Tripods - recommendations and discussion

[lobster]

I forgot to mention weight is fairly important as I don't have my own transport.
The Slik PRO 700 is well over 3 kg, that's pretty heavy , what with the camera and one lens weighing almost 1kg , it all starts to weigh up.
The velborn is under 1kg, so I am use to light tripods..

Has anyone had experience with Giottos tripods? This Giottos MTL8360B weights just under 2kg and can hold up to 8kg.

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1025877

8kg is proberly overkill but who knows the future...

 

[DotCommunist]

Tripods are evil aliens who want to enslave us with the hideious caps

 

[tom_craggs]

Unless you have very particular requirements (which it doesn't sound like you do), I wouldn't bother with Manfrotto, let alone Gitzo - the Slik mentioned above, or its big brother, the Pro 700X, are superb tripods for pretty much peanuts. The latter model will easily hold a camera much larger than a D80 (it's aimed at pro-DSLR or MF users), it's pretty light, and goes well high off the ground:

http://www.thedigitalcamerashop.co.uk/product_details.php?id=957

Although I use a manfrotto I agree with this, Slik make some pretty good tripods, this one especiallly is a an excellent choice and agreed better value than manfrotto.

Giottos make very good tripods and the one you link to would be a fantastic tripod, it's an expensive bit of kit so largely depends on how much you will be using it but a good tripod if its something you use a lot is an essential bit of kit.

Carbon fibre is the way to go if weight is an issue, as with all photography equipment it is always worth thinking what you can get second hand. Pretty much all my kit is second hand an it has saved me literally thousands.

 

[Cid]

You absolute cannot go wrong with Manfrotto, Giottos or Gitzo...

I have a 141RC tilt and pan head (never really liked ball heads tbh) on 055 PROb legs (which the fuckers have just made even better by allowing the central column to be put in a horizontal position without removing it ). It's superb but probably a bit heavy for you, the 190 is a little smaller and weighs in at 1.8kg, plus head that would be 2.4-2.6kg... My system is about 3.2kg I think, but extends to 180cm rather than 145cm. The 190+head would come in at around £135 I think, my system was about £170.

The beauty of Giottos and Manfrotto is that they both have systems that allow you to mount the column horizontally which I've found extremely useful. Legs will also go to near flat if you remove the column and mount directly to the tripod (you may not have to remove it with the improvements I mentioned earlier though). If you want to go really light you have to go carbon fiber as mentioned, but you'll add £100 to your budget.

Oh, if you stick with ball heads you can keep the weight of the system down, but do check the weight handling capacity. Also check warehouse express for deals, they often have some good offers.

 

[lobster]

I got a Manfrotto 055MF4 mag fiber with a 488RC4 ball head in the end.
Makes a world of difference over the Velbon.

Not that I really need to but the head won't come of.

I turned the lock around in difference positions...

 

[lobster]

I got a Manfrotto 055MF4 mag fiber with a 488RC4 ball head in the end.
Makes a world of difference over the Velbon.

Not that I really need to but the head won't come of.

I turned the lock around in difference positions...

 

[tom_craggs]

I got a Manfrotto 055MF4 mag fiber with a 488RC4 ball head in the end.
Makes a world of difference over the Velbon.

Not that I really need to but the head won't come of.

I turned the lock around in difference positions...

I think you need to unscrew some little screws on the mountain plate to remove the head from this...should be 4 from memory.

 

[neonwilderness]

I currently have a Manfrotto 055 tripod which is fine but a bit too heavy for carrying on long walks, particularly if I'm carrying camping gear too. So I'm on the lookout some something smaller and lighter but sturdy enough to hold a DSLR (Canon 5D + wide lens, probably about 2kg max).

I tried the Manfrotto Pixi on a recent trip to Scotland:

It's certainly light enough, but the height of it is a bit limiting So something in-between would be good.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

 

[Crispy]

I have had* one of those and it's a nice little tripod. Maybe just stick an extender on it?

