Cheap Tripod?
Posted 01/08/2011 - 23:07
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Pentaxophile wrote:
Even a cheap ass tripod works fine if you don't use the column extension, or use it in a force 9 gale. Probably won't stand frequent hard use, but will probably last many years if you're reasonably careful with it and don't plan on taking it out every week. Clearly if you're majoring in photography which requires a tripod or making a living from it, you'll want the best you can afford. But as far as a cheap tripod being worse than handholding, this is just untrue
you'd be surprised.... right around the time you get into non handhold able shutter speeds, the mirror slap and shutter induced blur, is more noticeable with a flimsier tripod, above that, well, you're into handhold able territory so the tripod simply isn't isn't doing anything except freeing up a hand, and slowing you down.....Even a cheap ass tripod works fine if you don't use the column extension, or use it in a force 9 gale. Probably won't stand frequent hard use, but will probably last many years if you're reasonably careful with it and don't plan on taking it out every week. Clearly if you're majoring in photography which requires a tripod or making a living from it, you'll want the best you can afford. But as far as a cheap tripod being worse than handholding, this is just untrue
and I've been doing this long enough to have seen several $1000.00 +++ slrs fall off cheap tripods when flimsy plastic pieces break under light use. (NEVER MINE though). I also have a manfrotto 190 that has served over 18 years with over a dozen fully booked Wedding seasons, hiking, camping, motorcycling trips, several stints in the arctic and many a canadian winter with little more than routine maintenance.... a good tripod will last a lifetime. Why balance $1000.00 or more worth of valuable equipment off a tripod with a flimsy plastic plate holding a tiny bolt to the bottom of your camera? seems like false economy to me.
Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.
Posted 01/08/2011 - 23:19
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I took some 25 second exposures on sunday. My hands are rock steady, but I doubt I could have pulled that off without my excellent Quantaray tripod with one foot missing and patched up with duck tape
Mirror slap can be avoided with MLU, and I think shutter blur won't affect exposures over about 1/8 if not less.
Mirror slap can be avoided with MLU, and I think shutter blur won't affect exposures over about 1/8 if not less.
Posted 01/08/2011 - 23:31
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Pentaxophile wrote:
I took some 25 second exposures on sunday. My hands are rock steady, but I doubt I could have pulled that off without my excellent Quantaray tripod with one foot missing and patched up with duck tape
Mirror slap can be avoided with MLU, and I think shutter blur won't affect exposures over about 1/8 if not less.
I'm all for saving money. I'm all for duct tape. but if the tripod hasn't got stable legs, all metal head and locking plate with smooth panning and tilting, then it is just a matter of time or dumb luck before some combination of clumsy by stander, cold temperature, wear and tear see's you holding onto your tripod which you've just saved from being knocked over or tipping over due to a broken leg lock, and as you try to save it, you hear an unreal snapping noise and watch for what feels like an eternity, in slow motion as your camera breaks free from it's perch and continues on it's journey to the sidewalk, whilst the flimsy tripod stays more or less in your hand....I took some 25 second exposures on sunday. My hands are rock steady, but I doubt I could have pulled that off without my excellent Quantaray tripod with one foot missing and patched up with duck tape
Mirror slap can be avoided with MLU, and I think shutter blur won't affect exposures over about 1/8 if not less.
Good luck, happy shooting. hope it never really happens to you... but I'm very sure it won't happen to any tripod I've paid for.
Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.
Posted 02/08/2011 - 00:09
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I really doubt that's ever going to happen and I don't see the point in going around telling noobs that it is, unless you have shares in Manfrotto! my tripod is cheap, but it's not the cheapest and it's not made of balsa wood. I'm confident it's up to the job. And if a bystander's going to knock over a tripod, I don't think they're going to care how expensive it is
Now I would consider spending more to get a tripod which was taller, lighter, or offered more choice of shooting angles, but that's another thing.
Now I would consider spending more to get a tripod which was taller, lighter, or offered more choice of shooting angles, but that's another thing.
Posted 02/08/2011 - 00:17
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Don, you're wasting your time. People think nothing of buying a 1000 buck camera every few years (or even every year) but get them to spend more than their weekly allowance on a tripod? Impossible. They'll just say you have an agenda or that your opinion is "tainted" or that you want everyone to spend 1500 pounds.
Time to give it a rest.
Time to give it a rest.
Posted 02/08/2011 - 00:25
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rparmar wrote:
Don, you're wasting your time. People think nothing of buying a 1000 buck camera every few years (or even every year) but get them to spend more than their weekly allowance on a tripod? Impossible. They'll just say you have an agenda or that your opinion is "tainted" or that you want everyone to spend 1500 pounds.
Time to give it a rest.
agree...Don, you're wasting your time. People think nothing of buying a 1000 buck camera every few years (or even every year) but get them to spend more than their weekly allowance on a tripod? Impossible. They'll just say you have an agenda or that your opinion is "tainted" or that you want everyone to spend 1500 pounds.
