Tripod

MASEY1977

MASEY1977

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CRAIG MAISFIELD
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i am looking for a decent sturdy tripod, i do like the look of the Induro ones.
just wondered what everyone else recomends?
 
There are a lot of options with tripods, so a bit of additional info might help get suitable suggestions.

What sort of budget do you have?
What sort of gear are you using on it (body, biggest lens, etc)?
Do you need lightweight for carrying?
Do you need compact for travel?
What sort of things are you shooting (Landscape, Macro, Aircraft, wildlife, etc)?
 
Sorry.
It's for wildlife. Nikon D750 with 500mm f/4.
I am looking at carbon so it's not too heavy.
Budget around £3-400.
 
I'm currently looking into upgrading my tripod too and I will be roughly carrying the same weight (d750 and 200-400 f4) as you. There are some many out there and too many specs to check. A friend bought an induro tripod (CLT404?) recently, so far he seems happy with it and it looks well built. I've been looking at benro tripods, either the combination or Mach3 series. I'm hoping to drop into WEX soon to have a look. The problem I have is I would like something that's quite high so I'm not using the tripod at full leg extension like I do with my manfrotto 055 tripod (there was a good thread recently about increasing leg stability). There doesn't seem to be many that get over 150-160cm without extending a centre column. There is a benro Mach3 that goes to 180cm with centre column or 210cm with centre column raised.

I think this is the model my friend has:

http://www.indurogear.com/uk/products/induro-clt404l.aspx

One of the benro's I was looking at:

http://www.benroeu.com/products/benro-tma48cxl.aspx
 
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Induros are good, made by Benro. But for a long and heavy lens like a 500/4, Gitzo Systematic is the tripod of choice.

The key to the Systematic's stability, apart from peerless build quality, is the lower position of the camera relative to the the legs. If you look at a tripod and 'visually' extend the legs above the top platform to a point where they meet at the apex, that is the position of least movement and maximum stability. Ideally, you want to get the lens as close to that as possible. It really makes a difference, and for the same reason, that's why extending the centre column reduces stability (often dramatically). The leg angles also affect stability more than you might think, optimum is around 23-25 degrees. Some are narrower, down to maybe 20 degrees, to gain a bit more height but at the loss of some stability. These things don't make much odds with most general photography, but long lenses magnify everything.

As for size, I've been using a 3-series Systematic recently and IMHO it strikes a very good balance between carrying weight, height and stability with heavy gear. There was a recent thread where a member picked one up a used one for a bargain £250.

The thread I think Rob is referring to re sliding a couple of inches of leg back up to increase stability is this one https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/the-secret-to-tripod-stability.635490/#post-7557932. It makes a very good point but not all tripods and types of leg lock are the same. I've tested dozens of tripods for my work and one thing that always stands out with Gitzos is the rigidity of their leg locks. They look like most others but are much stronger and the sliding-up trick barely makes any difference with Gitzos so you can use them at full height without much worry.

With your kit, a good tripod will pay dividends, as will a really good head :)
 
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Jim_Tod said:
I upgraded a manfrotto 190 to a used gitzo 5531- night and day.

Have a look at http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-gitzo-gt3542xls-series-3-6x-systematic-tripod/p1529760, 25kg load, 2m high, £400
Click to expand...

That is a fantastic buy (y) XLS model adds loads more height for only 200g extra weight. Tempted... Looks like there are a few good deals on Gitzos ATM :)

ps You can add either a sliding or geared centre-column to Gitzo Systematics. They're not cheap, but some third-party columns also fit (check carefully!).
 
Cheers for the info guys.
Defo looking into it more now.
 
MASEY1977 said:
Cheers for the info guys.
Defo looking into it more now.
Click to expand...

There is a caveat - if you're using a gimbal (recommended) or any other head where you actually hold the camera at the moment of exposure, then you can get away with a much more modest tripod. It all comes down to the steadiness of your arm, but most wobbles there get smoothed out by the gimbal and your hand provides excellent vibration damping. With a long lens, you can often get sharper pictures that way than not holding the camera, especially if it's a bit blustery.

A good technique with long lenses that you'll often see professionals using at sports events, is to also rest your left hand on top of the lens. This provides extra support at two points, and doubles the hand-damping effect.

Edit: that Gitzo Systematic for £400 at WEX above is a seriously good buy (Rob?). It might even be a typo :eek:
 
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Jim_Tod said:
I upgraded a manfrotto 190 to a used gitzo 5531- night and day.

