Light/compact and cheap tripod

mithrandir

mithrandir

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I would like to know whether a Gorillapod SLR or Velbon CX-Mini are any good?

What others are good? I see there are variation of Konig tripods which are small but can't say they look solid for an SLR.

Thanks
 
No experience of the Velbon, however the Gorillapod is only fit for holding a flashgun.

Cheap tripods are a false economy, you might feel all pleased at getting one brand new for a fiver, but that feeling will evaporate the first time a slight gust of wind causes it to topple over, taking your camera with it.....
 
Flash In The Pan said:
That's still a "cheap" tripod...

Take a look at the Redsnapper stuff over on the TP Trade Sales section, it gets a good reputation round here and TP members get a 10% discount :thumbs:
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Thanks for the link, but cannot afford anything more at present. Will have to make do without one if there's nothing worth purchasing within my budget.
Spent a lot getting my first SLR kit, filters, Crumpler bags, batteries and 50mm over the past 2-3 months.
I see why it can become an expensive hobby, more so that just a p&s.
 
I have one of those Gorillapod copies (one for 3kg load) from DealExtreme and it holds my Canon 20D with a lens absolutely no problem and feels solid. I haven't seen the real thing in flesh but for the money it seems like a cracking stop gap and also easily carried around with you.
 
I've got the Velbon CX Mini, best £20 I ever spent! It would hold my 50D with 70-200 f2.8 lens no problem, its certainly a sturdy little tripod the only drawback being it doesn't extend very high. It does easily fit in my backpack when travelling or mountain biking though. Highly recommended from me!
 
Sorry Sam, my experience of the Velbon CX Mini is a little different. Indeed, the reason I've found this thread is that I was researching a new tripod, after my CX Mini has literally fallen apart!

Don't get me wrong - I've had it about 18 months and during it's time it's proved a very capable little thing, however the build quality is on the poor side, and as Graham says, it's a bit of a false economy as after a relatively easy life I'm now having to buy a replacement.

You say yourself, you've spent a lot getting your first SLR kit. My advice is to save that little bit extra and go for something better built, like I'm having to now!
 
I really want a giottos vitruvian cos its so small and light but it aint cheap and I already have one expensive tripod :D (but my 055 aint light)
 
Nemesis said:
Sorry Sam, my experience of the Velbon CX Mini is a little different. Indeed, the reason I've found this thread is that I was researching a new tripod, after my CX Mini has literally fallen apart!

Don't get me wrong - I've had it about 18 months and during it's time it's proved a very capable little thing, however the build quality is on the poor side, and as Graham says, it's a bit of a false economy as after a relatively easy life I'm now having to buy a replacement.

You say yourself, you've spent a lot getting your first SLR kit. My advice is to save that little bit extra and go for something better built, like I'm having to now!
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No need to be sorry, I'm sorry for you for getting a poor copy. Mine has been used and abused in the desert and in muddy forests without any problems, its certainly not falling apart.
 
Cheap tripods aren't very good. Sorry but it's a fact.
I know you won't believe me now. But give it a few years and you'll come to the same conclusion.

And yes, I know it sounds like I'm just being an arrogant prat that wants you to spend more than you can afford right now. Honestly I'm not.
 
david1701 said:
I think they start at a hundred?

not used one but they're meant to be good, I'd call em bottom end of good
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They start at £50. How do you know if you haven't used one? I dont see how anyone is qualified to comment on a product if they haven't used one themselves. I'm commenting on a product I own and use regularly!
 
because people I respect rate them as punchy a little above their price band. I have a frotto so dont really need to know what they're like in great detail, I've come to the realisation that I want something lighter but to do it properly is money is well

good tripods are expensive and you need to work out the ratio of strong:light:expensive you want
 
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