Time to give it a rest.
it's like putting one of these :
on these:
nothing in this argument to benefit me, so...
I'm out...
Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.
Posted 02/08/2011 - 00:28
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The Red Snappers may be cheap but they're all metal from ground to camera (metal legs, metal ballhead, metal QR plate, metal screw threads throughout). About the only rubber or plastic parts are the grips and the screw-down feet which hide the spikes. Now, I know some cheaper metal items can suffer from being cast from monkey metal, but the RS doesn't look or feel like this. You can usually tell from the finish whether the materials underneath are any good (cheap and nasty doesn't usually involve a high standard of finish) and the RS parts seem to be decent castings judging by the lack of mould marks or rough patches.
They are, naturally, rather heavy. But if I was planning to set up for a few hours in one location I'd lug it. I took it for a four or five mile walk a while ago and didn't feel overloaded, although I wouldn't suggest trekking across a continent with it. That said, if you wrapped a tarpaulin around it you'd probably get a serviceable tent!
They are, naturally, rather heavy. But if I was planning to set up for a few hours in one location I'd lug it. I took it for a four or five mile walk a while ago and didn't feel overloaded, although I wouldn't suggest trekking across a continent with it. That said, if you wrapped a tarpaulin around it you'd probably get a serviceable tent!
Matt
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
Posted 02/08/2011 - 00:37
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Dangermouse wrote:
The Red Snappers may be cheap but they're all metal from ground to camera (metal legs, metal ballhead, metal QR plate, metal screw threads throughout). About the only rubber or plastic parts are the grips and the screw-down feet which hide the spikes. Now, I know some cheaper metal items can suffer from being cast from monkey metal, but the RS doesn't look or feel like this. You can usually tell from the finish whether the materials underneath are any good (cheap and nasty doesn't usually involve a high standard of finish) and the RS parts seem to be decent castings judging by the lack of mould marks or rough patches.
They are, naturally, rather heavy. But if I was planning to set up for a few hours in one location I'd lug it. I took it for a four or five mile walk a while ago and didn't feel overloaded, although I wouldn't suggest trekking across a continent with it. That said, if you wrapped a tarpaulin around it you'd probably get a serviceable tent!
I've heard some chinese made clones of major brands are quite good... the chinese do save on labor, and maybe even on material quality, but I suspect they are solid enough and priced low enough to qualify as good value for the money. I am not a brand snob. correct me if I'm wrong, But I've heard red snapper is basically chinese Slik clones...
The Red Snappers may be cheap but they're all metal from ground to camera (metal legs, metal ballhead, metal QR plate, metal screw threads throughout). About the only rubber or plastic parts are the grips and the screw-down feet which hide the spikes. Now, I know some cheaper metal items can suffer from being cast from monkey metal, but the RS doesn't look or feel like this. You can usually tell from the finish whether the materials underneath are any good (cheap and nasty doesn't usually involve a high standard of finish) and the RS parts seem to be decent castings judging by the lack of mould marks or rough patches.
They are, naturally, rather heavy. But if I was planning to set up for a few hours in one location I'd lug it. I took it for a four or five mile walk a while ago and didn't feel overloaded, although I wouldn't suggest trekking across a continent with it. That said, if you wrapped a tarpaulin around it you'd probably get a serviceable tent!
Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.
Posted 02/08/2011 - 03:04
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I agree that spending a tenner on a cheap tripod is ridiculous. I've seen such beasts and they are hideously rickity.
If you want something that works and isn't heavy the use a real gorillapod or a beanbag.
most of my long exposures are done by resting the camera(s) on a sturdy surface. I keep my Manfrotto quick release plates permanently attached to avoid damaging the base of the cams
If you want something that works and isn't heavy the use a real gorillapod or a beanbag.
most of my long exposures are done by resting the camera(s) on a sturdy surface. I keep my Manfrotto quick release plates permanently attached to avoid damaging the base of the cams
[i]Bodies: 1x K-5IIs, 2x K-5, Sony TX-5, Nokia 808
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Posted 02/08/2011 - 07:50
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+1 on Red Snapper. Sturdy and good value. Been impressed with mine (though I don't use it all that much, which should be corrected). As Dangermouse has pointed out they are all metal and the heads are smooth and good quality too. I'm happy with mine!
K5, K200 and several film Pentax cameras!
Posted 02/08/2011 - 09:03
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There's only one way to get a completely vibration-free tripod...
Make up an adapter to put a ballhead on top of any triangulation points you find while out and about! These have some sort of threaded fitting for surveyors to screw instruments into (I think it's a threaded hole in the metal top plate but I've no idea what size or pitch). There isn't much more solid than a concrete pillar!
