What tripod??

SJD2011

SJD2011

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Sam
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I currently have 2 tripods in my bag - a very old Slik 88 (given to me by my Dad) and a Hamma travelpro (free with a magazine subscription).

Whilst I like the sturdyness of the Slik, its a little cumbersome and the 'quick release' isnt very quick. Its also quite heavy.

I like the lightness of the Hamma, but it feels a little flimsy, and there is no quick release (you have to screw the tripod into the camera).

So, what tripod would people recommend? I only have a small budget - £150. Ideally I would be looking for something that is sturdy, but not too heave, with a quick release, a good height range and a good swivel. I think I would also like one where the central column can move horizontally, but I dont think that my budget will meet that.

I think I am looking for the perfect tripod - not sure this exists! LOL!

So, does anyone have any advice or can recommend one for me?

Thanks
 
Hi Sam,

Until recently I used a Manfrotto tripod (now on its way to another TPer) but today took delivery of a Benro Travel Angel 2 with B1 ball head. The one I purchased has magnesium alloy legs but they also do a carbon fibre version too.

The Benro has a couple of neat features, like folding up to just 24" in length (complete with ball head) and one of the legs unscrewing to become a monopod (using the same ball head).

First impressions are very positive. Build quality is excellent and the tripod feels very sturdy even with my D300/Sigma 150-500 mounted on it. The ball head controls are light but lock up the ball without excessive force being needed.

Cost - less than £120 on eBay from http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/380419508273?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648

Hope that helps :)
 
@bristolian glad you like your benro, still very pleased with mine, op, I would seriously recommend that ebay link
 
Manfrotto 055XPROB; bought one not that long ago. It isnt the lightest but will tick all your other boxes.
 
Thanks guys - I was looking at the Manfrotto 055XPROB... i havent heard of Benro so will check out that link - thanks.

Any other thoughts out there??
 
I like my Manfrotto 055CXPRO4, it's sturdy yet light.

Would like a Gitzo though.
 
I would have recommended a redsnapper until recently as I'm very disappointed with mine. Its now about 18months old and tbh not used that much and has a few issues now. :(

I am now looking for a new tripod so also interested in suggestions! :)
 
I was looking at the redsnapper stuff, now very tempted by that benro kit. Looks exactly what I need!
 
SJD2011 said:
Thanks guys - I was looking at the Manfrotto 055XPROB... i havent heard of Benro so will check out that link - thanks.

Any other thoughts out there??
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If you don't need the full height, maybe 190xprob will be enough. I tend to shoot quite low. I prefer the regular (vs carbon fibre) as they are sturdier and cheaper. Be careful with sea water tough - it eats manfrotto clamps very quickly (bad by design I suspect)
 
Have you had a look at a Giottos MTL9361B not the lightest of tripods but i will do everything your asking and i think you can even pick on up with a head for less than £150, Very sturdy well built tripod which is what you should be looking for if its too light it will blow around in the wind and would need weighing down or too flimsy it will rattle and cause blurry photo's. I have the Carbon one myself but would cost around £100 more with a head and it comes with a 5 year guarantee.
 
Thanks for the advice folks. I was looking at Giottos MH7000-652 Series 1 Ball head + Giottos GTMTL9361B -it would come in a little over my budget at £164.

Would this be a good combination to have? With the centre column going horizontal, I think I would use this feature. I was wondering, for those that do have this feature, how often do you use it?
 
SJD2011 said:
Thanks for the advice folks. I was looking at Giottos MH7000-652 Series 1 Ball head + Giottos GTMTL9361B -it would come in a little over my budget at £164.

Would this be a good combination to have? With the centre column going horizontal, I think I would use this feature. I was wondering, for those that do have this feature, how often do you use it?
Click to expand...
I have the GTMTL8361B with GTMH1311-652 ballhead. I do use the column at odd angles for low-down macro, those not as often as I expected to when I bought it.

The swivel clamp that angles the centre column isn't as rigid as you might hope. It does the job, but it's nowhere near the stability you get with the tripod vertical. There may be better choices if you want to use the column angled regularly. (I seriously considered a Vanguard Alta Pro instead)
 
gridlock said:
I have the GTMTL8361B with GTMH1311-652 ballhead. I do use the column at odd angles for low-down macro, those not as often as I expected to when I bought it.

The swivel clamp that angles the centre column isn't as rigid as you might hope. It does the job, but it's nowhere near the stability you get with the tripod vertical. There may be better choices if you want to use the column angled regularly. (I seriously considered a Vanguard Alta Pro instead)
Click to expand...

Why is choosing a tripod never easy?? Most of the Vanguard Tripods I see within my budget are aluminium? Does this mean they are going to be heavy?
:shrug:
 
Digifrog said:
I like my Manfrotto 055CXPRO4, it's sturdy yet light.

Would like a Gitzo though.
Click to expand...

+1 for this, would need a light head to complement it
 
Benro do a model with a swivelling centre column, be aware though that it will be less rigid as a result.

Depends what kind of stuff you shoot, I do wildlife, so no centre column, as few sections in the legs as poss, OTH if you like macro then a very adaptable tripod with swivelly columns could be just what you need, BTW Benro is good quality.

:thumbs:
 
Thanks for all your advice guys. I have just bought a Manfrotto 190XPROB & manfrotto ball head (cant remember which one now). Am very excited about it and I cant wait till it arrives! Thanks again folks!
 
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