Tripod Advices!?

I am eyeing on this:

http://www.harrisoncameras.co.uk/Shop/Tripods/Complete+Tripod++Head+Kits/Giottos+Vitruvian+VGR8255+Carbon+Fibre+Tripod+++MH5310-630+Head+8255_GIO-VGRCARBON.htm

I am looking for a tripod that is light (around 1.6Kg), well-built and won't break my back, yet won't break my bank!

Got any advice for one other than the one I linked?

Many thanks in advance!

Have you looked at the RedSnapper? When I seen the price I got nearly tears on my eyes as you do not want to break your bank but willing to spend over £200.
The equivalent RedSnapper is about half the price.
I use a RedSnapper for day to day purpose as it is light and goes down to 8cm minimum height) and the Manfrotto if I need something more solid for long lenses to reduce vibrations or as a dolly.
If its only the weight and build go for a RedSnapper.
Take a look here for the RedSnapper Tripods and have a look at the special offers as well. Plus I can assure you that Joe is in any way a professional and will help you wherever he can should you have any questions so it is worth getting in touch with him. He at least knows what he is talking about (not like some 'Humpty Dumpty' in a not named but well known High Street Store).

Certainly taking a look at RedSnapper right now!

In regards to the 'willing to spend over £200', it's just a matter of reference, as a cheaper aluminium version is about £130. Still a lot of money, that's why I want some advices on build quality and stuff =)

o_0 Most of their tripods are quite heavy for my taste... most of which are 2kg +

Which one do you use, SmutjUK?

I've got a Giottos 9351B Pro Tripod with a MH5011 Head which cost me around £100 and is an excellent tripod. It weighs in around 2kg but with it in its bag and over my shoulder I rarely notice it. I wanted something that could take my K5 with my 170-500 lens and not be too unstable...

I use this one now. I used to use this one but I wanted a Carbon Fiber Tripod so I sold this on feebay for £45.00 and got myself the Carbon Fiber version. Never looked back for a travel Tripod and the support is first class. Takes up to 8kg in weight and you can put any of the usual Heads on it, so if you got a head you just need the legs.
Aluminium is much cheaper but slightly heavier but you can get in to the 'Specials' Section and you get one with head for under £50.
There are a few here that have RedSnapper's and so far as I know they are all happy with it.

I have the same Red Snapper legs that SmutjeUK used to use, with their own ballhead. It's a superb combination if you need a proper tripod but can't raise £200+ for an established brand. It also takes Arca Swiss-type quick release plates so you can buy longer plates and angle brackets to adjust the camera mounting to taste.

How about a Three Legged Thing? Brian or Eddie might suit very well, but for a DSLR perhaps Eddie is the better choice.

Another vote for the red snapper , cracking bit of kit for money also got the ball head which his good also

another happy Redsnapper owner here too - the Aly version although I am considering the CF version at the moment for the additional weight saving

Simon

First of all, what are you going to use it for and what kit do you intend to put on it? Only then can a tripod be recommended.

Surprised this has not been mentioned yet!

Well... originally I am going to Japan (Tokyo/Gero/Takayama/Kyoto/Osaka) in the beginning of May, however since the situation of the Fukushima nuclear is not likely to improve within this time period, I have cancelled the trip!

Backgroud story aside, I'd mainly be using the tripod as a lightweight backpack travel-pod, thus my mention of the Giottos Vitruvian.

The 210GBP one is carbon; whilst there is a 130GBP alu-alloy one. The main difference I see is 200g, and some inherent durability with the use of materials...

So do you think I should go for the 130GBP alu-alloy one? Or there are other tripods within/cheaper price range, yet offers a light weight and stability?

I think the fact that entire coastal towns have effectively ceased to exist might be more of a problem than a bit of mildly radioactive steam dispersing in the atmosphere!

Have a look at Slik if you want ultra-light and ultra-tiny. I have one of their Mini Pro 'pods which is great if you can find a table/rock/etc to balance it on, they also make larger tripods. I had a 500G which was great until the plastic collar which serves as the pan mount broke, I'm vaguely keeping my eyes open for a cheap 450G to replace it.

The Red Snapper is brilliant but you don't really want to go on lengthy walks with it slung over a shoulder - I find about two miles to be my limit for carrying the thing before bruising sets in. It would probably be comfier in the (included) bag but having to repeatedly remove it from the bag, extend the legs, fold the legs, etc would get annoying.

So far I know where you want to take it and weight is important!

Still need to know what type of photography you intend to use it for and what specific equipment you intend to use on it, without knowing this I still can't help. This isn't meant to be awkward. If you asked 'what car should I buy?' you can imagine the wide range of answers that are possible. As an example the support in my sig is well over £1k, but is needed to get the absolute best out of what it was bought for.

Other pointers that may help.

Carbon fibre tripods are not only lighter than aluminium it is a far better material for absorbing shocks, therefore a more stable platform to shoot from.

Centre columns decrease stability so I avoided them. If you shoot macro, being able to swivel the centre column into horizontal mode to get into awkward places could be the killer feature for you.

Whilst knowing what the maximum load is is important, it is nowhere near as important as structual rigidity. Whats the point in being able to support 5kgs if it wobbles like a jelly? This becomes more important the longer the lens gets. We had a Manfrotto 055 that has a max load of 7kg, after putting 7kg on it, the flex in it was embarrassing.

There is no such thing as the ideal tripod, there is such a thing as the ideal tripod for it's intended use. So, what type of photography do you intend to shoot from this tripod, and what kit are you intending to use?

Surely you mean extended centre columns? I've used three tripods with them (not extended) now and they all seemed very stable. The RS even has a little retractable hook on the bottom of the centre column to hang some ballast from.