Make up an adapter to put a ballhead on top of any triangulation points you find while out and about! These have some sort of threaded fitting for surveyors to screw instruments into (I think it's a threaded hole in the metal top plate but I've no idea what size or pitch). There isn't much more solid than a concrete pillar!
Matt
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
Posted 02/08/2011 - 11:44
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The red snapper sounds interesting. There are times when the wind is strong that you need a bit of extra weight and stability. I think you need a reasonably solid tripod, please don't get me wrong, some unbranded £10 job isn't going to be a great idea on that I can agree! All I'm saying is you don't always need to go to extremes if you're an infrequent tripod user. For many of us the tripod stays under the bed 90% of the time.
You wouldn't put one of these
on these
...if all you do is the supermarket run and an occasional motorway journey
You wouldn't put one of these
on these
...if all you do is the supermarket run and an occasional motorway journey
Posted 02/08/2011 - 11:53
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I was wondering why no one had mentioned Red Snapper yet! I agree they are great value for a well made product. I wouldn't necessarily want to take mine on a hike, but other than that it's very good.
I do think it's pretty silly to recommend a £500 -£1000 tripod to someone who is asking for recommendations for a "cheap tripod". And even more silly to get all snotty about it when your 'advice' is questioned.
I do think it's pretty silly to recommend a £500 -£1000 tripod to someone who is asking for recommendations for a "cheap tripod". And even more silly to get all snotty about it when your 'advice' is questioned.
Dodge69 wrote:
Hi, I'm looking at these cheap tripods on ebay for around a £10, they seem to be selling well does anyone have any experience?
I am looking for something light, cheap & travel friendly
Hi, I'm looking at these cheap tripods on ebay for around a £10, they seem to be selling well does anyone have any experience?
I am looking for something light, cheap & travel friendly
Tim
AF - Pentax K5, Sigma 10-20/4-5.6, Tamron 17-50/2.8, Sigma 30/1.4, Sigma 70-200/2.8, Tamron 70-300/4-5.6
MF - Vivitar CF 28/2.8, Tamron AD2 90/2.5, MTO 1000/11
Stuff - Metz 58 AF1, Cactus v4, Nikon SB24, Raynox 150, Sigma 1.4x TC, Sigma 2x TC, Kenko 2x macro TC, Redsnapper 283 tripod, iMac 27”, Macbook Pro 17”, iPad, iPhone 3G
Flickr • Fluidr • PPG • Street • Portfolio site
Feel free to edit any of my posted photos! If I post a photo for critique, I want brutal honesty. If you don't like it, please say so and tell me why!
AF - Pentax K5, Sigma 10-20/4-5.6, Tamron 17-50/2.8, Sigma 30/1.4, Sigma 70-200/2.8, Tamron 70-300/4-5.6
MF - Vivitar CF 28/2.8, Tamron AD2 90/2.5, MTO 1000/11
Stuff - Metz 58 AF1, Cactus v4, Nikon SB24, Raynox 150, Sigma 1.4x TC, Sigma 2x TC, Kenko 2x macro TC, Redsnapper 283 tripod, iMac 27”, Macbook Pro 17”, iPad, iPhone 3G
Flickr • Fluidr • PPG • Street • Portfolio site
Feel free to edit any of my posted photos! If I post a photo for critique, I want brutal honesty. If you don't like it, please say so and tell me why!
Posted 02/08/2011 - 11:59
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If you wan't something solid and cheap buy second hand.
If you just want something cheap buy a beanbag
I've had my Benbo Mk1 for about 20 yrs. You can buy them for about 50 quid on ebay. Would I lug it around on a hike, no chance (I did 20 yrs ago though). Now it would be beanbag, or at worst a monopod - not that I've used that since I got it in Feb
If you just want something cheap buy a beanbag
I've had my Benbo Mk1 for about 20 yrs. You can buy them for about 50 quid on ebay. Would I lug it around on a hike, no chance (I did 20 yrs ago though). Now it would be beanbag, or at worst a monopod - not that I've used that since I got it in Feb
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3603 posts
16 years
Mid Wales
If you want to go cheaper and smaller then look at used Slik tripods on ebay. I bought a 500G a couple of years ago for £8 which was great. When part of the pan head cracked I removed it and managed to fit a standard tripod head screw to the legs, this now holds a small Slik ballhead which is fine for a smaller SLR and prime lens - don't try a Bigma on it but as a hiking 'pod with a K-m and 35mm f2.4 it's a perfect fit.
I did look at a Slik 450G when the head broke and would still recommend them, if I hadn't been so bloody-minded about repairing things rather than chucking a perfectly good set of tripod legs I would have bought one. As it is, my hand-fettled 500G legs/Slik ballhead combo works perfectly.
I also have a Slik Mini Pro V which is very handy, I tend to take that one on holiday as I can invariably find a wall, rock, or indeed my car roof to sit it on for more height.
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.