Which Tripod and Head to get?

jedipie

jedipie

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Hello

I am looking to get a Tripod and Head.

My requirements are:

  • I am 6'3'' so needs match my height without compromising stability
  • Currently got a Nikon D5000, but will look to upgrade to a D700 at some point (with the 28-70mm f2.8)
  • Light weight is good
  • Would be nice if I can use my Panasonic HD camcorder on the head too

Any suggestions? I've heard great things about some of the Manfrotto tripods, so would you recommend the 190 or the 055? The XPRO model or the carbon fibre?

I don't know anything about tripod heads so any help would be great!
 
Ideally you need two different heads - a 3-way pan & tilt for the camcorder and a ball head for the Nikon.
 
Ozei said:
Ideally you need two different heads - a 3-way pan & tilt for the camcorder and a ball head for the Nikon.
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This is what I thought - I dont really want to comprise quality etc so buying 2 heads for a decent set of legs is ok

Any suggestions for Manfrotto ball and 3way P&T heads?
 
jedipie said:
This is what I thought - I dont really want to comprise quality etc so buying 2 heads for a decent set of legs is ok

Any suggestions for Manfrotto ball and 3way P&T heads?
Click to expand...

I haven't tried any Manfrotto ball heads - I use a Really Right Stuff BH-55 instead http://reallyrightstuff.com/Items.aspx?code=BALLHEADS&key=cat. It's a superb bit of kit (Rolls Royce quality) - I doubt whether Manfrotto have anything to match it. Looking at their range though, one of the Midi or Maxi models - 488RC2 or 490RC4 http://www.manfrotto.com/product_list/8374.31708.22608.0.0/Ball.

As for a 3-way pan & tilt - how much does the camcorder weigh?
 
jedipie said:
This is what I thought - I dont really want to comprise quality etc so buying 2 heads for a decent set of legs is ok

Any suggestions for Manfrotto ball and 3way P&T heads?
Click to expand...
I have the Manfrotto 498RC2 here: http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/product/8374.31708.22608.0.0/498RC2/_/Midi_Ball_Head_with_RC2

Got it from Jessops for £69 inc delivery. I think I should have bought the Redsnapper though as it has an Arca-Swiss plate which is what the pro heads have. If you want better than either of those, I think you'll have to spend significant amounts (£200+) on the head alone. I'm not sure why you're ignoring RedSnapper. They aren't well known in the shops, but are highly regarded around here.

As to P&T, I wouldn't buy the RedSnapper 528. If I were videoing, I'd want something that moved more fluidly.
 
arad85 said:
I'm not sure why you're ignoring RedSnapper. They aren't well known in the shops, but are highly regarded around here.
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Hey thanks for your advice - I have never heard of the RedSnapper before - anyone got any reviews?
 
Ozei said:
As for a 3-way pan & tilt - how much does the camcorder weigh?
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According to Amazon the camcorder is only 335g - its an SD card model, only about the size of a Coke can
 
jedipie said:
Hey thanks for your advice - I have never heard of the RedSnapper before - anyone got any reviews?
Click to expand...
Try a search on here or google ;) Lots of reviews out there on forums..

Generally considered to be the "best" budget setup without spending silly money. Clearly, it depends on how many times you'll use it etc, but I think I'd have to spend serious money to better what I currently have.
 
Hi thanks for the advice!

This Redsnapper is looking like a good solution

Would you go for the 283C Carbon Fibre Tripod at £139 + RSH-12 Ball Head at £49 (£188) or would the RS-283 & RHS-12 Ball Head at £99 be just as good? - ie worth paying £89 just for the carbon fibre? There is no indication of weights on these tripods

Also - looking at heads - is the RHS-12 Ball Head better than the Pistol Grip or the 3 way panning? Which applications would suit these other types?

I see that I can maybe get 10% off as I'm a member of this forum

So for all the questions! I just want the best gear so need to make an informed choice!
 
The weight info is there... You just need to click the Size and Details tab...

To save you, the weights are:

283C: 1600g
283: 1970g

Both have a max load of 8kg.

RSH-12 is WAY better than the 3-way (I have the 3-way and can compare it to the ball head I have which is similar to the RSH12). Haven't tried a pistol grip, but the ability to move the camera about with a ball head is great (although if you want your camera dead level, you will need a hot shoe spirit level off of e-bay or somewhere similar). Also the pistol grip has a max weight of 1.5kg, so that's quite limiting... All the reviews I've seen of the RSH12 suggest it is about as good as you can get unless you spend serious amounts.

You might also want to look at the (more expensive) 324 tripods. Although they have 4 sections, they will collapse smaller and have flip locks which some seem to prefer, although they are heavier.

