Pods of the trifectum variety.
Discussion
Been looking into upgrading my somewhat rickety Cullman tripod for something much sturdier. I've heard Manfrotto are very much the rage at the moment, so naturally I don't want one. I popped into my local today to have a chat only to be recommended a Vanguard Alta+ Kit and after having a play with it was all but sold. The good gentleman informed me that they no longer sell Manfrotto units due to Vanguard massively upping their game and producing pods that are just as good but at much less a cost. So the main point of this discussion is; Do you have a Manfrotto or Vanguard, how much did you pay and do you think it was worth the money.
Discuss
Discuss
I don't think you'll get a definitive "which is better" but I can give you a view on my Manfrotto 190 - it's very well built indeed and I added the basic 3-way head after trying a small, cheap ball head which didn't do it for me. I suppose the total cost was about £150. Very happy with it, not that it gets as much use as it ought to really.
Manfrotto 055ProB with 3-way head. Very stable, taller than 190, versatile with splayable legs and detachable centre column. Great for the studio but a bit on the heavy side on the hoof. If I was buying again I might go for a CF model but I don't use it much on location.
About £150 IIRC, value for money yes as it will last for decades.
About £150 IIRC, value for money yes as it will last for decades.
Edited by Simpo Two on Sunday 4th December 19:24
Well so far it seems that people are paying less for the Manfrottos than I thought they were. The Vanguard Alta+ is about £125 but £150 is reasonable. Any recommendations for me? Looking mainly for portability, stability (I do mostly long exposures) And Height. (Wouldn't mind one that'll reach eye level. I'm about 5'6".)
I went for a redsnapper one (RS-324 & RSH-12 Head) http://www.redsnapperuk.com/camera-accessories/Tri...
It's my first tripod so cant realty make any direct comparisons but seems very well built and is as solid as a rock
It's my first tripod so cant realty make any direct comparisons but seems very well built and is as solid as a rock
^^ I have a red snapper, I got the 3 section legs, its fine but doesn't fold up quite as small as my mates manfrotto, although that cost 30%+ more.
Also bought my dad one, its replaced a Vanguard he bought maybe 30 years ago, a small part of the camera mount broke (I forget exactly what).
Also bought my dad one, its replaced a Vanguard he bought maybe 30 years ago, a small part of the camera mount broke (I forget exactly what).
Manfrotto 055xproB here, just over two years old. It gets worked very hard but I did expect greater durability. So far I've broken (within weeks) the mechanism that allows the centre column to convert to horizontal and two heads (one sheared and was replaced; the second cross-threaded and they told me to sling it). My current head is stiff when I try to move it but has a tendency to slip over extended periods of time... go figure. There's also too much spring in the legs to use them when splayed- in anything but perfectly still conditions this leads to vibration and movement. Might not be a problem for keeping your camera steady during daylight but as a rock-solid foundation for nighttime long exposures, forget it.
Before this I had a Velbon Sherpa 750 which proved more versatile and durable. Don't know the Vanguard models
Before this I had a Velbon Sherpa 750 which proved more versatile and durable. Don't know the Vanguard models
I use a Manfrotto 055XProB, it lives in the car boot (albeit in a padded Manfrotto bag), spends the rest of the time in salt water and sand and never flinches. It is sufficiently rigid to manage a 489 second exposure in a gale without moving. I use a Linhof head on it which works really well.
miniman said:
I don't think you'll get a definitive "which is better" but I can give you a view on my Manfrotto 190 - it's very well built indeed and I added the basic 3-way head after trying a small, cheap ball head which didn't do it for me. I suppose the total cost was about £150. Very happy with it, not that it gets as much use as it ought to really.
Sounds like the same setup I have, cost me £150 also and Im very happy with it.If anything it could do with going a bit lower though.
AndWhyNot said:
There's also too much spring in the legs to use them when splayed- in anything but perfectly still conditions this leads to vibration and movement. Might not be a problem for keeping your camera steady during daylight but as a rock-solid foundation for nighttime long exposures, forget it.
Just for clarification, I haven't had any issues with stability when the legs are kept in close formation (ie the feet make a narrow triangle) but that kind of limits the overall usefulness.AndWhyNot said:
So far I've broken (within weeks) the mechanism that allows the centre column to convert to horizontal
A quick shufti on Google shows that the X-version has a swivelling jobbie at the top to allow the centre column to go horizontal. My non-X one is slower to convert but probably more robust as you unscrew the column in half, remove it and reassemble horizontally: www.harpersphoto.co.uk/product/manfrotto_055prob_p...Re the 'spring in the legs', does hanging a weight from it make a difference?
Edited by Simpo Two on Sunday 4th December 22:55
I've had a couple of MF 190's ( older one then an x pro b) and can get away with it because I am short (so no need for a 55).
Early next year I will sell it for a feisol and also get a new ball head. 2.4kgs down to 1.4kgs and better stiffness/height/packing size. Will be $400-500 more money tho.
Early next year I will sell it for a feisol and also get a new ball head. 2.4kgs down to 1.4kgs and better stiffness/height/packing size. Will be $400-500 more money tho.
Oddball option here; a Camlink something-or-another from eBay. TPRO28B I think. Not a popular model in the UK but bought from from eBay for £30 and came with pricetags of £180 attached.
Long legs, splayable, sturdy, 3-section, foam on the top section of two legs (makes it MUCH nicer to handle in cold weather) and a good head (although not changable). Only thing it won't do is allow the extending section to swing 'round and get a really low-angle shot. But I can live without that.
I'm pleased. And would recommend them.
Oli.
Long legs, splayable, sturdy, 3-section, foam on the top section of two legs (makes it MUCH nicer to handle in cold weather) and a good head (although not changable). Only thing it won't do is allow the extending section to swing 'round and get a really low-angle shot. But I can live without that.
I'm pleased. And would recommend them.
Oli.
Nobody has yet mentioned Giottos. Someone has to - well made, often innovative and a good range of products at a sensible price level.
However, bear in mind that there are many variations on the concept of tripods and what they are intended to facilitate and it's worth considering what is important to you in terms of features before making a final decision.
However, bear in mind that there are many variations on the concept of tripods and what they are intended to facilitate and it's worth considering what is important to you in terms of features before making a final decision.
I've 2 "Manfrotto 055ProB " with the "Manfrotto 460MG 3D Magnesium Head", and a Manfrotto monopod (681B) with ball head (Manfrotto 498RC2 Midi Ball Head). Excellent tools. My tip for the monopod is to wrap lots of electrical tape around the rubber foot, as I've lost 2 around the race tracks, probably due to my clumsiness.
The tripod is great, and with the centre column able to switch to horizontal it's even more versatile. The extra wide opening legs is also very handy for low level work. The one thing I'd do differently in future is get a geared head, as it's becoming a faff to make small adjustments with the one I've got. I'd get this one...Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head but it's double the price of the non-geared variety, on warehouseexpress.com.
Money no object, get the carbon fibre ones.
LB
The tripod is great, and with the centre column able to switch to horizontal it's even more versatile. The extra wide opening legs is also very handy for low level work. The one thing I'd do differently in future is get a geared head, as it's becoming a faff to make small adjustments with the one I've got. I'd get this one...Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head but it's double the price of the non-geared variety, on warehouseexpress.com.
Money no object, get the carbon fibre ones.
LB
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff