Tripod goodness

Helium_Junkie · 4 Apr 2007 at 00:15

Recently my tripod took a little tumble in the wind and the head snapped. Since it was an all in one job (a pretty decent one though) the head could not be replaced.
After a single day without a tripod I couldn't stand it.
Enter the Manfrotto 190X with 804RC2 3-way head.

This thing is incredibly strong yet unbelievably versatile!

The full height with column up is higher than I can stand on tiptoes (I'm 5' 10"), and even fully extended there is no wobble, it's very stable.

It goes loooow too, all the way to completely horizontal legs! I've used this so far to have one leg across the table when doing some close up stuff, very handy!
When at such low heights, it can be useful to switch the column to horizontal too!

This has been invaluable for swinging my camera over or closer to a subject in close up shots, and the well crafted head aids operation at this angle immensely.

And if you're feeling really arty (as I often am) and want to go for some low height shots... hang the column upside down!

I'm immeasurably happy with this tripod, and thought I'd share my joy! :-)

Logsi · 4 Apr 2007 at 00:17

Im getting that! :eek:

I like...How Much!?

Josh

Shoei · 4 Apr 2007 at 08:07

I got a 055Pro at the weekend with 488RC04 head.
At max height, its about 6' 2" to the top plate on the 488!!!
Its built like a tank but havent had chance to play due to the QR plate not being in the box!!!

Helium_Junkie · 4 Apr 2007 at 09:34

5bjoshua said:
Im getting that!

I like...How Much!?

Josh

£143 as a kit.
£170odd with a bag too, but I had one from my last 'pod.

J1234 · 4 Apr 2007 at 09:38

Nice, I see the wild bunny is climbing over your gear again!

Helium_Junkie · 4 Apr 2007 at 09:38

Justin said:
Nice, I see the wild bunny is climbing over your gear again!

He's extraordinarily brave :eek:

J1234 · 4 Apr 2007 at 09:48

He stalks you

Raymond Lin · 4 Apr 2007 at 11:11

I am sure it can go lower than that, actually horizontal no ?

alexisonfire · 4 Apr 2007 at 11:18

Raymond Lin said:
I am sure it can go lower than that, actually horizontal no ?

Helium_Junkie said:
It goes loooow too, all the way to completely horizontal legs! I've used this so far to have one leg across the table when doing some close up stuff, very handy!
When at such low heights, it can be useful to switch the column to horizontal too!

Awesome tripod btw, oneday i will invest in a manfrotto. I have a bit lip for the entire time i use my jessops tripod :eek:

Helium_Junkie · 4 Apr 2007 at 11:22

Raymond Lin said:
I am sure it can go lower than that, actually horizontal no ?

Yep, it goes all the way down!

And folds up very quickly afterwards.

scoop · 4 Apr 2007 at 12:21

Liking it very much; have been debating a 055Pro or 190. Looks like the 190X might be the way to go.....

Combat squirrel · 4 Apr 2007 at 15:20

Haha funny photos, how dodgy, its like tripod porn

What's it like to use then ? how sturdy is it ? I have a reasonably good £50 jessops tripod its ok like, but on long exposure stuff (15 seconds for example) with a remote switch I can still get blurring, somehow still doesn't keep the cam still :confused:

do tripods like that really make that much difference ?

Shoei · 4 Apr 2007 at 15:29

Whats the pan and tilt head like?
I got the 488RC04 since the pan and tilt on my old tripod used to drive me nuts.

Helium_Junkie · 4 Apr 2007 at 15:37

Combat squirrel said:
do tripods like that really make that much difference ?

My friend has a £50 from the high street, its much thinner and lighter and wobbles like a mare. When put next to this one it also wets itself in terror.

The ability to widen the leg angle means you can pretty much guarantee stability in any conditions by lowering the centre of mavity. The central column is held in place extremely securely when tightened, and is made of strong stuff.
This thing just doesnt budge

It's a huge difference.

The 3 way head is just how I like to do things, I'm not a fan of ball heads

It's very much personal choice though, this works for me, ball head works for you

Combat squirrel · 4 Apr 2007 at 15:41

Helium_Junkie said:
My friend has a £50 from the high street, its much thinner and lighter and wobbles like a mare. When put next to this one it also wets itself in terror.

The ability to widen the leg angle means you can pretty much guarantee stability in any conditions by lowering the centre of mavity. The central column is held in place extremely securely when tightened, and is made of strong stuff.
This thing just doesnt budge It's a huge difference.

The 3 way head is just how I like to do things, I'm not a fan of ball heads It's very much personal choice though, this works for me, ball head works for you

Sounds good, iv been looking for good tripods, that sounds perfect, im getting abit narked with my £50 jobby,lol

scoop · 4 Apr 2007 at 15:45

Does the column head stil lhave the 3 little grub srews to hold the head in place?

Might try to pick one up in the States next month........must remember to pack a screwdriver if so, so I can play straight away!!

Shoei · 4 Apr 2007 at 15:51

scoop said:
Does the column head stil lhave the 3 little grub srews to hold the head in place?

Might try to pick one up in the States next month........must remember to pack a screwdriver if so, so I can play straight away!!

Mine does, havent fastened it all up yet, until the QR plate arrives :mad:

scoop · 4 Apr 2007 at 15:52

Shoei said:
Mine does

Hmm OK...big/small crosshead/Phillips?

(goes off to pre-emptively put correct screwdriver in suitcase.......)

divine` · 4 Apr 2007 at 16:00

I couldn't justify £143 on a tripod considering the one I found has done me proud for over three years now

Fireskull · 4 Apr 2007 at 16:06

Nice that whole lot is exactly what i got for my bday its an excellent tipod and head