In need of a new tripod..

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AndyJC

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All,

I'm in need of a new tripod as my old one is rubbish! I've been looking at Monfretto and giottos but can't really find any reviews of which are good etc.

Not only do I need a new tripod but i'll need a new head too. I've got a small head for my gorilla pod which is Goittos so would be good if the new head took the same mounting bracket.

please help me find a good set ;)
 
You haven't given a budget or the use to which your tripod will be put so bear this in mind when reading further.

I recently went with a recommendation from a mag, Photo Plus I think. I purchased a Giottos MTL 8361B along with a Giottos MH 1311 ball head. My main uses are landscape and wildlife and I can say that I am impressed with these items. Relatively light but very steady and easily supports my 550D and 70-200mm f/2.8 lens.
 
For price, I don't want to spend over 200 quid in total for the kit. I'd primarily use it for macro work (so it has to go basically flat with the legs out) and landscapes. Needs to be able to hold a 7D with a 100-400 or a 70-200 F2.8 IS L on it as well for when i'm using it for bird stuff.
 
I love my manfrotto 055xprob :) will do everything you need, and they are tough. Mines been in the sea countless times and still works a treat ...with a decent head you can get in well under £200.
 
stokes said:
I love my manfrotto 055xprob :) will do everything you need, and they are tough. Mines been in the sea countless times and still works a treat ...with a decent head you can get in well under £200.
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I bought a Manfrotto 055XPROB with a 496RC2 ball head this weekend, and it falls well within the OP's budget - plus, it can take the weight of a 70-200 f/2.8 lens without a ridiculous amount of wobble... I was thinking of taking mine into the water next time we get decent weather... how have you weather-proofed yours? I don't want it corroding on me...
 
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Catdaddy said:
I bought a Manfrotto 055XPROB with a 496RC2 ball head this weekend, and it falls well within the OP's budget - plus, it can take the weight of a 70-200 f/2.8 lens without a ridiculous amount of wobble... I was thinking of taking mine into the water next time we get decent weather... how have you weather-proofed yours? I don't want it corroding on me...
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:thumbs: Fabulous tripod/head, I have one too.

D in W
 
Another vote for the 055XPROB, living at Scarborough mine has seen a lot of seawater, I've taken to spraying the locks with WD40 to stop them corroding but never had a problem. It will go very very low with the legs splayed out and the centre column horizontal.

In terms of sturdiness yesterday evening we had a TP meet in Huddersfield, the wind was absolutely howling and mine managed a 489 second exposure with a 1Ds Mk2 and a 24-105 without any wobble at all.
 
mark - sounds great - will order one now - just need recommendations for a ball head now. If it could be by Goittos that would be awesome - save me having to buy two of them!
 
AndyJC said:
mark - sounds great - will order one now - just need recommendations for a ball head now. If it could be by Goittos that would be awesome - save me having to buy two of them!
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I used Giottos 7001/652 heads which were good, and the QR plates cheap if you need a few. I actually use the 652 plate now on an old Linhof head which I got off ebay and is wonderful.
 
do different heads take different plates? Looking at my ball head it's a MH1302 and the head of it is a MH 652
 
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Looks like the MH1312*-652 or the MH1311-652 would be my best bet - but can't seem to find a reputable dealer to buy from
 
sweet :) purchased head + 3 additional plates + tripod :) thanks all for the help
 
Hi Andy,

I have a Giottos MTL8361B. It was about £170 at the time. It's carbon fibre and allows you to move the centre column horizontally or at a 90 degree angle downwards. You can even remove the centre column to allow very low level shooting.

It's very light and fairly well made. The only couple of gripes I have is with the leg locks and the column lock. A couple of the leg locks started to give that screechy plastic sound when locking (the plastic on plastic sound). I put a dab of oil on them and their fine now. I found that the column lock was really difficult to lock properly. The lock is too small to get a good grip and the column can then move.

Head wise, I use several, but the Manfrotto 468MGRC4 Hydrostatic ball head is fantastic. It's design allows really secure locking with a gentle twist (works like a car breaking system). Only trouble is that it's expensive at about £200.

The only comment I'd make is that you'll regret buying too cheap. You'll just end up with an unstable support, which you'll replace in no time. Spend a decent amount on this type of equipment and it will last years (my old Manfrotto 055 has laster 25 years and is still in use).

Best wishes,
Dayve
 
markmullen said:
Another vote for the 055XPROB, living at Scarborough mine has seen a lot of seawater, I've taken to spraying the locks with WD40 to stop them corroding but never had a problem. It will go very very low with the legs splayed out and the centre column horizontal.

In terms of sturdiness yesterday evening we had a TP meet in Huddersfield, the wind was absolutely howling and mine managed a 489 second exposure with a 1Ds Mk2 and a 24-105 without any wobble at all.
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I had a look at Mark's tripod set up and have to say, it was nnniiiccccee.

I took a fairly old tripod and, well, it's not very good. Cost me around £60.00 which I thought was a lot at the time :bonk:.

Big mistake.

I'll be investing in a similar tripod to Mark's.

Cheers.
 
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