Cheap Tripod?
Posted 02/08/2011 - 14:07
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What can one expect from an extremely cheap tripod?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9S9jZW3Jxc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9S9jZW3Jxc
Posted 02/08/2011 - 14:25
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froeschle wrote:
What can one expect from an extremely cheap tripod?
]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9S9jZW3Jxc
What can one expect from an extremely cheap tripod?
]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9S9jZW3Jxc
SEE???? even the annoying Chinese dude that sounds like Robin Leach on crack, agrees with me!
Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.
Posted 02/08/2011 - 14:31
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Well that's the last time I'll be using my tripod as a goalpost, chucking it down a stairwell or dangling it off a cliff. Guess I'll have to pay £500 before I can consider doing those things!
I did find myself liking that Gitzo though, it looked really top quality. It IS reassuring to know your gear could take all you can throw at it. But you've got to weigh that up against your intended usage, and cost. For macro shots of daffs in the backgarden, the Gizo might be a bit OTT, and you're just paying for the 'ooh' factor of top-notch construction, and bragging rights.
I do actually have a really good tripod sitting in my mum's shed. I bought it after I won a video competition. It's got a really nice fluid panning action! Only problem is the base plate's missing. It's 15 years old so I doubt they're still available. Are universal adapters made?
I did find myself liking that Gitzo though, it looked really top quality. It IS reassuring to know your gear could take all you can throw at it. But you've got to weigh that up against your intended usage, and cost. For macro shots of daffs in the backgarden, the Gizo might be a bit OTT, and you're just paying for the 'ooh' factor of top-notch construction, and bragging rights.
I do actually have a really good tripod sitting in my mum's shed. I bought it after I won a video competition. It's got a really nice fluid panning action! Only problem is the base plate's missing. It's 15 years old so I doubt they're still available. Are universal adapters made?
Posted 02/08/2011 - 14:45
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If you have time on your hands, it's worth checking out car boot sales and auctions. Old, solid tripods go for next to nothing, particularly at estate sales. I bought my unbranded (and underused) tripod from Jessops about 20 years ago and it's solid as a rock -- easily comparable to the Benbo in the video, although probably heavier. I'd be lucky to get £5 for it at an auction.
Al
Al
Posted 02/08/2011 - 14:48
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Pentaxophile wrote:
Well that's the last time I'll be using my tripod as a goalpost, chucking it down a stairwell or dangling it off a cliff. Guess I'll have to pay £500 before I can consider doing those things!
I did find myself liking that Gitzo though, it looked really top quality. It IS reassuring to know your gear could take all you can throw at it. But you've got to weigh that up against your intended usage, and cost. For macro shots of daffs in the backgarden, the Gizo might be a bit OTT, and you're just paying for the 'ooh' factor of top-notch construction, and bragging rights.
I do actually have a really good tripod sitting in my mum's shed. I bought it after I won a video competition. It's got a really nice fluid panning action! Only problem is the base plate's missing. It's 15 years old so I doubt they're still available. Are universal adapters made?
you sir, clearly have no idea what goes on behind closed doors at the airport baggage handling check points.... You think they just steal things? They also play with and wear your stuff, and occasionally pee in random suitcases....
Well that's the last time I'll be using my tripod as a goalpost, chucking it down a stairwell or dangling it off a cliff. Guess I'll have to pay £500 before I can consider doing those things!
I did find myself liking that Gitzo though, it looked really top quality. It IS reassuring to know your gear could take all you can throw at it. But you've got to weigh that up against your intended usage, and cost. For macro shots of daffs in the backgarden, the Gizo might be a bit OTT, and you're just paying for the 'ooh' factor of top-notch construction, and bragging rights.
I do actually have a really good tripod sitting in my mum's shed. I bought it after I won a video competition. It's got a really nice fluid panning action! Only problem is the base plate's missing. It's 15 years old so I doubt they're still available. Are universal adapters made?
Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.
Posted 02/08/2011 - 14:58
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Let's get back on topic and try to avoid this thread going down the drain.
The only tripod that's any good is a sturdy one. This usually means heavy as well, although carbon fibre ones can also be excellent.
For cameras like the K-5 with the usual lenses on them (not 1000mm f8 ones) then something like a Manfrotto 055 will serrve most purposes. Including a suitable head that will be comfortably under £200.