Adjustable Handheld Extension Rod Telescopic Pole Monopod for Tripod Stabilizer 863105711161 | eBay

*left it on a plane

 

[Pickman's model]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B073N9687P/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

took it to the back of beyond in siberia, put it through its paces for lots of different shots, performed very well and would highly recommend.

i used an fz72 but it would easily cope with a dslr

 

[neonwilderness]

Those are both options, but ideally I’m looking for something slightly taller. That Pixi was a bit of a pain to get stable on uneven ground, so would probably be worse with an appointment extender.

 

[alsoknownas]

The latest version of the Pixi has an extension that makes it a bit more stable (it's the Pixi Evo).
You can also get the VR kit, which has a lightweight stand pole (designed for very small cameras) extending from it. I honestly wouldn't recommend that type of setup (the VR kit) for outdoor photography. The centre of gravity is very low, and frankly its gonna topple over at the slightest provocation.

I've just ordered a PEDCO Ultrapod 2, so I'll let you know how I get on with it.


You can attach it to stuff apparently:

 

[alsoknownas]

For a proper portable tripod I use a Sirui ET-1204, which I think is excellent, but is probably around the same weight as the one you've already got.

I have my doubts whether there is a viable middle ground between a proper tripod like this, and a truly portable device like the ones above, which rely on a local wall, rock, or branch for height. Anything in-between is likely to be too compromised I would have thought.
Though I am from a video background, where the tripod requirements are a bit different.

 

[alsoknownas]

Actually, it looks like the tripod you have is relatively heavy (at least 2kg depending on model it seems). The Sirui one I listed above is nearly half as light, so that could be something.

eta:

Reasonable price for what it is, but might be more than you'd like to spend -

Sirui ET-1204 - 1.04 Kg - £299

ET Series ǀ Sirui

SIRUI ET-1204 Easy Traveler - Tripod Carbon with E-10 Ball Head - ET Kit

 

[19sixtysix]

I got a 8" high flexible leg tripod from lidl. It's been good.

This is it Stello Blog: LIDL mini tripod €5.99 - awesome!

 

[mhendo]

A few months ago, before visiting friends and family in Australia, I bought myself a Benro FPA19AB0 ProAngel Aluminum-Alloy #1-Series Tripod with B0 Ball Head.

It's certainly light (3lb, or just under 1.4kg, including the head), and the legs also fold upwards, allowing for very compact storage, especially if you remove the head first and store it separately. And at $US149, it's pretty cheap for a tripod.

As far as its general functionality, it's definitely a compromise. Lighter tripods are generally, by definition, less stable that heavier ones, and this one works best if you don't extend the legs all the way. Fully extended, it's susceptible to wobbles, so I always gave it plenty of time to stabilize, and I generally shot with a mirror-up/remote setup to minimize camera vibration. It does have a hook at the bottom of the center post, which allows you to hang a bag or other weight in order to stabilize the tripod.

I was quite impressed with the ball head. It's relatively easy to adjust, and it tightens quite nicely, without too much in the way of sag or slip. I mainly used it with wide-angle lenses for landscapes, and with a Nikkor 105/2.8 Micro for plants and bugs and stuff. I imagine that the ball head might have more trouble coping with, say, a 70-200/2.8.

My one concern with it right now is the leg locking mechanisms. It's a twist system, and takes a bit of getting used to. Also, on one of the legs at least, it doesn't take much to loosen the mechanism, especially when the tripod is fully collapsed. It's not so bad when the legs are extended, but if you close the tripod and don't fully tighten the legs, and then give them a bump, one of the legs extends itself while you're carrying it, which can be rather annoying.

 

[neonwilderness]

The latest version of the Pixi has an extension that makes it a bit more stable (it's the Pixi Evo).

That was the one I tried. Not bad for the price and it was fine on flat ground, but quickly became unsteady once you tried to use it on anything uneven.

I have my doubts whether there is a viable middle ground between a proper tripod like this, and a truly portable device like the ones above, which rely on a local wall, rock, or branch for height. Anything in-between is likely to be too compromised I would have thought.

