Spec me a tripod

ChazHurst

ChazHurst

ChazHurst

Associate
Joined
19 Mar 2007
Posts
327
Location
London
Hi people, can anyone recommend to me a lightweight tripod, around the 1kg mark.

It ideally would be small enough fit into a small rucksack or that would be easy to carry when cycling and walking. Preferably I'd like to have a decent extendable height. Lets say to about and beyond 5ft...

My budget is pretty flexible [Edit](up to £200)[/Edit] so a range of options would be good :rolleyes:

Is there anything decent out there?

Thanks in advance ;)
 
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dude you can spend outlandish amounts on a tripod, are we talking 100 quid? 300 quid?

I'm currently undecided as to what to get, but for not far over the 100 pound mark the manfrotto stuff looks great ;)
 
yeah, been doing a bit more research since I posted. Didn't realise how expensive they can get! Wow... The Manfrotto ones are looking the best bet now. and I think I'd like to spend about £200 including a head possibly.
 
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there does seem to be a combo for around £120 that loads of people go for (manfrotto) but i can't remember which items it is...
 
Messiah Khan said:
How flexible? £1k+? If you do have a flexible budget, then something like the Gitzo GT2531 legs with RRS BH-25 ballhead would be a nice lightweight combo. :)
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those are great... I'm gonna have to save up for that set of legs eventually

Firestar_3x said:
Also depends how much weight its gotta support?
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Currently it's just gotta support my A300 and my biggest lens, a Minolta 100-210 f4 'beercan'
 
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I'd get the Redsnapper RS-283 and RSH-12 Ball Head, £100.

Max load 8kg (legs, 10kg ballhead) and for the price they have fantastic reviews.

Edit: Didn't see the lightweight part, they come in at about 2.5kg. If you want a decent sized one with very low weight you're looking at carbon fibre.
 
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MuGeN said:
there does seem to be a combo for around £120 that loads of people go for (manfrotto) but i can't remember which items it is...
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Manfrotto 804RC2 head with Manfrotto 190XPROB legs, think thats the one you're meaning and the set I've got :D

dl.aspx
 
Raikiri said:
Edit: Didn't see the lightweight part, they come in at about 2.5kg. If you want a decent sized one with very low weight you're looking at carbon fibre.
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Red Snapper do a (very cheap) carbon fibre tripod too. Around £150 as I remember, and obviously you'd need a head after that.
 
I do keep hearing about Red Snapper and how they are very well priced... are they well built or is the "you get what you pay for" rule heavily applicable?
 
MuGeN said:
I do keep hearing about Red Snapper and how they are very well priced... are they well built or is the "you get what you pay for" rule heavily applicable?
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From everything I have heard they compare very well to higher priced rivals, maybe not quite as good but still excellent. I intend to get the one I posted when I get an UWA lens.
 
been having a look around but these red snappers aren't exactly abundant are they? are you allowed to post some shops that sell them or is it only this aldine place?
 
Aldine are the only supplier I believe, owned by the guy who made them. 10% discount if you mention that you're a member on Talk Photography (assuming you are).
 
ChazHurst said:
Had a look at the Red Snapper site. The 283C is their full Carbon one, and only comes in at £140. Does look quality too.
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yeah I saw that, but I was under the impression it was loads lighter but isn't it 1600g vs the 1900g of the alu one? not entirely sure thats worth it as thats only one light lens worth... unless there are other advantages? maybe more vibration proof or something?
 
Buy a camera bean bag. I've tried everything up to the Manfrotto 055b legs with several heads and was never happy. Then I slung the cash in for a Benro carbon fiber 287 and a Markins M-20 head. Cost a packet, but is finally stable.

I see people alllll the time asking for tripod recommendations and eeeeeeeevery time they see the price and go "Ohh dear" and buy a Manfrotto and they just end up using some vibration-trap peice of junk and either not getting the results they should, or leaving it at home.

Thom Hogan puts it most elegantly here: http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

Look for point #2

If you're even halfway serious about photography, spend once. If you ever get bored the Gitzo and Markins equipment will hold its resale price like a Van Gough.
 
Tagging onto this thread as I need some tripod related advice.


Going on a 2 month trip to New Zealand next week and I'm looking for a tripod to take with me.

I'm most definitely only a budding amateur, with my 20D, 18-55mm IS and 55-250mm IS, but obviously want a tripod that will confidently hold that weight and maybe a bit more in the future (probably not anything major, but maybe a nice macro lens further down the line and/or body upgrade).


As I'll be lugging it round NZ I would like it to be as light and compact (folded) as possible, but here's the kicker, I'm only looking at spending £150 (could stretch to £175) (for legs+head).

Got a few possibilities on the list so far, any opinions would be great:
- Red Snapper 283/284 + RSH-12 ball head combo for £100
- Giotto MTL9361B + MH5001 combo for £110 from the Jungle-River site (I could then buy the MH1302 652 Series II ball head for £70 (as I can't find anywhere selling the MTL9361B solo))
- Manfrotto 055XPROB/190XPROB + 488RC0 ball head for £177/£157 respectively


Are there many issues mixing and matching legs and heads? For example the cheap as chips Red Snapper legs and then the Giotto or Manfrotto ball head?


Any advice/comments on legs and heads much appreciated. :)
 
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