to start?

JohnBradbury

JohnBradbury

A jolly good egg!
Suspended / Banned
Messages
991
Name
John
Edit My Images
Yes
I want to purchase a good quality tripod for studio and general outdoor use. I don’t know anything about tripods so I’m Looking for some advice and guidance.
 
Last edited:
Would be useful, to know, your budget.
 
It all depends on what kit you plan on putting on to it.
You may not need anything small and or light if you aren’t planing on moving it about much, but on the flip side, you may want something large and heavy if you plan on whacking a large lens and body combo on it.

I would look at a carbon fibre unit with a good quality ball head. Well made units can be both light and large as well as sturdy and able to handle heavy kit.

I use a manfroto 190 carbon with some head or another that works well when out and about for the day. I also use one of these lovely units - https://www.novo-photo.com/novo-explora-t20-carbon-fibre-tripod-kit.html for when I’m out and can throw it back in a car without the need to lug it about. The monopod built in is a really useful tool too!
 
What kit are you going to be supporting as this will drive the decisions. Like most things, buy once good and save money in the long run.
For studio you dont need to worry about weight so could get an older non CF model that would be rock solid. I guess it depends on how much outdoors and if you need to lug it around ?

Most likely a CF set of legs and a good Ball Head.

For the legs, consider the stability of the unit at the working height you need, more leg section extended 'usually' reduces stability.
Always get longer than you need, you can choose to not extend a leg section but cannot make them longer (think uneven surface or hills etc)
Center columns can reduce stability but offer flex, the Manfrotto ones that rotate sideways are nice for Macro or Landscape positioning.
For my general use i use a Manfrotto 055 - perfect for a FF DSLR with upto a 200-300 mm lens attached.

For the Ball head - most important is load, and its ability to lock down solid with the intended weight of kit. Panning base is good as are tension controls. Finished off with a good Arca style clamp and a L Bracket on the Body for easy attachment.
I used a Kirk BH for years - amazing stability but pricey and heavy. Now use a Sirui and its fantastic.

Rob
 
If I am not mistaken you have a Canon 1Dx ii so I suggest you buy the best tripod, Gitzo or equivalent.
 
Like Archie 747 I would recommend the best you can get - pointless forking out for nice gear and then putting it on wobbly sticks!

In the UK that is Gitzo (RRS are just silly money here!), however the likes of Jobu, Induro and Benro are well worth a look. Personally I prefer Gitzo - but the fact that I got my Gitzo tripods cheap has a bearing on that - I cant afford the copies! Also don't be afraid of getting a Gitzo second hand as they last forever and are a bit less stress on the wallet.

For general use I like a ball head - have a look at the Sirui K40X and K30X either should fit the bill nicely.

Happy shopping.
 
Archie747 said:
If I am not mistaken you have a Canon 1Dx ii so I suggest you buy the best tripod, Gitzo or equivalent.
Click to expand...

Yes, that makes things easier - Gitzo.
 
johnf3f said:
best you can get - pointless forking out for nice gear and then putting it on wobbly sticks!
Click to expand...

Depends what you call best, some of the cheap alloy ones are heavier and more stable than the very expensive light carbon stuff IMO.

The light carbon ones are best for your back and easy to carry.
 
That’s right, 1DX MarkII, so a fair bit of weight.

I hadn’t really set a budget but I’d probably balk at anything over £450-£500.

It’s for studio and general use. I want to get out more and stretch myself, shoot things I wouldn’t normally bother with; landscapes, architectural etc..
 
•


In studio, I use the Manfrotto Triaut tripod with a geared head
mounted on a dolly… all from the same maker:

Triaut black — https://www.manfrotto.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=triaut
Folding dolly /black — https://www.manfrotto.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=dolly
Head — https://www.manfrotto.com/products/photo-tripods/tripod-heads

I got them since such a long time that I can't remember their respective price
but you can found that.



D3S7707.jpg
 
to put it simply
does the tripod and head hold the camera +lens weight
Is it stable fully extended
can the centre column be swung sideways /upside down
twist ir lever legs
type of head (ball/ pistol grip or fluid)
can it be carried for an all day shoot
how compact can it get.

Answer these and you are almost there
 
Last edited:
JohnBradbury said:
I hadn’t really set a budget but I’d probably balk at anything over £450-£500.
Click to expand...

Your 'balk' level is 3x higher than mine !!!

My Manfrotto is about 9 years old now but was only £150ish for both legs and head, and I've never felt it wasn't good enough for all my landscape/architecture work (though that's partly as its not needed for 95% or more of that), and I've never used a tripod in a studio environment when shooting people either

Its not carbon fibre but then...

a) I could never see the point in paying so much extra for that, and

b) the weight saving isn't really an issue unless you're a wimp/ill lol

Dave
 
JohnBradbury said:
I hadn’t really set a budget but I’d probably balk at anything over £450-£500.
Click to expand...