Have a look at http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-gitzo-gt3542xls-series-3-6x-systematic-tripod/p1529760, 25kg load, 2m high, £400
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up, I've placed an order for one of the gitzo GT3542XLS you linked as its exactly the spec I was looking for and not much more weigh than my current manfrotto 055CX. I've been noticing a need for a more stable tripod whilst doing long exposures recently.

HoppyUK said:
Edit: that Gitzo Systematic for £400 at WEX above is a seriously good buy (Rob?). It might even be a typo :eek:
Click to expand...

Hopefully it's not but I wouldn't be surprised if it is a typo/accident price change as its a crazy price compared to the rest of gitzo range they stock. I'm going to go with expecting an order cancellation, if it's delivered at that price then I will be very pleasantly surprised and also very happy :)
 
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It does say on wex that it has £400 saving on it should be £799..

I'm thinking of getting this one now.
Thanks guys.

I am currently using a manfrotto mt294a3 with a benro gimbal.
 
rob-nikon said:
I've been noticing a need for a more stable tripod whilst doing long exposures recently.
Click to expand...

That's exactly the reason I upgraded from the 190 and couldn't believe the difference. I had the 190 out of the cupboard again a couple of weeks ago when I had a problem with my 410 head locking to the gitzo top plate and they both went off to manfrotto for a fix but the 190 just didn't feel strong at all.
 
Looking on WEX this morning their Photokina 2016 update shows Gitzo are starting to release the updated '3' versions of all their tripods so it's most likely they may be trying to reduce 'old' stock in time for the new 'updated' tripod releases.

They have the newer version of this tripod (GT3543XLS) for pre-order at £799.95.

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-gitzo-systematic-tripod-series-3-4s-xl/p1608124

It's starting to look like the GT3542XLS for £399 is a genuine price and not a mistake.
 
Jim_Tod said:
That's exactly the reason I upgraded from the 190 and couldn't believe the difference. I had the 190 out of the cupboard again a couple of weeks ago when I had a problem with my 410 head locking to the gitzo top plate and they both went off to manfrotto for a fix but the 190 just didn't feel strong at all.
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I upgraded my 190 to a benro 147AXL
Massive difference in stability. It is heavier though. Great with the gimbal and 150-600
 
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I can't remember my Benro carbon model, got it off here but very pleased with it.
 
rob-nikon said:
Looking on WEX this morning their Photokina 2016 update shows Gitzo are starting to release the updated '3' versions of all their tripods so it's most likely they may be trying to reduce 'old' stock in time for the new 'updated' tripod releases.

They have the newer version of this tripod (GT3543XLS) for pre-order at £799.95.

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-gitzo-systematic-tripod-series-3-4s-xl/p1608124

It's starting to look like the GT3542XLS for £399 is a genuine price and not a mistake.
Click to expand...

Sweet :)

All tripods manufacturers 'refresh' their ranges every couple of years, but since there's been zero technological development in tripods for about 100 years, that just means the marketing department redrafts the spec sheet, changes the size/weight by a few grams and adds a red knob, then gives a fancy name to the new GMTSS System (Gitzotronic Magic Terrain Stability System, ie different feet on the 'new' Systematic it looks like). They get publicity in all the mags and websites, and bump the price back up so they can begin the steady discounting process again.

That's still an amazing bargain on one of the best tripods you can buy (y)
 
A quick thread update. The £399 price for the gitzo GT3542 at WEX is correct! I've just visited WEX on my way back from Norfolk and the staff even managed to stop my delivery as it hasn't left yet and change it to collection. I tried the demo out in the store and I'm very impressed with it. Even with two legs extended its at my eye height (I'm 5ft11).

All Photos-1078 by -Rob - Nikon-
 
That's a bargain price for the Gitzo gt3542xls, I paid £649 for mine from WEX around 6months ago
 
rob-nikon said:
A quick thread update. The £399 price for the gitzo GT3542 at WEX is correct! I've just visited WEX on my way back from Norfolk and the staff even managed to stop my delivery as it hasn't left yet and change it to collection. I tried the demo out in the store and I'm very impressed with it. Even with two legs extended its at my eye height (I'm 5ft11).

All Photos-1078 by -Rob - Nikon-
Click to expand...

Nice Mate.

i can't help look at these too http://www.dalephotographic.co.uk/i...ro&results=59#product-description-tab-content
 
MASEY1977 said:
Nice Mate.

i can't help look at these too http://www.dalephotographic.co.uk/i...ro&results=59#product-description-tab-content
Click to expand...

