Recommend me a tripod please !

Looking for solid decent tripod for my istDS.

Seen one I really like (Valbon AV7000) but this is described as a video cam tripod. Is this any different to a normal one..?

Cheers

H

I use a Manfrotto 055 Classic which is very stable and solid.

I am looking to buy a tripod too

I currently have a Jessops cheapo, which wobbles like mad and is not anywhere stiff enough for sharp photos with my 100-300 zoom

I was thinking of a Manfrotto 190 pro tripod and a ball head, costing around £130 all in. I have heard that ball heads are much better than 3 way designs for landscape and action

I would welcome advise from others on the forum

Kevin

my advice:
ball or pistol grips are better than video or 3way heads
snap lock legs are better than twist collar leg locks
avoid anything with too much plastic.
aluminum is best, carbon fibre if you're rich and want light weight.
manfrotto, slik, and giottos are good brands.

anything is better than nothing.

I have a Velbon CX-540 which my son bought me a few years ago. It was the best he could afford, and I am very happy with it. Maybe I will one day upgrade to a manfrotto, but for now it is fine, easy to transport and to use. It will even support the Bigma quite happily.

I have a Manfrotto 190D with a quick release head, with I really appreciate having. I would buy one again so recommend it.

If you can afford it, the Manfrotto MN444 carbon fibre tripod and MN460 magnesium head are sublime! Got mine at a snip from the mail order return section of Warehouse Express (or ephotozineshop.com )

Super light, unbelievably rock solid and a sheer joy to use.

Matt

I've got a Uniloc, where each leg moves independently of the others and is held by a quick release clamp. Incredibly flexible, but very difficult to set up quickly at first. You also learn very quickly not to open the clamp with the camera mounted!


http://www.warehouseexpress.com/index.cfm?binsandscopes/tripods/uniloc.html


I've also got a Manfrotto 075B for medium format, this particular tripod will probably be way too heavy but the build quality is superb - I assume this holds for other tripods in the manfrotto range.

I'd reinforce the point made earlier about pistol-type heads - I have a 3-way pan and tilt and a ball socket, the 3-way head can be awkward to use quickly and ball socket can be difficult to release. I've borrowed a pistol-grip and it is easily the most versatile of the lot.

Manfrotto without a doubt, for out and about and quick setup's I use a 190CL with an 322RC2 pistol grip, this is the side mounted grip as opposed to the upright one (it can be configured like the RC222). I also have an older 074 heavy duty (replaced by the 075) which has a geared column with a 029 3D head, this one is great for studio work.

I have three Manfrotto's - from table-top, through monopod to tripod.

I don't believe you will beat their engineering or quality no matter which model you choose.

My advice - go one degree sturdier than you initially think you need. Imagine your camera with a long lens in a gusty side wind and you'll see what I mean.

Have fun!

First question you should ask yourself is, "when will I use it, and what for?"

This may seem a simple and obvious question but the answer is far from simple.

I use a Manfrotto 055PROB + spiked feet + 488RC2 ball head for studio & general type work. For carrying about I use a Manfrotto 190D + 438 leveller + 484RC2 ball head and a Manfrotto 679 Monopod + 234RC head.

I like to use the 055PROB setup most because it is so versatile. The centre post can be removed and refitted so that it is parallel to the ground plane. This makes top down shots much simpler and keeps the tripods legs out of shot. This is a pretty heavy tripod though, too heavy for me to want to carry it about all day but it is rock solid, and a dream to use. You will need a tripod similar to this if you want to take shots at near to ground level. Otherwise you'll need to buy a second centre column and cut it to length.

Manfrotto 190 used with no problems for over a decade in multiple roles and international travel strapped to a pack. My favorite ball head is a small size Linhof very secure and smooth to operate. At work a manfrotto 055 nato version is used in the studio. Other options to consider are Giottos MH 1000 Ball Head. A good tripod is the one you take with you and will last for years. Just think of it in terms of protection. There is nothing more sickening than the sight of a tripod falling over and slamming your camera and lens into a concrete floor.

Cheers Pierre

I recently had to consider a new tripod due to my son borrowing and somehow losing the 055 i had cherished for many years.
Saw a positive article on Benro, and not willing to part with the cash for a Gitzo for all the use i make of a tripod, i bit the bullet and bought the A-227.
First impressions are excellent, fine finish, seems very sturdy and the legs operate smoothly and lock positively.
Hope i dont regret this and of course i cant comment on quality control or longevity.
Now i need to consider a head, been trying it out with a velbon, and am tempted by the KB-1 but not sure.


I hate decisions.....

Hi,

the SLIK AF2100 head is an upright pistol grip. I've been trying to get one cheap via ebay for a couple of weeks, but they generally end up around £40-60.

Here's a link to one..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SLIK-AF2100-TRIGGER-BALL-HEAD-NEW-IN-BOX_W0QQitemZ33003550...

so you can have a look

heers

Liam

oops, forgot to post a link to supplier.....

http://photopal.co.uk/