That'll allow you to basically buy anything you want if you don't mind used, well treated a good tripod should last a very long time but poorly treated it's a lot of tedious clean up work.

JohnBradbury said:
It’s for studio and general use. I want to get out more and stretch myself, shoot things I wouldn’t normally bother with; landscapes, architectural etc..
Click to expand...

That's the two ends of the spectrum though, in a studio you don't mind if it's heavy but when you go somewhere a great big heavy tripod is a nuisance. If travel is of lesser importance I'd be lean towards a Manfrotto 058 (the Triaut mentioned above) for the studio and a good lightweight carbon tripod for when you want to out but if you're happy to lug around a heavy tripod you could get one for both easily enough.
 
realspeed said:
And have you seen how much they cost?
Click to expand...

Just checked - within balk price. I’m recommending looking as I won one last year and it’s become my go-to tripod, very strong, stable, tall, versatile and light to carry around.
 
If you are in it for the long haul and only want to buy once, then a used Gitzo would be my recommendation. Over the years I have tried many, including the top of the range knock-offs, but for performance and reliability, I would not use anything else. It does not look fancy in its construction, no gimmick, but just works. Yes, many other makes will do the job adequately, and most will be cheaper. But in my view for long term use, Gitzo is worth every penny. Resale value holds well too.
 
dragonfly said:
If you are in it for the long haul and only want to buy once, then a used Gitzo would be my recommendation. Over the years I have tried many, including the top of the range knock-offs, but for performance and reliability, I would not use anything else. It does not look fancy in its construction, no gimmick, but just works. Yes, many other makes will do the job adequately, and most will be cheaper. But in my view for long term use, Gitzo is worth every penny. Resale value holds well too.
Click to expand...

Good summary (y)

FWIW, the Gitzo GT2545T with 1382QD ball head is the best 'all-rounder' tripod I've tried in the last few years (and I've tested dozens for my work). If I needed one tripod for everything, that'd be it.

At getting on for £900 it's above your stated price range, but for that you get a very solid tripod capable of handing pretty much anything this side of a long telephoto, plus it's light, folds down small (traveller design) and includes the custom-designed 1382 ball head (£300-ish) which is one of the best.

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/gitzo...OyzkMM4Jf1hYgGvXIP98lFAZDk5M3XrhoC1dgQAvD_BwE
 
I would suggest to simply head out to a decent camera store and have a play with as many as possible.

Tripod sizes, materials and sturdiness vary greatly. Only you can decide what the best compromise is for you.

Tripod heads are even more personal subject. You just have to try different ones out.
 
realspeed said:
And have you seen how much they cost?
Click to expand...

I have - that's why I use Gitzo!

Most expensive new one is a 4 series monster at £375 and I picked up a nice used 3 series Systematic (+ center column) for £100 about 4 years ago. The copies are just too expensive.
 
Last edited:
HoppyUK said:
Good summary (y)

FWIW, the Gitzo GT2545T with 1382QD ball head is the best 'all-rounder' tripod I've tried in the last few years (and I've tested dozens for my work). If I needed one tripod for everything, that'd be it.

At getting on for £900 it's above your stated price range, but for that you get a very solid tripod capable of handing pretty much anything this side of a long telephoto, plus it's light, folds down small (traveller design) and includes the custom-designed 1382 ball head (£300-ish) which is one of the best.

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/gitzo...OyzkMM4Jf1hYgGvXIP98lFAZDk5M3XrhoC1dgQAvD_BwE
Click to expand...

I have the older Gitzo GT2531 Mountaineer (bought new for £300). With the center column down it is quite happy with my 300 F2.8 + extenders or a friend's 500 F4 L IS Mk2.
It is quite surprising what a Gitzo 2 series will cope with if necessary!
 
GTG said:
Depends what you call best, some of the cheap alloy ones are heavier and more stable than the very expensive light carbon stuff IMO.

The light carbon ones are best for your back and easy to carry.
Click to expand...

Not found an adequate Alloy tripod (other than the big studio models) yet. As to the "very expensive light carbon stuff" sorry I have no idea, my 4 tripods are Gitzos (3 new 1 used) and none were very expensive.

Still we all have different requirements.
 
johnf3f said:
Not found an adequate Alloy tripod (other than the big studio models) yet. As to the "very expensive light carbon stuff" sorry I have no idea, my 4 tripods are Gitzos (3 new 1 used) and none were very expensive.

Still we all have different requirements.
Click to expand...

3 Gitzo "leg warmers" would be about £200 RRP.
Gitzo are an expensive brand full stop and I'm not going to argue with anyone who thinks they are not because they probably think BMW`s are cheap too lol.

20_03_20141395308056gitzo_gc5560.jpg
 
johnf3f said:
a 4 series monster at £375
Click to expand...


