A new tripod?

Evening

In this thread I mentioned that I have just bought a gimbal mount for the K-5, grip, and some long lenses to be used at aishows - but also that my existing tripod really isn't up to supporting the weight very stably, so I think I need a new one!

So, I would appreciate some advice on choosing something that will:
- Carry a weight of 4kgs when standing on (probably wet!) grass stably (and that probably means some form of cross-braced legs)
- Have a tripod bush height of at least 1.5m
- Carry a decent head that rises to at least 1.6m (which will probably have to be bought separately, so suggestions for that , and with a decent free-moving head, as well maybe?)
- Not cost a bomb (so carbon fibre is probably out of reach - but total portability is not a prime concern as I won't be going hiking with it!).

Thanks in advance.

John
-

I would recommend (as I always do) a Redsnapper. The legs are not braced, but they will easily take 4 kilos. I've never come across anything better at even twice the price.

Regards
David

Another vote from me for the Redsnapper, miles better than the Velbon I had before and cheaper by £20 too

Manfrotto's are quite good and robust enough to buy SH.
Gitzo's are good but expensive.

Do you need a head under the gimbal? Wouldn't the tripod
be level enough especially with a bubble on it to level
it up.

Your talking serious money for a good head such as Arca
or Novoflex. Have a look for any tips on Youtube.

-

You don't need another head under the gimbal see here.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiBVg9nwr3c

-

+1 for Redsnapper - fantastic quality for the money.

Just bought a Redsnapper this week, quality at a sensible price.

What an annoying video. woman sounds, and looks, like one of those parrots on the US propaganda channels

I posted that one because she could string her words together and
talk faster than 10 WPM which seems to be the usual for Youtube
reviewers

This was the first one I looked at .........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcOX76FNpeU

At least you can make a cup of tea whilst he thinks of
the n e x t.... w o r d

-

Thanks for all the above replies - had never actually heard of Red Snapper tripods before, but having had a look at the website, I see you guys mean.

Just looks like a matter of deciding which one to buy - in that context, does anyone have comparative experience of the 3 and 4 section Re 283 and 284 versions? (Apart from the lower retracted and extended heights, my guess is that the 3 section should be slightly more rigid because there are fewer sliding joints involved?)

OTOH, the RS 324 has the flip locks which I guess might be more postive (but it's also a fair bit heavier).

John

PS: Algernon & co, I see what you meant about not needing another head under the gimbal mount - thanks for that too.

Bump - anyone got any comments in response to my last questions below?

Thanks in advance.

John

I haven't used the 4 section one and cannot really see the benefit of 4 sections, other than the smaller size when not in use. I would guess the 3 section is marginally more rigid, but these tripods are so solidly made and so robust that I don't think it will make a great deal of difference in practice. I don't think you have anything to be concerned about either way.

Regards
David

Hi John,

I have a Redsnapper RS283 with the RS528 head which I do not use now. (CSC camera so light weight)

I have only used it about 6 times approx, I do have two quick release plates and the case with it.

I would sell this for £55.00 + P&P at cost.

Regards

Colin - sounds like a deal! Will PM you straight away!

PM replied to