Second hand will mean lower prices.
The only tripod that's any good is a sturdy one. This usually means heavy as well, although carbon fibre ones can also be excellent.
For cameras like the K-5 with the usual lenses on them (not 1000mm f8 ones) then something like a Manfrotto 055 will serrve most purposes. Including a suitable head that will be comfortably under £200.
Second hand will mean lower prices.
Best regards, John
Posted 02/08/2011 - 15:03
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johnriley wrote:
Let's get back on topic and try to avoid this thread going down the drain.
The only tripod that's any good is a sturdy one. This usually means heavy as well, although carbon fibre ones can also be excellent.
For cameras like the K-5 with the usual lenses on them (not 1000mm f8 ones) then something like a Manfrotto 055 will serrve most purposes. Including a suitable head that will be comfortably under £200.
Second hand will mean lower prices.
ok fair enough...Let's get back on topic and try to avoid this thread going down the drain.
The only tripod that's any good is a sturdy one. This usually means heavy as well, although carbon fibre ones can also be excellent.
For cameras like the K-5 with the usual lenses on them (not 1000mm f8 ones) then something like a Manfrotto 055 will serrve most purposes. Including a suitable head that will be comfortably under £200.
Second hand will mean lower prices.
carbon fiber is too light unless you also take the time to hang your camera bag off the centre post to weigh it down, so look for those little hooks at the bottom of the centre post....
Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.
Posted 02/08/2011 - 15:33
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I hate to rain on your parade Matt but an aweful lot of trig points have been removed, as "not being required" in the age of aerial mapping. Plus many of these that still exist have all sorts of rubbish/stones etc bunged into the central hole.
The hole incidentally is to support an extension pole to carry ancillary equipment- The thread is over 1.5" diameter and quite fine.
I would hazard a guess that the cost of an adapter would be more than most of us would contemplate.
Regards
Bernard
The hole incidentally is to support an extension pole to carry ancillary equipment- The thread is over 1.5" diameter and quite fine.
I would hazard a guess that the cost of an adapter would be more than most of us would contemplate.
Regards
Bernard
Posted 02/08/2011 - 15:51
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Tripods at Dawn!!
[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 - 16:07
Link
froeschle wrote:
What can one expect from an extremely cheap tripod?
]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9S9jZW3Jxc
What can one expect from an extremely cheap tripod?
]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9S9jZW3Jxc
Kai W is great. I wish he was member here
Some of those cheapo tripods have legs nearly as thin as Victoria Beckham!!
[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 - 16:44
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There is some truth hidden in the video. Very cheap solutions often are unstable. They bend and break easily. Already quite reasonable travel tripods below £100 (new):
Slik Sprint Pro (II) GM/EZ (£65)
http://www.thkphoto.com/products/slik/slik-ss2.html
Manfrotto MODO 785B (£60)
http://www.manfrotto.com/product/8374.58969.77459.0.0/785B/_/Modo_Tripod
Cullmann Magic (£70)
http://www.cullmann.de/en/results/cat/magic/
Velbon Ultra Maxi-L (£80)
http://www.velbon.co.uk/products/photo/ultra_MAXi_L.html
Slik Sprint Pro (II) GM/EZ (£65)
http://www.thkphoto.com/products/slik/slik-ss2.html
Manfrotto MODO 785B (£60)
http://www.manfrotto.com/product/8374.58969.77459.0.0/785B/_/Modo_Tripod
Cullmann Magic (£70)
http://www.cullmann.de/en/results/cat/magic/
Velbon Ultra Maxi-L (£80)
http://www.velbon.co.uk/products/photo/ultra_MAXi_L.html
Posted 02/08/2011 - 18:30
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Post removed, please stop having digs at each other.
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519 posts
15 years
Scotchland
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'm sure anyone sticking £2k worth of glass and body on a tripod would have no hesitation on spending big on one, just like anyone who can afford a Porsche can afford the insurance.
I would be selling my 2k worth of equipment, 1.5k tripod and the Porsche and going full frame or a 645D at that stage, or I suppose I might even be able to afford to keep them all, maybe use the APS-C gear as table stands and foot stools.
New thread idea - 'I have just bought a 645D and Hama Star 62 tripod. Can anyone recommend a good lens cloth? I have been using a £5 microfibre, however my friend says he's saving money recycling his used toilet roll?'