I think what I'm ideally looking for is a "proper" style tripod, but without extending legs and with a basic head. That should be a decent compromise between weight and stability. I'm not sure if such a thing exists though

 

[weltweit]

I find when I am trying to shoot landscapes a tripod slows me down and causes me to take more care, this results in my taking a lot fewer images but more of them are keepers.

If my subject is wildlife, portraits, candid people pictures or motorsport, I never use my tripod, there just isn't enough time and trying to use it would just result in a lot of missed shots.



I have a Manfrotto 055 aluminium tripod, a bit on the heavy side, but I am used to it now.
It lives in the boot of my car, next to my wellies, always ready!

 

[a_chap]

I try to avoid tripods

 

[weltweit]

tbf that is a massive camera!

 

[neonwilderness]

I find when I am trying to shoot landscapes a tripod slows me down and causes me to take more care, this results in my taking a lot fewer images but more of them are keepers.

If my subject is wildlife, portraits, candid people pictures or motorsport, I never use my tripod, there just isn't enough time and trying to use it would just result in a lot of missed shots.

View attachment 193298

I have a Manfrotto 055 aluminium tripod, a bit on the heavy side, but I am used to it now.
It lives in the boot of my car, next to my wellies, always ready!

I use one for landscape shots where I’m doing a long exposure and/or using filters. As you say, it makes you put a bit more thought into the shot.

I have a Manfrotto 055 too, plus a Manfrotto Elements for when I’m out waking. The latter is lighter, but not quite as sturdy.

 

[weltweit]

I use one for landscape shots where I’m doing a long exposure and/or using filters. As you say, it makes you put a bit more thought into the shot.

It is interesting, I feel as if I haven't been so productive when I have fewer shots, but more of them are good so it is silly.

I have a Manfrotto 055 too, plus a Manfrotto Elements for when I’m out waking. The latter is lighter, but not quite as sturdy.

Never seen an Elements, how high about is it?

My 055 doesn't have a hook for hanging bags onto which is a shame, and I would really like a spirit level built into the tripod head. I never seem to get it very level which can make panos a bit of a slower thing as I have to level the camera at each shot.

 

[neonwilderness]

It is interesting, I feel as if I haven't been so productive when I have fewer shots, but more of them are good so it is silly.

I prefer to take less shots, but to take more time with them. You end up thinking a bit more about things like composition.

Never seen an Elements, how high about is it?

The elements is about 1.5m high when fully extended, but I usually use it a bit lower so it’s more sturdy.

 

[weltweit]

I prefer to take less shots, but to take more time with them. You end up thinking a bit more about things like composition.

Yes, I agree, taking time is good.

The elements is about 1.5m high when fully extended, but I usually use it a bit lower so it’s more sturdy.

I usually use my 055 fully extended with the centre column up perhaps 4-5 inches also. I like not to have to stoop to see into the VF. It seems stable enough. Perhaps I should vary, because it would give different view points, but well ..

 

[editor]

I've bought a couple but hardly ever, ever use them. Too much of a pain to lug about and set up, even though they are obviously very useful things.

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

Always think of these things first before I think of cameras.

Even though I work with cameras almost every day in some form.

 

[Nikkormat]

Now I only use a tripod when using my medium format TLR, or when I use my DSLR to photograph negatives. I don't find it necessary for normal digital photography.

 

[girasol]

I have a tripod and don't use it all. Then again, I also have a DSLR that barely gets any use I blame smartphones and their cameras. Last time I used my DSLR + tripod was to take passport picture at home, but even that can be done reasonably well with smartphones these days.

(although, of course, the passport photo taken with DSLR was of much better quality - but really it makes no difference, given the size of passports )

 

[pogofish]

I trained in the era when 5x4 inch view and medium format cameras were the expected tools of the trade for most professional photographers.

As a result, I have a very strong back and an absolutely ambivalent relationship with tripods - Plus half a dozen fuckers of varying degrees of heavyness sitting in the store.

I use them as the job demands but personally I prefer to work handheld or with a monopod where at all possible. Plus I now only rarely do the sort of technical stuff where a rock-solid optical bench is essential.

 

[pogofish]

tbf that is a massive camera!

Gotta be a Sinar..!