View Full Version : Tripod
wcavanagh
06-12-2006, 18:49
OK, camera brought, lenses ordered, now for the last thing before Xmas, I need a tripod..
Any recomendations?
as most people will tell you and most things in life.. get the best that you can afford . personally i have a velbon ultra luxi f around the 70 qiud mark but this one works for me.. good luck hope this helps..:naughty:
I was just about to ask a similar question.
Now I did look at the Velbon Ultra Luxi dave, but I thought it was more suited to compacts, rather than SLRs? How do you rate it?
:thumbs: very good . my 10d with batt grip feels fine on it at any angle the head moves very smooth .
the spitit levels help you keep everything level " you know what i mean"
easy to set up with the twist legs
and you have the added advantage if you fancy a bit of macro it drops down very low indeed. a few others that i know have one also say they are a good item hope this helps
and im not on commision...:thumbsdown:
wcavanagh
06-12-2006, 19:26
Might have to have a look at one of these. Was thinking of spending about £100, to start :)
The Big Kahuna
06-12-2006, 20:18
Just bought a Velbon Sherpa 250R from milou. They're about £65 in the shops and it's pretty good as far as I can tell (it didn't fall over anyway)
The Big Kahuna
06-12-2006, 20:20
Just noticed the spirit level bit in the post above, I reckon these are probably just as good as built in ones if the tripod you fancy doesn't have them.
http://www.red-door.co.uk/pages/productpages/hotshoe.html
LMAO at your signature mate :D
I did consider one of those spirit levels, but what do you do if you're using the hotshoe?
The Velbon Sherpa 250R was the one I was thinking about. Jessops have it in for 59.99 IIRC.
Not sure how much the Ultra Luxi is. I think I'll have to compare the two. (Sorry for hijacking your thread wcavanagh).
FWIW, if you're prepared to go to the 140ish mark, then the Manfrotto 190Pro is a highly recommended choice, or maybe the 055Pro (I think).
WOuld go for the Manfrotto/other topname jobbies get the best you can afford, Jessops are doing my kit 190 + 390 RC2 head for £109 plus if you look on their site there are some money off vouchers knocking around so you are bound to get it for less than £100.
Just noticed the spirit level bit in the post above, I reckon these are probably just as good as built in ones if the tripod you fancy doesn't have them.
http://www.red-door.co.uk/pages/productpages/hotshoe.html
Wow, they are expensive. You can buy them on eBay for less that their postage charge. Looking around the site some of their other prices are pretty dear too.
Michael.
whiteflyer
06-12-2006, 23:42
If you can afford it Manfrotto is the way to go
The 055proB and a good ball head like the 488RC2
http://www.fotosense.co.uk/images/products/1348_1.jpg
This is what I'll probably be getting myself for Christmas , about £170 total
Darksider
07-12-2006, 06:49
I am biased as I have a Manfrotto 190 PRO B so guess what I am going to recommend. :)
They are very well built and get down low for macro work.
Morris Photo run deals on tripods and they don't charge postage over £25, I got mine from them and it turned up real quick.
minimeeze
07-12-2006, 06:53
I have the Velbon Ultra Maxi and it works for what I need it for (no problems with the D70). I like how compact it is - easy to carry around. Have a look at Morris Photographic (http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/manufacturer~categoryid~178~sub~Digi+Tripod+Kits~m an~Velbon.html) for some good deals. Had a few things from these guys now and I highly rate them for price and speedy service :thumbs:
Clint_Black
07-12-2006, 08:32
If you can afford it Manfrotto is the way to go
The 055proB and a good ball head like the 488RC2
http://www.fotosense.co.uk/images/products/1348_1.jpg
This is what I'll probably be getting myself for Christmas , about £170 total
This is the combination I have - fantastic quality.
Dark Star
07-12-2006, 08:47
Similar thread here with some useful info:
Link (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=12679)
I have (and would recommend obviously :D ) the manfrotto 190PRO plus 488rc2 head
wcavanagh
07-12-2006, 14:59
Well im compleatly confused now.
Balls and heads, and rods, all sounds iffy to me, lol.
I want to do some night shots, so need somethign sturdy I guess for long exposures, but also want something I can use for macro work.
Dark Star
07-12-2006, 15:03
I've found the manfrotto with a ball head very good for macro. Ball head has effectly a one handed control mechanism once the tripods in the right place (and you have the other hand on the camera of course!)
The 190 is a also good sturdy piece of kit!
Clint_Black
07-12-2006, 15:11
Well im compleatly confused now.
Balls and heads, and rods, all sounds iffy to me, lol.
I want to do some night shots, so need somethign sturdy I guess for long exposures, but also want something I can use for macro work.
How much do you want to spend?
If you win the Lotto then look at the Neotec - very sturdy and easy to use!
wcavanagh
07-12-2006, 15:16
How much do you want to spend?
I can do about £150 I think, maybe a wee bit more if i need to :)
Clint_Black
07-12-2006, 15:34
I can do about £150 I think, maybe a wee bit more if i need to :)
If I were you i'd buy either the 190PROB or 055PROB Manfrotto legs and a 486RC2 or 488RC2 ball head, this will be all you'll ever need.
