Does tripod I want exist?

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casts_by_fly

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Rick
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Hi All,

I need a tripod. I've been browsing for a while now, but I want to get one before this coming summer season. I don't plan to use one much (prefer handheld) so spending for a primo tripod is out. I'm between two at the moment (with a possible third), but only because I don't know what else is really out there.

I like the Manfroto 050pro for the height without the center column. The build quality is great. I like the 'mobile' center column for macro like positioning. I don't like the closed length (3 leg model). I'm not thrilled on the weight, but I'd take heavier and shorter before lighter and longer.

I like the Red Snapper 284 for its compactness and price. The weight isn't bad at ~2 kg given it is compact. I don't like the height though as it is only 152 cm at full extension.

The other one I've considered is the Benro 550 with B1. It is lighter than the others, taller than the RS284, and folds up more compact than the 050.

What I want is the 050 with 4 pc legs and a little lighter. Is that available in the price range (£50-£125)?

About my gear, I shoot a gripped D90 and my biggest lens is a 300/4 AF with 1.4x. Most of the work would be with shorter lenses for more landscape opportunities, but the 300/4 would also be on it ~30-40% of the time.

Any other options I should be considering?

Thanks,
Rick
 
Yes, that is a nice feature. I don't know how much I would use it, but it would be a nice to have for sure.

Thanks,
Rick
 
daugirdas said:
Manfrotto's can get down stupidly low - about 10cm from the ground - very important for landscapes
Click to expand...

You can buy arms (don't know what else to call them, they fit between your tripod and head, and provide an adjustable counterweighted arm that mimics the style of centre column that gitzo's explorers, or manfrotto's pro tripods offer) that allow that on tripods that lack a central column (or have a non-horizontal/adjustable column).

In a way, despite being additional cost, it means you don't have to sacrifice stability for flexibility except during the times you want to use that feature. If you want to go out to shoot non-macro wildlife, you can take the arm off, and have a much more stable centre column free platform.
 
Save up and buy the tripod your eally want rather than spend £100 on somthing you don't want or you won't use it.

You will leave it at home due to the weight or its too long etc. I saved and got the 4 section 055 carbon fibre jobby and I still don't use it that much but it isnt a problem with it in the bag on my back carrying it about all day.
 
Jon,

Unfortunately that won't happen. I can't justify that much for something i will use a few times a year. I would love to have a paperweight ultra compact tripod, but cost-size-weight something has to give and cost is it for me.

Thanks,
Rick
 
well, I think it does exist. I've been looking at the 284 red snapper and completely missed the 324. It has the height/weight of the 055 (within the realm of my requirements) but comes in 4 pc legs and has flip locks. About perfect for what I'm looking for. Now to make sure the reviews are up to snuff on it and then source one.

Thanks,
Rick
 
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