New tripod

cedricd · 2013-09-28T21:06:26+0100

I`m contemplating a new tripod. My current Velbon with a fluid head won`t hold a K5 with Sigma 150-500 now without drooping. I looked at red Snapper but the head i liked the look of is out of stock and has been for a while now - this is a bit of a concern. I want a fluid head as I often drop a video camera on a tripod. Weight isn`t too much of an issue but something rigid and durable with cam operated clamps is important. Be good to have some suggestions please.

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Plus Member SteveF SteveF

647 posts
17 years
Warwickshire

Posted 30/09/2013 - 10:56 Link

Vic - I should have included a smiley - I was referring light-heartedly to the little group that is revealing itself in this thread.

RayB RayB

298 posts
20 years
West Herts.

Posted 30/09/2013 - 11:11 Link

I recently purchased the Manfrotto 055XBPro for exactly the same reason, to be able to hold a K5+Grip+Sigma 170-500 which I guess is about the same as a K5II + 150-500 or thereabouts.

I already had a Manfrotto head which I knew was capable and am more than happy with the performance of the new tripod, which also has the ability (should you wish it) to have the column pop out and go horizontal. And all for £130.

vic cross vic cross

2041 posts
19 years
Kettering Northants

Posted 30/09/2013 - 16:41 Link

SteveF. :
Thought I'd put a few in for you and a few oops for me being so naïve as to believe you. I still love my Uni-Lok though.
CHEERS Vic.

Born again biker with lots of Pentax bits. Every day I wake up is a good day. I'm so old I don't even buy green bananas.

cedricd cedricd

1076 posts
17 years
East Suffolk

Posted 03/10/2013 - 20:42 Link

Thanks everyone for your input. Choices, choices! The Benbo for me is too unwieldy but is no doubt a good bit of kit nevertheless. I settled on a Manfrotto 055XPROB with a 804RC2 head. A good deal at £169 for both I thought just need to get out at the weekend for a test.

Why this one? good price for the combination, a nice wide footprint, not overly heavy and quite tall which I like as in the past I`ve had issues with the centre column being a bit too flexible.

Enjoy life

michaelblue michaelblue

1293 posts
16 years
Shropshire

Posted 03/10/2013 - 22:26 Link

That's a sturdy piece of kit Cedric, I accidentally drove my car over mine (don't ask)and there was hardly a scratch on it, it's still as new!

Regards,
Michael

dcweather dcweather

1204 posts
16 years
Laindon,Essex

Posted 04/10/2013 - 18:53 Link

davidstorm wrote:
Hi Cedric, I use a Redsnapper all the time and have used it extensively with the K-5 and Sigma 150-500 combination. I use it with just the standard head and find it very good indeed, it holds the weight without an issue and is very stable. You could always buy the Redsnapper and get a head from elsewhere?

Regards
David

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Exactly the same tripod and lens on K30 here unsurprisingly, with the basic pan and tilt head. Very happy with it. Sometimes have to retighten the legs with the Allen key but at least you can.
Dave

benwood08 benwood08

25 posts
12 years

Posted 05/10/2013 - 19:59 Link

hey guys sorry to jump into a post but thought as it is more or less the same question it would be better to same the double posts...can anyone recommend the a good tripod for a k30 with a 55-300mm lens, i ideally want something that is fairly compact as i travel over pretty rough paths often with my young son who needs a hand with some of the terrain. any suggestions very welcome.

Thanks,
Ben