On location, I use 4 Systematic 5's. One with column and the others
without. Two of these Gitzo's were bought used on TP and the others
not — but used as well.

Two are used mainly for wildlife and I use Lenscoat lens protective co-
vers and leg warmers on both.
 
newbie1 said:
Sirui cf are also worth a look
Click to expand...

Totally agree.

I have an expensive large Gitzo and I really don't like it.

I have a small Sirui that was about half the price pro rata and love it.

In hindsight, I would happily have a small and large Sirui and have saved some money.
 
GTG said:
3 Gitzo "leg warmers" would be about £200 RRP.
Gitzo are an expensive brand full stop and I'm not going to argue with anyone who thinks they are not because they probably think BMW`s are cheap too lol.
Click to expand...

I don't know anyone that has bought the Gitzo 'leg warmers', but plenty with their tripods.

There is no denying that the initial outlay for a Gitzo is high, especially new. But long term, they are great value. I have spent more than the cost of my current Gitzo over the past 15 years, working with and trying a multitude of lesser products. If I was to start again, I would have just bought a Gitzo and save myself a load of unnecessary expense. But I do appreciate that everyone has a different budget. 'Value for money' and 'expensive' are two very different things.
 
Last edited:
DG Phototraining said:
Your 'balk' level is 3x higher than mine !!!

My Manfrotto is about 9 years old now but was only £150ish for both legs and head, and I've never felt it wasn't good enough for all my landscape/architecture work (though that's partly as its not needed for 95% or more of that), and I've never used a tripod in a studio environment when shooting people either

Its not carbon fibre but then...

a) I could never see the point in paying so much extra for that, and

b) the weight saving isn't really an issue unless you're a wimp/ill lol

Dave
Click to expand...
I’m with Dave, my Manfrotto is about 15 years old, still works like new, on the rare occasions it’s needed ;)
 
GTG said:
3 Gitzo "leg warmers" would be about £200 RRP.
Gitzo are an expensive brand full stop and I'm not going to argue with anyone who thinks they are not because they probably think BMW`s are cheap too lol..
Click to expand...

I freely admit that I am a bit of a tripod junkie and have spent, what I consider a LOT on them! However Gitzo = expensive?

My current support setup is Gitzo GT4542LS, GT3320BS, GT2531, G1550T, and a GM2541 (mono pod). The G1550T was bought used all the rest were new from a UK High street camera shop or Gitzo UK , total £1094 for the lot. This, of course, does not include my G1318 center column (£35), my Gitzo spiked foot set (£8), Gitzo leg reducers (£10), 2 x £13 top plates etc etc - I buy Gitzo because I cannot afford the copies!

Yes I have had to do a little (not much) research and had to exercise a little patience - but then I had a G1329 Mk2 + accessory center column to tide me over - that was £100 well spent! Won't say what I sold it for, or my GT3530LS ;)

What other quality brand would have given me that sort of setup for the money? I find Gitzo prices very reasonable - if you shop carefully.
 
Last edited:
johnf3f said:
What other quality brand would have given me that sort of setup for the money? I find Gitzo prices very reasonable - if you shop carefully.
Click to expand...

OK let's say I need that equipment tomorrow, how much would it cost me?

It doesn't really do anyone much good to point out that in 4 months there's a super cheap carbon 3 Series popping up on eBay, you can of course also apply the same argument to other brands and make further savings if you're happy to wait/buy used.
 
Perhaps I didn't phrase it very well Simon. I bought my GT3531, GT3320BS, GM2541 and (ex) GT3530LS from a high street camera shop which is 50 minutes away - not too much of a wait? The GT45642LS took a bit longer at 48 hours direct from Gitzo UK. Now my G1550T did take several months until I could find one at the right price - but that is the problem with buying used! The others were brand new.

Hope that clarifies.
 
simonbarker said:
OK let's say I need that equipment tomorrow
Click to expand...


That is the worst "killing all your chances for a deal" situation.

I rarely put my self in an "urgent" need situation as one is pushed
to buying to solve the need problem. I much prefer the "keep an
eye opened" strategy where I find the right stuff — at the right price.

I was using a brand of tripod that turned out unsatisfactory in some
regards. I had the chance to try a series 5 Gitzo that was ok all every
ways… to the last detail. — "Cool, I'll keep an eye opened." I thought.

Within a few weeks, I got 4x series 5 and a monopod too… all used
but in perfect conditions. I got rid of the other one.
 
Last edited:
Phil V said:
my Manfrotto is about 15 years old, still works like new, on the rare occasions it’s needed
Click to expand...


My two Triaut kits are 30+ yo and any one of them
is used almost everyday. Impeccable reliability. :cool:
 
Phil V said:
But does the OP need that kind of resilience?
Click to expand...


I don't know, Phil, but I wasn't gonna say no at the price
I got them! Every dollar saved is a dollar twice earned.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top