That's a good, big, and versatile tripod, no question, but it's a Ford to the Gitzo's Mercedes. It'll seem solid as a rock on its own, but put it next to Rob's Gitzo and give them both a wiggle and the difference will be clear.

They're not really comparable though, apart from the similar cost. Gitzo Systematics are much less compromising, a more specialised design without centre-column as standard for example, and the XLS version at that bargain price is a huge thing, 2m tall and 72cm even when folded down. Add a centre-column and it'd be seriously unwieldy but once set up, that's the time to smile :)
 
Having got home from Norfolk, I've had more of a play and compared it to my manfrotto 055 4 section carbon tripod. Side by side closed up its bit of a beast compared to the 055 manfrotto. When up at a normal height (1 and 3/4 leg extensions-they even marked the first section legs to aid putting it up to this height) it's not huge. it's noticeably bigger than my 055 but it's not scary big, it's solid big. It definitely gives you confidence nothing is going to move. Set to full height at 2m I can stand under it (I'm 5ft 11") and sadly they they don't provide a step ladder!

I'm definitely happy with it, it's a bargain for £399. I've been messaging a mate and it looks like I've got him pretty interested too.

@MASEY1977 if you are happy with a closed length of 72cm plus tripod head onto of this then I can highly recommend the gitzo. You won't regret it unless 72cm closed is too big for you. Even though you don't need 2m all of the time it's nice to have it available in case you are on a hill or uneven terrain.
 
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Cheers @rob-nikon for the update.
I have just been watching some you tube videos on both the gitzo and induro although I do like both gitzo seems the way to go..
I just wish it came with a better carry bag. (But that's just me being picky).
 
I almost never use a tripod at standing height... maybe for BIF/Airshows, but I'd much rather be handholding for that. I just spent two days photographing Elk, not once was the tripod set up above waist high. Often it is set up as low as possible with me sitting/lying on the ground (i.e. waterfowl/shorebirds). And for portraits you generally want it "center of mass" (i.e. chest height for a 3/4).
On the other hand, I have used tripods at 9ft for a higher angle... but still, almost never at "eye level"... that's just lazy and leads to "generic" perspectives/images (but it might hurt less).

FWIW, I have owned/used Gitzo, Benro, Induro, Sirui, Davis Sanford, Manfrotto, Benbo, etc, etc, and I currently use an RRS series 3 as my primary wildlife tripod (I stole it). IMHO, tripods are like everything else photography related; once you get beyond the "minimum entry level" you tend to pay exponentially for incremental improvements. IMO, pretty much anything rated for ~ 50lb is adequate for anything you might ever need, particularly action/wildlife photography because the tripod is really there more for weight support than it is for "stability."

I also don't use a carry bag or specialty tripod strap. I just attach a camera strap to 2 legs.
 
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HoppyUK said:
I've tested dozens of tripods for my work and one thing that always stands out with Gitzos is the rigidity of their leg locks. They look like most others but are much stronger and the sliding-up trick barely makes any difference with Gitzos so you can use them at full height without much worry.
Click to expand...
Gitzo (along with others like RRS/Sirui) uses long bushings, or a series of bushings on older Gitzo models... the net result is that "full extension" still has a couple of inches recessed/in contact. Other's (like my Benro) might use a single short bushing where less than full extension makes more of a difference. But even w/ Gitzo/RRS/etc, if max stability is required then less than full extension is beneficial... but other factors like remote/M-up/delay/etc probably make as much/more of a difference.
 
I quite often use a tripod at high full height, like 7ft or more. I like to use a long lens for some product shots, and to get the right angle at distance means putting the tripod right up. It's easier than lowering the table once everything's set up and the next shot needs to be low again.

The other time is larger group shots, when extra height shows faces better and gives a different angle. Which is why wedding photographers always have a small step ladder in the car.

Steven, can I ask, what do you make of your RRS tripod? I've never managed to get hold of one, but while I'm sure they're really excellent, I wonder if they can be significantly better than Gitzo, size for size. What do you think?
 
