(X)pod recommendations and manufacturer reviews.

Paul_Westhead

Paul_Westhead

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Hi,

I am looking to buy myself a tripod / monopod in the relatively near future and I am looking for some advice and recomendations.:help:

I guess some questions / information are needed to start so here it goes.

I am looking to use this for general photography, I want something that I can take any where without to much bulk but I also want to use it for long exposures.

What are the differences between usage of a mono and tripod?
What the the differences in the types of head available?
Should you look for the maximum and minimum height?
Carbon Fibre / Aluminium or plastics?

:shrug:
 
That's a lot of questions! Maybe you should go and have a look at a few, narrow things down a bit.

And fix a budget. A really good tripod and head will cost you from a few hundred upwards.
 
Work out what you want in terms of size, height, weight and what you will primarily use it for then set a budget

What are the differences between usage of a mono and tripod?
Apart from two extra legs, chalk and cheese
 
Thanks for the replies so far. I know this is a very wide and general question, however I don't normally set a budget for anything I want to buy.

I try to look at function before price then try and find something that has the required functions and I feel as though I am getting the right quality for my money.

I think most of my photography will be portrait and landscape. However I do quite like the candid stuff as well.

I really dislike making decissions. :lol:
 
Function before price- Gitzo every time- cannot be beaten. No need to look at any other brand.

You still need to decide what weight, height and max load you are after so you can choose the right model.
 
Thanks for the comments. What are the differences between Gitzo and say Manfrotto equipment? I have seen Manfrotto equipment in use quite alot but have never used it myself.
 
Paul_Westhead said:
Thanks for the comments. What are the differences between Gitzo and say Manfrotto equipment? I have seen Manfrotto equipment in use quite alot but have never used it myself.
Click to expand...

Quality. Gitzo and Manfrotto are actually owned by the same company.

There are dozens of others, and hundreds to choose from. Almost all others are made in China, some to a very high standard, and better value.
 
From what you've said then, I'd get this Gitzo Series 2 Traveller
Click to expand...

Not so sure that would be the best choice, heads are not a Gitzo forte and might be better off with one of their regular tripods and buy a better ballhead

The Traveler range is a good idea, but the legs won't do the 180 degree bit unless you use a smaller head like a Markins Q3. Also can't get rid of the centre column and just use the flat base like some others in the Gitzo range

My personal recommendation would be the GT1541 and although now replaced by the GT1542 still available at a good price http://www.cliftoncameras.co.uk/Gitzo_Mountaineer_GT1541

Decent max load, height without centre column good and folds down small along with being stable too

They do have a scrappage sheme running where you get 60 quid if you trade in an old tripod, just pick one up at a charity shop or boot sale
 
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tijuana taxi said:
Not so sure that would be the best choice, heads are not a Gitzo forte and might be better off with one of their regular tripods and buy a better ballhead

The Traveler range is a good idea, but the legs won't do the 180 degree bit unless you use a smaller head like a Markins Q3.
Click to expand...


HoppyUK said:
From what you've said then, I'd get this Gitzo

Might swap the head for a Markins Q3T
Click to expand...

;)
 
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HoppyUK said:
Might swap the head for a Markins Q3T.
Click to expand...

That or an Arca Swiss, Really Right Stuff or the Kirk ballhead.

They are all around the £250 mark, and will be described as Arca Swiss compatible which refers to the quick release plate sizing for the mounting clamps.

Kirk make an extensive range of plates tailored to fit whichever body or lens you want it for.
 
tijuana taxi said:
Not so sure that would be the best choice, heads are not a Gitzo forte and might be better off with one of their regular tripods and buy a better ballhead

The Traveler range is a good idea, but the legs won't do the 180 degree bit unless you use a smaller head like a Markins Q3. Also can't get rid of the centre column and just use the flat base like some others in the Gitzo range

My personal recommendation would be the GT1541 and although now replaced by the GT1542 still available at a good price http://www.cliftoncameras.co.uk/Gitzo_Mountaineer_GT1541

Decent max load, height without centre column good and folds down small along with being stable too

They do have a scrappage sheme running where you get 60 quid if you trade in an old tripod, just pick one up at a charity shop or boot sale
Click to expand...

That looks like a good deal to me!

To the OP, monopods and tripods are quite different, if you want to do long exposures a tripod really is the way to go as they are self supporting, so if you get a good one and set it up correctly there shouldn't be any movement of the camera. A monopod merely supports the weight of the camera.
 
Martyn... said:
That or an Arca Swiss, Really Right Stuff or the Kirk ballhead.

They are all around the £250 mark, and will be described as Arca Swiss compatible which refers to the quick release plate sizing for the mounting clamps.

Kirk make an extensive range of plates tailored to fit whichever body or lens you want it for.
Click to expand...

Yes, all good gear. But beware of the size of the pan-base that has got to fit between the legs of a folded traveller-style tripod. Markins Q3T is designed for that, hence the T.
 
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