A bit more info:
If you're about 5 foot 10 to 6 foot tall the 055 legs with one of these ball heads brings the viewfinder perfectly up to eye level when the legs are fully extended so you don't need to use the centre column (which can introduce a bit more wobble). Set up like this you don't need a ball head with an independent pan feature as you can just turn the centre column to pan. You could therefore get the 486 as it's a bit cheaper I think.
Just my 2p worth....
Dark Star
07-12-2006, 15:36
I can do about £150 I think, maybe a wee bit more if i need to :)
From T4 cameras a month or two back - smack in budget :)
ORDER DETAILS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
8024221280142 - MANFROTTO 190PRO PRO (CHROME)
Net: £66.38
-----------------------------------------------------------------
MN488RC2 - MANFROTTO 488RC2 MIDI BALL HEAD WITH RC2
Net: £45.11
-----------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL NET: £111.49
TOTAL DELIVERY: £9.00
TOTAL VAT: £19.51
TOTAL: £140.00
__________________
wcavanagh
07-12-2006, 15:40
I think that answers my question perfect, now wheres my credit Card ;)
Thank you my friend, perfect.
Benbo Trekker kit inc ball and socket head (http://www.fotosense.co.uk/BEN107C_-_Benbo_Trekker_Tripod_MK2_Kit_with_Compact_Ball_&_Socket_Head_and_Carry_Bag.asp?productID=1564&tabID=3) £102.99, I can't recommend it enough if you don't mind that it doesn't fold down enough to fit in your pocket you'll be hard pressed to find a more adaptable tripod. I bought mine a few months back along with the BEN310 quick release plate and after some fun (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=7969&highlight=benbo) learning how to set it up we've become great friends :)
All great answers, The 055PRO and 488 head is a great choice, although I ordered mine through MAnfrotto 3 weeks ago and they are still to arrive. Seems the Christmas rush is on :)
Sorry for the usual "thicko" questions but the likes of the Manfrotto 055proB etc do these come with just legs & a centre column? (which is how the pics of them look see HERE (http://www.devoncamera.co.uk/index.cfm/photographic/Products.Details/product_id/496/subject/manfrotto_055prob_pro_tripod_black))
The reason I ask is that I just bought a ball head (Giottos MH1001 HERE (http://www.hiltonphoto.co.uk/products/details/30211.html)) to use on a monopod & wondered if the ball head would be substantial enough to use with some decent tripod legs
Paul :thinking:
Clint_Black
08-12-2006, 10:57
The 055PROB is just legs and a centre column, heads sold separately!
The 055PROB is just legs and a centre column, heads sold separately!
Clint - That clears up one of my questions nicely thank you - Paul :thumbs:
Been speaking to Jessops today about my order, seemingly Manfrotto have been overwhelmed with reguests for Tripods and are really struggling with demand. So if you are thinking of buying for Xmas, watchout.
Have been waiting 3 weeks already for 488RC2 head.
I hope its only Jessops !!
wcavanagh
08-12-2006, 12:25
Got mine today :)
It looka like its Jessops - Morris can get me one by Wednesday next week :)
I have been meaning to buy a 488RC2 and thanks to Dark Star's post above finally ordered one this morning from T4 as that price is the best I have seen.
20 minutes later I had an email telling me it had been dispatched.
Michael.
Dark Star
08-12-2006, 13:51
Glad to be of assistance - now where's that commission...:D
Recently shelled out on a decent Giottos ball head and was going to wait until after Christmas to replace my existing tripod (decent but a bit heavy to carry out & about) - spotted one of these (http://www.velbon-tripod.com/sherpa_pro01.htm) on offer for £139 (usually £50 more) - anyone with one care to comment or other opinion (?)
Cheers ... Paul :thumbs:
Glad to be of assistance - now where's that commission...:D
Lol. Feel free to call them and ask.
Michael.
wcavanagh
11-12-2006, 15:40
From T4 cameras a month or two back - smack in budget :)
ORDER DETAILS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
8024221280142 - MANFROTTO 190PRO PRO (CHROME)
Net: £66.38
-----------------------------------------------------------------
MN488RC2 - MANFROTTO 488RC2 MIDI BALL HEAD WITH RC2
Net: £45.11
-----------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL NET: £111.49
TOTAL DELIVERY: £9.00
TOTAL VAT: £19.51
TOTAL: £140.00
__________________
I got this, what can I say, i LOVE it, got the black legs, but solid, easy to carry, holds the cam, fantastic. Best thing ever. Thanks for the advice. and Merry Christmas :)
Dark Star
11-12-2006, 16:20
So glad to have been of help!
Its a great combination head and legs imo!
An t4's prices are pretty good.
Merry Xmas back to you :D
Anyone interested in a G1228 with Acratech Ballhead?
I have just upgraded to a G1325 with RRS Ballhead
Dave
I was just about to ask a similar question.
Now I did look at the Velbon Ultra Luxi dave, but I thought it was more suited to compacts, rather than SLRs? How do you rate it?
i have a velbon ultra luxi that i used when travelling. it's very good and fast but no use for anything more than a kit lens- certainly not anything f2.8 and 150mm or more. and it's not so hot in the wind.
it has it's applications and i'm very pleased with it, but it's not a patch on my manfrotto 190/486rc2 combo.
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