tripod advice

GeX · 29 Jul 2007 at 20:21

after my last set of pictures didn't come out as well as i'd hoped (camera shake) - i think its time i got a decent tripod. i have a cheapy. but everytime ive used that its just wound me up as i couldn't do minor adjustments to its posistion to frame shots how i wanted them.

most important factor - it has to be as small as possible, light and very portable.

iGiDK · 29 Jul 2007 at 22:55

I know a chap who uses a Velbon Ultra Luxi F tripod which looks rather small when closed, but it seems decent in terms of its sturdiness and portability

Cookie-Monster · 29 Jul 2007 at 23:19

I use one of those as well, very small when closed up , ultra portable, goes to pretty much flat if doing close-up bug work.

twist lock legs take a little getting used to but are reliable.

GeX · 29 Jul 2007 at 23:20

thanks guys. will pop into some stores in town and ask to have a look at one.

NorthstaNder · 29 Jul 2007 at 23:32

velbon seem to be a good balance of price and quality.

i'll be looking at getting the 435R when i get a tripod in august.

GeX · 29 Jul 2007 at 23:38

what are the legs like on them, my cheap tripod wasn't keen on sand getting on the legs..

Cookie-Monster · 29 Jul 2007 at 23:45

never used it on sand, but seems fine with city grit and muck.

GeX · 30 Jul 2007 at 00:08

coolio.

theres nothing on them that'd rust and jam if they got wet is there.. i am careful with my kit but its not always used in environments that are the best!

alexisonfire · 30 Jul 2007 at 00:12

manfrotto 190XB + 390RC2 head

Or if you don't mind spending a bit more...

manfrotto 190XB + 322RC2 head

You get what you pay for with a tripod.

Nicos Rex · 30 Jul 2007 at 13:05

alexisonfire said:
<snip>
You get what you pay for with a tripod.

You do indeed.

As with most things tripods are a compromise; in this case between price, stability, weight and flexibility.

Choose the best you can afford, Velbon, Slik and Manfrotto are the brands that are usually regarded as amongst the best choices. Also, choose the heaviest that you can reasonably expect to be able to carry. Too heavy and it will be left at home, too light and you may as well leave it at home. Budget for a dedicated bag or carrying strap to make it as easy to lug around as possible.

Other features to look for are the ability to fix the head to the bottom of the column to get down really low and the possibility of fitting extra supports for off-camera flash.

You don't say what you will be using it for - for some things a monopod offers a bit more flexibility ar the expense of a bit of stability. If you choose carefully you can get a tripod and a monopod and switch the head between them as required.

Helium_Junkie · 30 Jul 2007 at 14:23

The 190manfrotto is heavy and not "highly transportable" Velbon are much lighter - but remember this does mean less stable in windy conditions. The manfrotto is also capable of many more positions. But again, if it comes mostly down to weight, the velbons are a popular choice.