Tripods?

Jason E

Jason E

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Jason
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Hi guys just a quick question.

As you can tell i've only just started out in photography so i would like to know what's the best tripod to get? I don't really want to be spending a lot on one at the moment so I'm just looking for something with good value and not too feeble to get me going.

Thanks

Jason
 
You don't need to spend a massive amount to get a decent tripod but at the same time go too cheap and you'll not use it as it just will not be fit for what you need...

The big questions are what do you want to use it for as different tripods/head are suited to different applications...

Ideally you want one that is sturdy/secure, now I know that sounds stupid but the really cheap tripods are so cheap I'm construction that the slightest breeze will set them off wobbling which will ruin your photo

Personally I use an aluminium manfrotto tripod, selected as its can be used very tall if needed but can also go really low too, some cannot, it is bulky but that is something I don't mind...you don't want your tripod so heavy that it puts you off using it ;) otherwise it will always live in your car boot :bang:

So function, weight and price are the three factors and you'll never satisfy all three

You can get light weight and extremely stable/functional but it will be expensive
You can get cheap and extremely stable/functional but it will be heavy and so on :D

As to recommendations one maker that's always well regarded is an advertiser on here and that is red snapper, I believe there is even a discount to members on the forum
 
Work out the height you need. My advice would be to consider the height without the centre column extended.

If you want to go low consider minimum height.

I still maintain the heaviest tripods are the most sturdy regardless of what they're made of.

If you want to climb mountains with it consider something lighter. Sounds daft but strength / weight comprimise can up the price but consider carbon fiber.

Unlike a lot of photography gear - buy a good tripod and it will be years before you need another.



Good value - look for Redsnapper for sale through TP

PS

There's a nice carbon fibre Manfrotto for sale on TP for £50
 
Last edited:
dinners said:
I still maintain the heaviest tripods are the most sturdy regardless of what they're made of.
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This isn't something to maintain, It's just a fact. I still use ridiculously light ones though, adding a bag on a hook is a perfect substitute for a heavy tripod if it's a good one, especially if I'm hiking with it.
 
Magnus said:
This isn't something to maintain, It's just a fact. I still use ridiculously light ones though, adding a bag on a hook is a perfect substitute for a heavy tripod if it's a good one, especially if I'm hiking with it.
Click to expand...
I somewhere picked up, that, what is below camera, must weigh more than what's above...

Jason E said:
...i would like to know what's the best tripod to get? I don't really want to be spending a lot...
Click to expand...
Things, that can't be said in same sentence!

If you plan to spend a future in photography, do some savings first. Will save you some money. Or a lot, probably. At least, if you're anything like some of us...
rolleyes.gif
 
I too am looking for a tripod to take travelling. As I'll be hiking and camping it needs to be sturdy and light. I have a cheap CF Manfrotto that was on special in Jessops. Will any of the Red Snapper be sturdier whilst being in the same ball park weight wise?
 
The cheapest Redsnapper tripod is around 1.5kg IIRC.
 
Jan's advice above is good. I have had many tripods. Some too light and some too heavy. I eventually saved and have two CF Gitzos now. One traveller and a 5431. They appear to be extortionate in price now but I wish I had purchased these when I knew I was serious about photography as it would have saved me a lot of hassle along the way.

Manfrotto is a good place to start when it comes to tripods

Chris
 
MWHCVT said:
You don't need to spend a massive amount to get a decent tripod but at the same time go too cheap and you'll not use it as it just will not be fit for what you need...

The big questions are what do you want to use it for as different tripods/head are suited to different applications...

Ideally you want one that is sturdy/secure, now I know that sounds stupid but the really cheap tripods are so cheap I'm construction that the slightest breeze will set them off wobbling which will ruin your photo

Personally I use an aluminium manfrotto tripod, selected as its can be used very tall if needed but can also go really low too, some cannot, it is bulky but that is something I don't mind...you don't want your tripod so heavy that it puts you off using it ;) otherwise it will always live in your car boot :bang:

So function, weight and price are the three factors and you'll never satisfy all three

You can get light weight and extremely stable/functional but it will be expensive
You can get cheap and extremely stable/functional but it will be heavy and so on :D

As to recommendations one maker that's always well regarded is an advertiser on here and that is red snapper, I believe there is even a discount to members on the forum
Click to expand...


Thanks for your information I'll take it on board and start my search for one
 
Thanks guys I'll get into looking at these,your info has been very much appreciated
 
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