What Tripod?

[Conor D]

I'm going to get a Tripod for Christmas, and I was hoping some of you guys could possibly give me some suggestions.. I would like to keep it below £100 if possible, but if there are any worth considering over £100 I may be prepared to spend more. I often fly with my camera, so I would love if I could put it inside a backpack (I don't know if this is even possible..)

I use a 18-55 and 55-200 lens on a Nikon D5000 lens if that makes any difference..

Could someone explain the benefit of quick release? When I release the camera, Is there still a part screwed into the bottom of the camera body?

[dblack1]

with quick release, you can quickly mount/dismount the camera from the tripod, and yes, there is a small mounting bracket that stays on your camera (but with a high quality tripod head, you can usually take this piece off easily.

I would suggest finding a local camera store and trying out different tripod heads to get an idea of what you want. I would not recommend buying a non name brand tripod head. If there is a part of your tripod you dont want to go cheep on, its the head. On the same note, i wouldnt go to cheep on the legs either. In general what you are looking for is a sturdy tripod and a smooth head. While you are there, try out different types of heads to see what you like (most people prefer ball heads).

When it comes to luggage, you could get a tripod that goes down to a larger size and has less extensions (but is faster to set up), but you would have to put it in your check bag, and sometimes these are annoying to carry around. What I think you are looking for though, is a tripod that has more extensions (takes longer to set up) but has a more compact size when its legs are in all the way. I would make some recommendations here, but I'm in the US and prices are probably a little different here and availability is probably a little different.

You could save a little money by choosing tripod legs made out of cheeper (but not weeker) materials (like steel). It will still be sturdy, but it will be friggin' heavy (in comparison to other tripods). If your like me and dont mind heavy, these will be better (if it fits in your carry on) than a similar one that weighs less.

Ok, and the last thing. Your camera/lenses are not super heavy, so if you dont plan on buying and super heavy lenses before you upgrade tripods again (or ever), you shouldnt have to worry too much about the weight capacity of your tripod/head combo.

[Conor D]

So can you generally mix and match the Tripod with the head, or is it only in certain cases?

[dblack1]

some tripod legs will require an adapter screw to fit a head, but they usually come with it, and if it does not it can be purchased for cheep

Edit: Note that I said tripod legs, this refers to a tripod tripod that has NO integrated head

Edited by dblack1 on Saturday 18th December 08:20

[Magic919]

Have a look at Manfrotto. Good gear and not too scary on price. Get a Gitzo if you fancy a treat.

[Crafty_]

Have a look at the redsnapper stuff, they seem to have a good rep on talkphotography.
I've got the one with three extensions to the legs and a ball head, which can hold a 450D and 100-400L without slipping/moving.
I like the twist locks on the legs rather than the "snap" catches others use. A friend has a low end manfrotto and the only advantage is his is a bit smaller when collapsed, but redsnapper also do a 4 part leg tripod (mines only a 3) and that collapses smaller.
My redsnapper came with a decent quality carry bag which is a little bonus..

[Simpo Two]

I might treat myself to a new tripod next year - but a random search found this which might interest the OP as it seems to fold up very small:

www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-785B-Modo-Tripod/dp/B00...

[muppetdave]

You didn't mention if there are any particular uses you have with your shooting, but I wanted to upgrade my tripod (from a cheapy that came as part of my original kit) and also replace my knackered monopod. A good folded size was also on the list of requirements - I ended up with a Giotto Vitruvian, which I've just looked up again and you should now be able to get one (in aluminium) for around £125.

[Toyless]

Check out Red Snapper if you are on a budget.

I have a set of their legs with a 'Frotto head which works fine for me with a D200/70-300 Nikkor.

Come with a lot of features others charge more for too.

[Conor D]

Would it be worth thinking about buying a cheaper tripod, and spending a bit extra on a high quality head (or vice versa)?

[LongQ]

Conor D said:

Would it be worth thinking about buying a cheaper tripod, and spending a bit extra on a high quality head (or vice versa)?

As with other things in our lives I think it is probably true to suggest that, whilst legs are rather important, knowing what you want from a head and understanding how to obtain it is probably the most important thing.