MASEY1977 said:
Cheers @rob-nikon for the update.
I have just been watching some you tube videos on both the gitzo and induro although I do like both gitzo seems the way to go..
I just wish it came with a better carry bag. (But that's just me being picky).
Click to expand...
The 'carry bag' is pretty poor considering the price bracket of the Gitzo. It's more of a dust cover as it has no handles so it not really any use as a carry bag. I've got a manfrotto carry bag that I bought a few years back, it's spent most of its time in the cupboard as its too big to carry with my bagpack. I find I either hold the tripod or strap it to my backpack. A long camera strap would be perfect.
 
HoppyUK said:
Steven, can I ask, what do you make of your RRS tripod? I've never managed to get hold of one, but while I'm sure they're really excellent, I wonder if they can be significantly better than Gitzo, size for size. What do you think?
Click to expand...
I would say the RRS is kind of like the Arca Swiss of tripods, just a little nicer/more refined.
Lighter/sturdier... that's my impression. Comparing the 3 series of each (mine's the 33), the RRS uses larger diameter tubes w/ thinner walls (39mm vs 32mm). I just recently sold my old Gitzo 5 series which was a tank in comparison. And my Gitzo 3541xls which weighed about the same, but has skinnier tubes and was much more wiggly at full extension (and a lot taller)... but I probably should have kept that one as it's more versatile and when not fully extended about as stable.
But I just had too much money in tripods that weren't getting used...

Edit: it looks like Gitzo has updated their tubes to "eXact" CF which is a weave more like RRS uses, and the weight ratings have increased to be about the same.
 
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sk66 said:
I would say the RRS is kind of like the Arca Swiss of tripods, just a little nicer/more refined.
Lighter/sturdier... that's my impression. Comparing the 3 series of each (mine's the 33), the RRS uses larger diameter tubes w/ thinner walls (39mm vs 32mm). I just recently sold my old Gitzo 5 series which was a tank in comparison. And my Gitzo 3541xls which weighed about the same, but has skinnier tubes and was much more wiggly at full extension (and a lot taller)... but I probably should have kept that one as it's more versatile and when not fully extended about as stable.
But I just had too much money in tripods that weren't getting used...

Edit: it looks like Gitzo has updated their tubes to "eXact" CF which is a weave more like RRS uses, and the weight ratings have increased to be about the same.
Click to expand...

Thanks Steven :)
 
Great thread this..I'm looking for a tripod for my d500/500 f4 and wimberley. The gitzo looks great at £399 but it does say it's ideal for lenses up to 400mm (even though the weight supported is MUCH more). Would it still provide stability on a 500mm? If so I'm getting it.
 
htid said:
Great thread this..I'm looking for a tripod for my d500/500 f4 and wimberley. The gitzo looks great at £399 but it does say it's ideal for lenses up to 400mm (even though the weight supported is MUCH more). Would it still provide stability on a 500mm? If so I'm getting it.
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Manufacturer's load ratings etc are almost meaningless. And as mentioned above, if you're using a gimbal, pretty irrelevant anyway.

Rather more important for a very long lens is a second mounting point. One on the lens collar as per usual, and a second strut from the camera secured to one of the legs, eg Manfrotto 359 http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-...afuapblgpkrlkrw-y4dow6qwgu1xaa_mh8roccivw_wcb
 
HoppyUK said:
Manufacturer's load ratings etc are almost meaningless. And as mentioned above, if you're using a gimbal, pretty irrelevant anyway.

Rather more important for a very long lens is a second mounting point. One on the lens collar as per usual, and a second strut from the camera secured to one of the legs, eg Manfrotto 359 http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-...afuapblgpkrlkrw-y4dow6qwgu1xaa_mh8roccivw_wcb
Click to expand...

Have you (or anybody else) used the gitzo gt2532s for long lenses? It's £100 more than the better one that was linked to but also 500g less. I'm not the biggest built (5'7 and just under 10 stone) so the weight makes a difference to me, plus I travel with it and 500g saved in the hold is helpful. I'm happy to pay less and carry more if the linked tripod is much sturdier for the focal length I'm shooting at (500mm with 1.4tc on crop body) but since you said it's the head that makes the difference and I have a proper wimberley that's solid, i wondered if the lighter 2 series would suffice. I'm expecting the answer to be "no, go for the heavier one", but it's worth asking.
 
HoppyUK said:
Manufacturer's load ratings etc are almost meaningless. And as mentioned above, if you're using a gimbal, pretty irrelevant anyway.

Rather more important for a very long lens is a second mounting point. One on the lens collar as per usual, and a second strut from the camera secured to one of the legs, eg Manfrotto 359
Click to expand...
How do you track a moving subject with that thing?
 
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