My first tripod advice

[ChipsAndCheese]

Does anyone have any experience with the Giottos MTL9361 Tripod? I am currently looking at this one (or possibly the MTL9351 which has a slightly lower weight limit). It was well received in a TechRadar group test. Is there another model I should consider?

Ideally I want something that is sturdy and is going to last me, but not something so heavy that I won't want to take it anywhere. Usage will be for landscapes, long exposures and hopefully some macro in the future. Budget is around £150 for tripod and a head ideally, but I might be able to stretch that a bit.

The above tripod is available with a three way head kit; is this worth going for or would this be likely to annoy me (from ease of use, bulk, weight) and wish I had gone for a ball head instead?

All advice appreciated.

Thanks

[markmullen]

For landscapes, long exposures and macro a three way head is ideal, the ability to move the camera only in one plane at a time gives you more accuracy. They are however slower to use than a ball head, whether that annoys you or not only you can tell.

Long term I'd recommend looking at a geared head for those kind of jobs, like a three way head but with even great accuracy.

[ChipsAndCheese]

Thanks Mark, I think I will go for the kit with the head then. I best let the girlfriend know so she can order it for me for Christmas!

[ecsrobin]

I have the Giotto's MTL9351 B Tripod + MH5011 Three Way Head a very well built product and brilliant design you can also position the camera anywhere including upside down for macro work.

I will be changing the head to a Giotto's ball head though as i prefer them over my current one

[Malcolm Feth]

I have one of those - http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/pro...
Best purchase ever! ... + carbon tripod from Jessops (I could not justify to have "manfrotto" sticker on tripod and pay double :P

[Simpo Two]

Malcolm Feth said:

I could not justify to have "manfrotto" sticker on tripod and pay double :P

It's cheaper than the other red dot!

[ChipsAndCheese]

ecsrobin said:

I have the Giotto's MTL9351 B Tripod + MH5011 Three Way Head a very well built product and brilliant design you can also position the camera anywhere including upside down for macro work.

Good to know, thanks. Mine has been ordered now, so just awaiting delivery! Looking forward to getting to use it.