Alternatively buy cheap and don't worry any limitations BUT you probably won't get both lightweight and small with cheap for a dSL unless something like a Gorillapod or a beanbag type device would suffice. Which they well might if you intend to travel as light as possible.

[paul911]

Another thumbs up for Red Snapper, great value for money.

[dblack1]

Simpo Two said:

I might treat myself to a new tripod next year - but a random search found this which might interest the OP as it seems to fold up very small:

www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-785B-Modo-Tripod/dp/B00...

That thing is a piece of crap, no offense, its very flimsy and wobbly. It does fold up very small and is fairly light, but i wouldnt buy it if you want a real tripod, its more cool than functional.

Because your primary purpose is travel, If you want smaller vs a larger tripod that will have to go checked, I would search for tripods with 4 extentions (unless your short). If you get a tripod that is too short for you, you will hunch to use it, and it will be uncomfortable to use (trust me on this, Don't get a tripod that is too short!). You might also consider the idea of a tall head (like the manfrotto 222 joystick head) if the tripod your looking at is just slightly too short.

Edit: Just because it has the Manfrotto name doesnt mean its not crap

Edited by dblack1 on Sunday 19th December 07:54

[Simpo Two]

dblack1 said:

Just because it has the Manfrotto name doesnt mean its not crap

Which is a pity. Mind you for £44 it did seem very cheap. I use an 055ProB which is sturdier than a sturdy thing.

[Speed addicted]

How does the redsnapper stuff compare to manfrotto? I'm also looking for a good tripod but have no intention of buying twice if possible.
Mines got to be reasonably tall (I'm 6'2") and secure so I can try star trails with my 500d.
The Redsnapper gear looks a lot cheaper than Manfrotto for instance, is it much lower quality or would I just be paying for the name on the Manfrotto stuff?

[Toyless]

Speed addicted said:

How does the redsnapper stuff compare to manfrotto? I'm also looking for a good tripod but have no intention of buying twice if possible.
Mines got to be reasonably tall (I'm 6'2") and secure so I can try star trails with my 500d.
The Redsnapper gear looks a lot cheaper than Manfrotto for instance, is it much lower quality or would I just be paying for the name on the Manfrotto stuff?

I dont theres much in it tbh. Im very happy with my snapper legs, goes easily high enough for me and Im 6-4.

Mine came with the tiny centre column so you can use it virtually flat,a carry bag and the rubber legs screw up to reveal spikes for softer ground.
All features that are extra from 'frotto.
TP members get 10% off as well IIRC.

[mattdaniels]

I have Nikon D40 and D700 bodies with 85mm and 70-300 lenses and I use a Manfrotto 718B tripod. It's light enough to not be a pain to lug around, but sturdy enough to be decent and stable.

The main thing to consider is how heavy a body or lens you are going to have to support.

[Speed addicted]

Well at the moment the heaviest lens is probably my sigma 10-20, but I'll probably upgrade the lenses and body in the future when I feel I can get more out of better kit.
As a tripod will last a long time I'd rather buy a fairly good one in the first place. I learned the the hard way with tools, cheap ones are usually false economy.

The Redsnapper alloy tripod and ball head combo apparently take 10kg and the spec looks really good for the cash (£140, or £230 for carbon). But if the Manfrotto stuff is a lot better I'll probably get it instead.

Edited by Speed addicted on Sunday 19th December 15:24

[Elderly]

I'm not going to advise on what make but there are a couple of features that are on
my large & heavy Manfrotto that makes my small & light Linhof awkward to use.

The legs on the Manfrotto lock and release from the top, so it's very quick and easy to set up;
just hold the attached camera approx. where you want it & let the legs drop
to find their footing.

Also the legs on the Linhof are tied in such a way that you can't spread them
independently and that can sometimes be limiting.

If you have a light tripod, you can always make it 'sturdier' by hanging
something (your camera bag, or a supermarket carrier with say stones in it)
from close to the head.

[Simpo Two]

Elderly said:

The legs on the Manfrotto lock and release from the top, so it's very quick and easy to set up; just hold the attached camera approx. where you want it & let the legs drop
to find their footing.

That's clever; what model? I only knew the foldy-clip style and twisty style.