My First Tripod

martinturner

martinturner

martinturner

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Well ... since my purchase of a Nikon D40 I am on the hunt for a beginners tripod. Ideally, want something lightweight, that folds down and has a bag would be good. I am also 5'6 so something designed for hobbits rather than Gandalf. I would also like to be able to 'put it up - put it away' with ease.

No budget in mind, but recommendations would be good.

Many Thanks :)
 
Thank you ...

Damn, cannot find the head, but the 190XProB is over £100 ... and the head costs over £70!?! eek!

Can anyone recommend me a budget one please. Or does everyone spend this much first time round?
 
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I read a great article on this a while back, which typically I can't now find.....

The baic upshot was that most people buy a really cheapy tripod, find it useful but flimsy and then buy a better one. They appreciate the increased stability and get better shots but it's too wobbly or not smooth or still too flimsy and then end up buying a "decent" tripod in the end anyway. The conclusion was that, if you have a dSLR and expect to keep an interest in photography for a reasonable length of time (i.e. you like photography, rather than bought a dSLR as a toy on a whim) it can save you about 50% overall if you just to buy a decent tripod up front..........

An XproB tripod is about £85-90 and is a great tripod, if a tad heavy after a while (I use on regularly with an 804RC2 head, which is about £45-50). A 322RC2 is about £90 but it depends if you want a ball head or 3-way head. BOth have pros and cons. A lot is personal preference.

I'll keep trying to find the blasted link. It was a lot more eloquent than I'm making it......:rolleyes:

Edit: Found it: http://www.bythom.com/support.htm
 
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Well said scoop. In addition to what you said, another thing to point out is that good quality tripods tend to keep their value very well if looked after. So if you did decide that Photography wasn't your thing in the end, then you could always sell it and make most of the money back. I think I payed £170 for the 190XProB with 322RC2 head kit. Im now actually looking at buying a bigger, more solid and more expensive tripod as the 190XProB isn't quite big or solid enough for super telephoto lenses + gimbal heads.
 
Whilst I agree with the comments you have both said ... it is really out of my budget. I do have and can see myself having a continued interest in Photography. Its just at this stage I have a bog standard D40 Kit and £170 would probably be better spent on a new lens (if I had £170). I guess I was hoping for something more 'budget' for about £50-60.

I am sure not everyone spends £170 on their first tripod, so if you are of the few that have not gone Manfrotto first time around. Did you get something nearer my budget and if so would you recommend it?

Thanks guys for your comments though, I do really appreciate your help. :)
 
what kind of things would you be doing with the tripod?
i ask this because ive got a tripod and its good but ive also got a gorilla pod, and my god it is great!
this is the one ive got http://www.joby.com/products/gorillapod/slrzoom/
it provides a lot more flexibility compared with a normal tripod, with you being able to wrap it around objects such as trees, lamposts, fences etc.
It is currently holding my Canon 400D + battery grip + 28-135mm lens
it may not be what your after but its just an idea for you
 
sunlitsix, many thanks for your post. I have indeed seen the Gorilla pods, actually have one for my point and click and it is really cool. I do however, want a proper tripod for those times there is nothing to clip on to. Or for those precarious over a ledge shots.
 
To be fair, a well known high street camera shop, sells pretty reasonable complete tripod packages for like £50.. no need to spend a huge amount if your just starting out, I assume your using standard lenses? and nothing very heavy?
 
martinturner said:
sunlitsix, many thanks for your post. I have indeed seen the Gorilla pods, actually have one for my point and click and it is really cool. I do however, want a proper tripod for those times there is nothing to clip on to. Or for those precarious over a ledge shots.
Click to expand...

fair enough then :)
and as V-Spec says, a high-street shop sells reasonable packages for good prices considering whats included in some of them
they should let you try them out aswell
 
Cheers all. Velbon it is then (was going to say Velcro then, now that would be funny a Velco tripod). Think I will go and check some out in a shop and make a decision from there.
 
Manfrotto themselves are currently advertising a kit in practical photography for the 190 xdb legs and the 390RC2 head for £99 which would be ideal and isn't too expensive for you.
 
Where would one buy one such kit from? Assuming it's not an OcUK competitor of course.

Looking at getting that combo myself, and even going through work (don't pay VAT) that's still cheaper.
 
I was in the same position recently & could not justify the manfrotto price.

I went for a Velbon Sherpa 250R Tripod, inc head & carry bag for £48 + Postage from a well known auction site. Brand new in box etc.

Very pleased with it, seems very sturdy & the head gives all the movements I need.

Holds my D80 + 18-200 + SB600 with no wobbles at all. Nice & light and the carry bag is very good as well.

Would defo recommend :)
 
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