heavy duty tripod buying advice & feedback please...

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englandshottest2

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After too long, I am upgrading from my very cheap current tripod, to a more wise and practical option, but need some advice, as there are so many!
Basically, I only shoot fashion, portraits and weddings... on location and in studio, and I do have very heavy kit. I need something that I can tilt as necessary whilst it securely holds an L-glass lens and heavy camera body.

I've seen the ball head options from Manfrotto, and that looks like an interesting possibiity... however, I just want to hear from you guys that use very heavy lenses (like the 70-200mm on a gripped camera body) outdoors and in studio, which combination you use and recommend... as I've just been looking on various sights and there are just so many 100's to choose from :bang: .... something along the £200 mark total (or less would be nice!)

Thanks
 
I use a Gitzo 3540XLS tripod with Really Right Stuff BH-55 ballhead, comes in at about £850 in total.

Check the Giottos rang out at somewhere like Warehouse Express. Not sure what the weight capacity is on them though...8kg maybe
 
I have a velbon dv-7000. its meant for video rather than photography, and its very very sturdy. The head isn't so good for photography but it can always be taken off and replaced.
 
like the 70-200mm on a gripped camera body
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surely as tripod requirements go, that's not 'really heavy' - bit astounded by people suggesting £800 of support for way less than 5kg of camera tbh...I can understand dropping that much on a tripod to support a sigmonster or 500mm prime...

I'm no tripod expert mind, can't honestly remember the last time I used one for stills :cuckoo:
 
yeah, sorry i don't get that either...........

heaviest i can make mine is a K-m, and a siggy 120-400 - which have done handheld for an airshow, but monopod works well amd saves the arms ... a cheapy £15 quid job, but what more is needed froma monopod????)

Have tried that set up on a heavyweight gorillapod with a giotto ball head, all tested for 6kg and it held it fine with no slippage.... even mounted upsidedown off a pagoda........ (didn't need that lens for the pic, but just wanted to try out the weight limit.)
 
...Perhaps should be changed to "medium weight" then hehe
 
Redsnapper!! I have the tripod with 3 way head and Monopod with ball head.

Cannot recommend them any higher. Great bit of kit and well priced.

They advertise here.

Search redsnapper in the forums,.

Cheers

Ron
 
I bought a used Manfrotto 075 with 3 way head for about £140 for my MF Horseman. Honestly, you could mount a small fridge on it. It's an older model - don't know if it's still around or what is available that may be similar.
 
The suggestions I'm seeing for the £800+ tripods in this thread made be laugh, especially seeing Alexandra's budget is £200 :)

OK, the budget may have to stretch a bit for a decent pod & head but not that much.

Have a look at the manfrotto 055 legs - a simple set of 055XB legs will suffice (£95), although if you want a bit lighter (and to spend more) look at the MF3 or the CX3 variants.

Your tripod head is where the best money will be spent - you really need a head that you can lock off and know it don't move/droop/sag etc even with the heavy stuff on. Now I know it will push you a bit over budget but my first recommendation is look out for a Kirk BH3 ballhead. These pop up for about £160 used and really are very good - added bonus is they are arca swiss compatible so open up a whole world of excellent camera & lens mounting plates.

Otherwise something like the Manfrotto 488RC2 head would work nicely - very tough / sturdy head. Does limit you to manfrotto plates though, which IMO are adequate but not excellent.
 
RichardtheSane said:
something like the Manfrotto 488RC2 head would work nicely - very tough / sturdy head. Does limit you to manfrotto plates though, which IMO are adequate but not excellent.
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I hate those manfrotto clamps,but you can remove it on the 488 and fit a Arca Swiss type clamp.
 
malla1962 said:
I hate those manfrotto clamps,but you can remove it on the 488 and fit a Arca Swiss type clamp.
Click to expand...

Now that is good to know - thanks.
Might push it above budget a bit to do that but thoroughly worth it.
 
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