What tripod?

[jazzycat]

Can anyone offer any recommendations for a good tripod model to purchase?

I've only ever had a cheap tripod up until now (I know, I know) - it's slowly falling apart already so that'll teach me. I can no longer face putting my camera on it - it's a disaster waiting to happen. But honestly I'm a bit overwhelmed by looking at all the types and different features that I don't understand I'm after something:

Not too heavy as I'll be hiking with it
Removeable centre column for low level shots
Standard DSLR kit (mostly landscape shooting/long exposures), nothing super heavy, so doesn't have to support loads of weight but something sturdy would be good.
Max I'd like to spend including mount/head is around £100 - so realistically 2nd hand is the way to go I think.

Keeping an eye on wex and been browsing ebay. Seen plenty of Manfrottos 2nd hand, but there are loads of different models and types it seems and I don't want to get it wrong..

If anyone can help or has a good model they use themselves that they swear by - advice much appreciated before I part with the money!

 

[johnf3f]

Looking at your requirements I think you will be disappointed at anything within your suggested budget.

Don't get me wrong it is quite possible to get a superb tripod for £100 - I have done it! However these bargains do not come around that often, so I think you are going to have to save a bit longer to get something worthwhile.
Honestly I would save for a while and get something good that you will not end up replacing in a few months. For what it's worth my cheapie tripods were Manfrotto 190 and 055 models. They were replaced fairly quickly!

 

[Winkyphoto]

Looking at your requirements I think you will be disappointed at anything within your suggested budget.

Don't get me wrong it is quite possible to get a superb tripod for £100 - I have done it! However these bargains do not come around that often, so I think you are going to have to save a bit longer to get something worthwhile.
Honestly I would save for a while and get something good that you will not end up replacing in a few months. For what it's worth my cheapie tripods were Manfrotto 190 and 055 models. They were replaced fairly quickly!

I'm not sure I'd classify a Manfrotto 055 as a true "cheapie". I've had mine (CX - three-tube) for years and it has been flawless. I have a few tilt/pan and ball heads for it that I use for most stuff. It actually also works great with my Wimberley gimbal (with the centre column fully retracted, natch) but admittedly isn't the last word in stability with a big, fast telephoto. But there are MUCH worse tripods out there. (I was asked to repair a tripod a few weeks back. No idea the brand, but THAT was a cheapie.)

 

[johnf3f]

I'm not sure I'd classify a Manfrotto 055 as a true "cheapie". I've had mine (CX - three-tube) for years and it has been flawless. I have a few tilt/pan and ball heads for it that I use for most stuff. It actually also works great with my Wimberley gimbal (with the centre column fully retracted, natch) but admittedly isn't the last word in stability with a big, fast telephoto. But there are MUCH worse tripods out there. (I was asked to repair a tripod a few weeks back. No idea the brand, but THAT was a cheapie.)

Fair point about the Manfrotto 055 - it is not really a "Cheapie". For the price it is a good tripod but heavy and not suitable for longer lenses. I replaced mine with a Gitzo GT 2531 - much lighter, very much more rigid, OK for lenses up to 500mm (rather than 200mm) and it wasn't very expensive - though I did get it at a good price.

Realistically though I think the OP needs to save a little longer (and scour the used market) to get a tripod that they will not be looking to replace in a month or two. Just my thoughts.

 

[StewartR]

Realistically though I think the OP needs to save a little longer (and scour the used market) to get a tripod that they will not be looking to replace in a month or two. Just my thoughts.

I'm afraid you may be right. Remember the First Law of Tripods:

Light.
Sturdy.
Cheap.

Pick two.

 

[Byker28i]

I'm afraid you may be right. Remember the First Law of Tripods:

Light.
Sturdy.
Cheap.

Pick two.

This - which is why I have three tripods and I think these are the cheap end of the market, but I only have need for occaisional use
A manfrotto befree for travel, tiny, very light, but the compromise is it's good for the 5D mk3 and small lenses, but a larger telephoto (say 70-200 f2.8 or 100-400) means you use the tripod on half extention.
A Redsnapper Carbon with Manfrotto trigger head. Light, sturdy in all conditions (if you use the hook under the center to hold it with the camera bag), good carry bag but length means it's one you get out the car and carry short distances.
Manfrotto 055 with video head. Huge, Solid, heavy, brilliant but wouldn't want to carry it anywhere

 

[jazzycat]

Thanks all for your thoughts - I did rather think I may be setting expectation too high and budget too low! The tripod situation got a bit desperate when the leg finally fell off my old tripod - luckily not when my camera was on top but I did balance it precariously on a few occasions prior to that!! I couldn't face going a couple of months without some tripod action, so ended up getting a Redsnapper in the end. So far, it's such a huge improvement on my old one - lighter and easier to carry, easier to adjust, - but then anything with 3 legs seemed good to me . I'll see how it goes.

 

[Byker28i]

Good choice, I like my redsnapper Carbon. Just bought the Befree to through in a small suitcase when travelling