now a Tripod question

[cirks]

Not that I'm planning Christmas presents or anything but.....I have another question. Despite owning a tripod in the past, I never used it a great deal. Some of this was down to the fact that it was a heavy one and partly down to me not going out just to take photos (I used to take a lot while on holiday or days out etc). So, now I've got my new kit and am actually keen to do photo taking excursions (where that is the aim of the day), I'm wondering whether which tripod I should get someone to buy me for a present.

I suppose the main criteria for me are :
1) It's light
2) It's reasonably small when collapsed (although I've already got a mini-tripod)
3) It extends high enough that I don't have to kneel or double-over to use it!
4) Has a 3-way head.
5) Is sensibly priced for the amount of use it will get!

I don't need a studio quality one and I won't be doing any particuarly tough condition shoots (eg tornados/mountain climbing)

I've glanced through numerous previous posts and what I haven't been able to spot is whether something actually can meet all the above requirements. I know Manfrotto and others will satisfy the first 4 but at a price. I'm trying to work out at what point something becomes false economy (ie so cheap it won't put up with much use at all) or extravagent (ie most of the ranges discussed on here that will not get used enough to justify the outlay).

I glanced at one in Jessops the other day which appeared to meet all the requirements but it was very plasticy and cheap feeling. It had a spirit level in the head and was £50 which seemed cheap but would it last? Should I go for something like this and then go for something better if I use it a lot?

[cliff123]

I have a Manfrotto 728B, which I remember paying £70 (on promotion) for. Would seem to answer all your requests. My only additional comments, would be in hindsight I wish I had spent the extra £50/£70 and got a heavier tripod which would be more stable. When the centre column of the tripod is extended it does feel a little fragile, and I thought this was a better example tripod. Good luck with your choice. Also, consider the lenses you will be using. Anything with any weight needs a proper tripod to hold it still.

[steve11]

Definitely worth paying the extra for a good tripod and head, stay away from the jessop one's they are terrible.

[simpo two]

'Light' and 'stable' and generally not available in the same tripod, at least not on a budget. I think you'll have to compromise on somehting!

[steve11]

Take a look at the Manfrotto 055 tripod (£80) and 141 head(£50), not as light as carbon fibre, but good quality and offers good stability.

I may actually have a 055 in my house somewhere so if you are interested drop me an email.

Steve

[cirks]

steve11 said:

Take a look at the Manfrotto 055 tripod (£80) and 141 head(£50), not as light as carbon fibre, but good quality and offers good stability. I may actually have a 055 in my house somewhere so if you are interested drop me an email. Steve

Steve, might well be interested. Which 055 have you got. Looking at WHX there seem to be more versions of it than are even listed on the Manfrotto site itself
The weight issue is probably going to play a part, the 055CL plus 141 head is around 3.3kgs. I've got to work out whether I'm going to be prepared to lug around that much weight as well as the camera/lens kit etc or only end up using it when I'm relatively close to the car!

[simpo two]

I have the 055ProB and 141RC head. I keep it in the studio; IMHO it's way too heavy for trekking and GP use. Strong as an ox and very stable, but not what this guy's got in mind I think.

The 190 is cheaper and lighter, though a bit shorter. See them all at www.warehouseexpress.co.uk and see if you don't get confused!

[cirks]

simpo two said:

See them all at www.warehouseexpress.co.uk and see if you don't get confused!

Yup - clear as mud isn't it So, in summary, every version of 190 is suitable for the same things but they're all different However, IF I can work out which I should go for, at least they're 0.5kg lighter than the 055.

[fergusd]

I have a 190, you can further reduce weight by removing the centre column altogether . . . which is a good idea as the centre column is kinda wobbly anyway (not a problem specific to this pod either) . . . many would wreckomend not using the centre column . . . which is what I do . . .

Fd

[simpo two]

NB Remember when judging tripod height that the head will add more, also the camera itself. With the 055 at full stretch I have to stand on a chair to look through the viewfinder, and I'm 6 foot!

[steve11]

simpo two said:

I have the 055ProB and 141RC head. I keep it in the studio; IMHO it's way too heavy for trekking and GP use. Strong as an ox and very stable, but not what this guy's got in mind I think. The 190 is cheaper and lighter, though a bit shorter. See them all at www.warehouseexpress.co.uk and see if you don't get confused!

What are you a mouse or a man?....

Although saying that I have switched to a Gitzo carbon fibre.

I also use a Mamiya RZ medium format camera for trekking up mountains

Nothing to worry about just ask my osteopath

[chris.mapey]

Low budget solution ahoy....

I got mine from ebay (Simpo viewed it with a barely contained sneer ).

Cost £20. Three way head, light weight, and fairly stable.

Copes with a D70 and the 18-70 with no problem - although it does have an unmistakable "whiff of the Amstrad" about it ...
(Wouldn't recommend a heavier lens though...)

This solution works ok for me, as I don't use the tripod all the time.

HTH

Chris

[steve11]

simpo two said:

NB Remember when judging tripod height that the head will add more, also the camera itself. With the 055 at full stretch I have to stand on a chair to look through the viewfinder, and I'm 6 foot!

...or to stop yourself looking stupid don't extend every section of the tripod

Seriously most tripods go this height (which is a good thing) although as it reduces stability its best only to use it at these height when absolutely necessary. over fence shots of topless bird next door etc

[cirks]

GetCarter said:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Manfrotto-190-pro-tripod-chrom well it's light and cheap, but maybe not tall / sturdy enough?

Thanks - will keep an eye on that. Seller in same area as my parents so that will save on the postage if I bid and win!

[simpo two]

chris.mapey said:

Low budget solution ahoy....I got mine from ebay (Simpo viewed it with a barely contained sneer )

I wanted to say 'See that? That's your best tripod that is' But it was...

steve11 said:

...or to stop yourself looking stupid don't extend every section of the tripod

Extra height is useful for corporate work, eg to looking over people's shoulders. If I didn't rearrange half the office furniture while doing so I wouldn't look professional now would I?!

cirks said:

steve11 said: over fence shots of topless bird next door etc ah, when I said I wouldn't be using a tripod a lot, I had forgotten about that very useful application for one However, I'd have to move house first as one side is currently empty and the other has a chap in his 70's!

For Peeping Tom work use handheld; you may need to make a quick getaway and leaving a dirty great tripod behind is rather a giveaway. Apparently

[te51cle]

The item I would add to your list of features is a quick-release head. It makes using a tripod much quicker and more enjoyable hence you are more likely to use it.

[Mr Noble]

www.velbon-tripod.com/ultra_maxi.htm

I got the luxi sF with the 2 twist handles and its great.

Currently only £69 at Jessops (was 99)


The legs are an engineering masterpiece and one of the handels screws out and into the end of the other one so it fits snuggly in its supplied carry bag!

HTH

G