Personally, I'd go with the RSH12, the tripod of your choice and then a dedicated smooth video head (probably a fluid one to avoid any jerkiness as you pan the camera) from somewhere else with 3/8" female screw connector (the RS tripods can accept either 3/8" or 1/4"-20 accessories).
 
arad85 said:
Personally, I'd go with the RSH12, the tripod of your choice and then a dedicated smooth video head (probably a fluid one to avoid any jerkiness as you pan the camera) from somewhere else with 3/8" female screw connector (the RS tripods can accept either 3/8" or 1/4"-20 accessories).
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Oh right I didn't know that the tripod is compatible with other manufactor's heads too

Thanks!

Do you know of any high street shops what have this tripod in or do I have to buy one blind (all be it with some great reviews on here)?

Shame there are no YouTube video reviews as I tend to find them useful
 
Think it's direct only for redsnapper.

They have the "standard" 3/8" head screw so you can put (almost?) any other manufacturers head on. I have my Manfrotto ball head on the Redsnapper tripod :)
 
What's your budget?

The RedSnappers are excellent value, but certainly not the best tripods out there. As you might expect for only fifty quid. Both leg and platform joints are wobbly. Manfrotto and Giottos are significantly more rigid, and you'll find them in many shops, but also a lot more money. However, the RSH-12 ball head is excellent - you'll pay three times £50 to get better.

If you want the best, then Gitzo is the name, with a price to match. However, there are a number of very high quality Chinese clones out there - almost all tripods are made in China anyway - like Benro, Triopo, Feisol etc (google).

Benro is now available in a few shops (like Warehouse Express) but is much cheaper if you buy from China through ebay. A lot of folks here have done just that, including me, from this supplier DC's Store http://stores.ebay.com/DCs-Photogra...03155018&_sid=896782438&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322 Nothing extra to pay (at least, not for me or anyone that I know of - very fast delivery :thumbs: ). I have a C-257 with J-2 head which might be just big enough for you, they also do a cheaper alli version, as well as dozens of other choices.

At 6'3" you should be looking at something around the Manfrotto 055 size as a minimum. Ideally the next size up but that will be both heavier and a jump up in price. Don't be tempted to use the centre-column all the time to get the extra height - it's death to stability. Rule of thumb is that you want a tripod that has a basic height about 12in less than your own height, to bring the camera plus head up to eye level. So 63" or 1.6m - that's a big tripod though!
 
Oops! Double post.
 
Have a look at the Giottos tripod range I got the Giottos MTL9351B.. I'm 6'3 and when its fully extended it actually towers above my head with camera attached... It also has the horizontal system, it can do the same as the manfrotto XproB tripod range... The centre columm can be turned around the opposite way as well.... Got mine NEW for £69... There are deals about for tripod kits (tripods with heads)..

If the Manfrotto is tooooo much then get the Giottos... Im more than happy with mine...
 
hi

im looking to spend about £200-250 on a tripod and head and case i think, so the RedSnapper carbon fibre 4 leg and the ball head with case, with the 10% off is about £207 which seems good to me

I think I would have gone for the Manfrotto 055 CX Carbon Fibre but goodness knows which head as there seems too many to choose from! And then there is the matter of buying a £30-70 case too on top :|

Any more helpful advice, or shall I go for the RedSnapper?
 
I've just bought a Manfrotto 055 and Junior Geared Head after being suggested by the good folks of this sight.

Not the lights of tripods as I didn't go for the carbon but absolutely awesome piece of kit, the head is fantastic...
 
Another vote here for the Giottos MTL9351B I have had mine for a few weeks now using it with a camera and a leica spotting scope a great tripod.
 
Hi there

I ordered my RS-324 Carbon 4 Section Tripod and Ball head yesterday - arrived today.

First impressions are that the build quality is excellent as is the ball head.

The bag is also very good too

Can't wait to get the camera mounted on those carbon fibre legs!

Thanks Joe!
 
When it comes to tripods generally heavy= stable. Important for Landscape shooters. Carbon Fibre will be a bit lighter and just as stable. As mentioned you should settle for nothing smaller than the 'Frotto 055 or equivalent. As for the head, for me it's the 'Frotto 410 geared head. It's a bit slow but very stable. Simple to adjust and stays where you put it. I only use a tripod for long exposure stuff so it didn't matter much if I take a bit longer over the set up.
 
Trig's said:
Have a look at the Giottos tripod range I got the Giottos MTL9351B.. I'm 6'3 and when its fully extended it actually towers above my head with camera attached... It also has the horizontal system, it can do the same as the manfrotto XproB tripod range... The centre columm can be turned around the opposite way as well.... Got mine NEW for £69... There are deals about for tripod kits (tripods with heads)..

If the Manfrotto is tooooo much then get the Giottos... Im more than happy with mine...
Click to expand...

+1 to all the above :thumbs:.

I'm also 6' 3" and have the same model of Giottos tripod - I think I even paid 69 quid for it too :D. Bargain!
 
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