Spec me a Tripod

PhillyDee · 3 Mar 2010 at 10:34

Hello,
I am after a tripod, they will be both for my DSLR and my Binoculars (Already have an adapter). does anyone have any experience with both? I am also 6 foot, does this have any bearing on the height I would need to reach? I have only ever owned an Aldi cheapy, but its far too lightweight and trembles when I go near it! After something nice and long lasting!

Anyone got anything specific in mind?

D.P. · 3 Mar 2010 at 10:57

Gitzo 3531

sorn21 · 3 Mar 2010 at 11:02

Giottos MTL9351B
Can be picked up for <£100
It's pretty good for me.

Raikiri · 3 Mar 2010 at 11:32

PhillyDee said:
Anyone got anything specific in mind?

Got a budget in mind? Good tripods can cost £100-£1000+

I use Redsnappers top allu model (3 section with the ball head), cost me £91 + delivery.

PhillyDee · 3 Mar 2010 at 12:40

Fair point. Around the hundred quid mark would be acceptable!

That Gitzo is just a tad out of the price range

Raikiri · 3 Mar 2010 at 13:16

http://www.aldine.co.uk/redsnapper/tripod-283.html + http://www.aldine.co.uk/redsnapper/tripod-RSH-ballhead.html

Are what I use, 10% discount if you're a TalkPhotography member iirc.

p0ss3s3d · 3 Mar 2010 at 16:07

Raikiri said:
http://www.aldine.co.uk/redsnapper/tripod-283.html + http://www.aldine.co.uk/redsnapper/tripod-RSH-ballhead.html

Are what I use, 10% discount if you're a TalkPhotography member iirc.

Or as a set here - http://www.aldine.co.uk/redsnapper/tripod-283+RSH-12ballhead.html

PhillyDee · 3 Mar 2010 at 16:13

Hmm, looking favourite! I assume they are nice and meaty, no flimsyness?

If so I will pass this onto my lass for my birthday present

A.N.Other · 3 Mar 2010 at 16:23

The Redsnapper tripod is a great bit of kit for the money. Search the forum for Redsnapper for a review thread and some pics.

PhillyDee · 3 Mar 2010 at 16:51

Sold!
Many thanks for all your help. Recommendations are alwasy the best way to buy!

DB_SamX · 3 Mar 2010 at 17:54

On topic, what's a cheaper alternative, if at all, say £50-75 total?

p0ss3s3d · 3 Mar 2010 at 18:07

DB_SamX said:
On topic, what's a cheaper alternative, if at all, say £50-75 total?

Buy the Redsnapper with the panning head, but personally I'd go the extra £25 for the ball head. Honestly I think the Redsnapper stuff is the best value stuff for under £150.

DB_SamX · 3 Mar 2010 at 18:23

I have a partially broken tripod with pan head atm (hence wanting a replacement), and I do like the pan head but I haven't used a ball head so unsure which I'd prefer.

I'll investigate. I see that site has got offers on: Free pan head when you buy a 283 Alloy 3-Section Tripod or 284 Alloy 4-Section Tripod. Both at £50. Which is the better one?

p0ss3s3d · 3 Mar 2010 at 19:50

283 - litle more rigid
284 - little smaller

283 being three sections and 284 being four parts

The free pan head sounds like a bargin! Personally I prefer a ball head. It's just a ball with a tension and locking knob for all axis. Simple. Fast. Accurate. IMO better than a pan head, especially if your shooting stuff that moves. If your just shooting landscapes a ball head is just faster...

D.P. · 4 Mar 2010 at 08:27

ball/heads are much better for still photographz, pan/tilt is more designed for video.

martinturner · 4 Mar 2010 at 09:50

Ball heads make readjustments very simple; and equally if timing is of the essence a necessity! I was amazed at how much easier it was with one.

panthro · 5 Mar 2010 at 06:29

I have a tripod question. Are there any that are made for tall people!? All the ones Ive looked at and are recommended have a max height of circa 160cm. So even if youre an average of 6ft/184cm youre still going to have to bend down.

D.P. · 5 Mar 2010 at 08:20

Bending down a little is fairly normal. However, the Gitzo 3541L goes to 181cm

Raikiri · 5 Mar 2010 at 10:37

D.P. said:
Bending down a little is fairly normal. However, the Gitzo 3541L goes to 181cm

But it would also be cheaper to have corrective surgery to make yourself a short arse

Pinkeyes · 5 Mar 2010 at 16:30

p0ss3s3d said:
283 - litle more rigid
284 - little smaller

283 being three sections and 284 being four parts

The free pan head sounds like a bargin! Personally I prefer a ball head. It's just a ball with a tension and locking knob for all axis. Simple. Fast. Accurate. IMO better than a pan head, especially if your shooting stuff that moves. If your just shooting landscapes a ball head is just faster...

I have the 4 section one, I can't say I know if the 3 section is more rigid, I'm sure it is, but the 4 section is nice and rigid when fully extended.
I wanted a slightly smaller one for urban exploring.

The pan head is actually really good. I will be upgrading to the ball head in future, but the pan head is great to start off with.

Redsnapper tripods are very well made and a good bit of kit. Can't recommend them enough tbh