Tripods

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GuffStink

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I know nothing about these, so was hoping someone can briefly explain to me why there are tripods costing hundreds of pounds?

Obviously the material carbon fibre etc is deemed much better, probably because it's lighter - is that all it is?

I'm just wondering how many of you have expensive tripods and how many of you make do with the cheaper options?

I'm wanting to get stuck into landscape photography but I don't really see any reason to spend more than I have to on a tripod - but at the same time I don't want to buy a piece of ***** that will fall to bits.

I've seen cheap ones for £15-£30 - would one of these be OK for a complete novice? Or should I spend a bit more? I'm not bothered about how light or heavy a tripod is, just as long as it gets the job done.

Would love to hear your thoughts.
 
There is a reason why people payup to £500. If the £15 were any good, dont you think people would be buying them?

Its not just about Carbon Fibre, its about weight, build quality, ease of use, adjustabiltiy, etc etc.

I'd be aiming for about £150 for my first tripod with a good head. Thats should last you for many years, instead of wasting £30 here and there on cheap crap that you eventually get fed up with. You will be bothered by how heavy it is once you start carrying it around all day.

Redsnappers are cheaper, but still pretty good quality. You can get a good set up for around £100 from them.
 
Just the reply I was looking for :)

Thank you.


Anyone else have anything to add?
 
This took me a while to understand as well but other differences are:

Material - different materials have advantages in vibration reduction

Spiked feet

Different user-friendly leg locking systems

Minimum/maximum height - generally the more sections it has the less stable

Max load

Reversible, multi-adjustible (look at benbo tripods if you want an example)

The difference in tripod heads again is an endless world- ball heads, pan heads, gimbal heads, etc etc etc.

Again different heads have different uses, and generally the more you pay the more quality you get.

One tripod you might consider is a Benro Travel Angel- I'm considering one myself, since I travel quite a lot (not for photography) and having a tripod which folds down really small is very handy for me.
 
I think my redsnapper was about £79 & it is brilliant,heavy enough for me & steady.:):thumbs:
 
For the last few years I have been using a Redsnapper tripod, it cost about £50 or 60 for the legs only, it's a great bit of kit.

However, I am looking at getting a more expensive carbon fibre tripod, as I want something that is lightweight, but still solid and also one which folds up small for when I go travelling, to reduce the weight and folded up size, whilst retaining stability needs good materials and even better engineering.
 
I think it might depend on what you are using it for. I have a redsnapper and to be honest I am a bit disappointed with it given some of the glowing reviews I have read.

negatives:
- not that rigid(compared to a manfrotto 055 anyway). Noticable movement through a 200mm lens when just squeezing the shutter very carefully. Basically best to use mirror lockup even for wider angle lenses and I find bracing long lenses with my hand actually helps things rather than making it worse as I would expect.
- adjustment knobs feel a bit crude - badly cut threads etc. I could probably improve this a lot by running a tap through the threads and lubricating with a dry lube.
- the column is way out from vertical if you just extend the legs to the max, meaning you have to spend a good while getting it level before doing anything. the column also appears to tilt slightly as you do up the column clamp. (it has a plastic bush which flexes)
Positives:
- it is only £50 and much more solid than most tripods in that price range with are full of plastic parts. Perhaps comparing it to a £120+ manfrotto is a bit unfair!
- a very nice bag.
- Nice features (screw out rubber/spiked feet, short column, spirit level built in, 3 position legs etc), easy to use (apart from the levelling thing) and all metal construction.
- looks like it should stand a fair bit of abuse without being too heavy.
- the redsnapper is a lot lighter than the ally 055 (about the same as a carbon 055 I think)

Don't take this as being too negative on redsnapper but it just shows you get what pay for. But if you want something cheap to get you going then could could do a lot worse than the redsnapper. If you outgrow it you haven't lost much.

Toby
 
Carbon fibre absorbs vibrations better than metal as well as being lighter.

The longer lens you have, the better tripod you need really. Which is why there's a lot of really expensive models as well as the ultra cheap
 
Not only do I have a £500 tripod, but I have three others as well - all CF and they all get used.
  • The big, expensive, one (Induro) is the only one I can use while standing properly without having to extend a wobbly centre column. It's also very stable and fairly light.
  • My main tripod used to be a Velbon 640CF Pro. Now it's mainly used for birding, when I need to carry a tripod, for camera and scope, long distances.
  • I've also got a Gitzo that has legs and a centre pole that can be set to any angle. Great for macro shots.
  • Finally, I have a small, very light, Slik that's used for holidays when I need to restrict weight.
 
I got a Cheap one for around £15 and it's terrible in every way, the only advantage is it's extremely lightweight, i rarely use it and will definitely spend more money on my next one.
 
Thanks people, really appreciate all the replies, every post has been very helpful. So thanks everyone :)

Sounds like Redsnapper might be the way to go then - where would be the best place to look for these? anyone know of any decent deals on at the moment? Can anyone point me in the right direction with maybe a link or two?

Expensive business this photography lark, isn't it?! :gag:

I was going to buy my own DSLR but I may reconsider and opt for a good bit of equipment instead with me having access to a D80, I may buy a decent lens and tripod before buying my own camera.
 
The best place to get a Redsnapper tripod is direct from them. I also believe there is a forum discount too.
 
Great stuff, thanks you two.

Just reading through the thread in that link it seems a few people have purchased the RS-283 / RS-284 - so I take this would be a good starting point for a tripod?
 
GuffStink said:
Great stuff, thanks you two.

Just reading through the thread in that link it seems a few people have purchased the RS-283 / RS-284 - so I take this would be a good starting point for a tripod?
Click to expand...

I have the 283 and its ok. TBH Ive started using my slik pro more now even though its heavier.
The redsnapper is fine for the money, but I despise the ball head with a passion and the camera plate doesnt screw in tight enough.

It'll be fine for a first tripod though for general use.
 
I've still got my proper tripod that was bought a couple of years ago.

It's a camlink TPPRO28B. It weigh's in at 2.8kg's thanks to it's solid build.
It goes to about 6ft high with raised centre column and right down to ground level when you reverse the centre column.
It comes with a carry bag be a wee tool kit or maintenance.

It happily holes the 50D and 200mm zoom lens.
Best one I have bought yet and it only cost me 60 notes (sale in Jessops)
 
GuffStink said:
Great stuff, thanks you two.

Just reading through the thread in that link it seems a few people have purchased the RS-283 / RS-284 - so I take this would be a good starting point for a tripod?
Click to expand...

I have the RS-283. It is a good starting point. I didn't go for the Redsnapper ball head, as already had a few manfrotto base plates for my Dad's tripod.
 
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