Yet another Tripod Thread - Sorry!!

savvy249

savvy249

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Les
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I've read all the advice on here, and it's don't buy a cheap tripod, you'll regret it.

I've been scouring the evilBay and putting watches on all the Manfrotto 190's (DXB or XPROB) or 055's, but they have all been going for around £100+, with the occasional 190 at around £75 which I missed.

£100 is a bit much for me at the moment, so :-

Is it worth me holding out for a used Manfrotto around £70, or should I go for a new RedSnapper mentioned here on TP often for around £58?

I see the £58 RS's have twist-lock legs, and have seen some problems mentioned, the Manfrotto's have snap over locks - views?

I should mention, I only have lightweight gear, an Olympus E-PL3, but would like to upgrade to an OM-D E-M5 at some stage. I also have quite a heavy long legacy Ozeck 70-200mm zoom lens which really does need to be on a tripod on the E-PL3.

Thx.


Les.
 
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I have a redsnapper and a manfrotto 190. I don't find either leg system a problem. My redsnapper is lighter so gets taken more places
 
I've used a Manfrotto 190 for decades now. It's the original one, a 190QCB with a 141RC head (both models discontinued now) and it's been utterly fantastic. Just the right balance between heavy enough to actually be worthwhile as a pod, and light enough to strap to my lowepro bag when walking around, or to just carry if I'm working locally. It's fallen down mountains, been run over by a forklift truck, washed away in a rocky mountain river, and been kicked around and abused for 17 years. The worst it ever needed was a bit of straightening after the forklift incident.

Utterly, and thoroughly recommended.

If I was to replace it now, I'd get a 190XB with 804RC2 head as that's the closest equivalent today. Light, simple, reliable. Not cheap, no, but get a used 190 and a used 3 way pan-tilt head with quick release, and you can do that for around £100. You will not regret it. It will outlive you if you take care of it!
 
savvy249 said:
I see the £58 RS's have twist-lock legs, and have seen some problems mentioned, the Manfrotto's have snap over locks - views?
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I really prefer the twist-lock legs - but they have to be the ones with Anti-Leg Rotation fitted, otherwise they're a real PITA.

Snap locks will snag anything dangly - camera straps, bag straps, remote cables, etc.
 
Have a look at the giottos MTL9351B as well as I was considering the Manfrotto series then decided on the Giotto as it done almost the same as the 190/055 but was cheaper.. There is a review on the forum for the giotto if it helps..
 
hollis_f said:
I really prefer the twist-lock legs - but they have to be the ones with Anti-Leg Rotation fitted, otherwise they're a real PITA.

Snap locks will snag anything dangly - camera straps, bag straps, remote cables, etc.
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....fingers :)
 
Out visiting rellies at the mo.

Thx for all the replies so far. Have some further questions but not on my iPhone.

Will respond properly tomorrow.

Thx again.
 
Byker28i said:
I have a redsnapper and a manfrotto 190. I don't find either leg system a problem. My redsnapper is lighter so gets taken more places
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That's interesting, I always just assumed the manfrotto would be lighter.

Hmmm........ just checked - RS-283 or 4 : 1.97Kg, MF 190XPROB : 1.8Kg
 
applemint said:
You could also take a look at the Slik tripods as a cheaper (but still decent quality) alternative to Manfrotto. Eg:
http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails~ProductID~5867.html

Load capacity 5kg, Weight 2.5kg Max height is 155cm vs 146 on the 190 and 178.5 on the 055.
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Thanks, I had sort of discounted Slik on new prices, plus that they were only made in the same factory as redsnapper anyway, plus one guy on here saying his was worse than his cheap Hama; but the link to that deal you posted looks very good. Food for thought......
 
hollis_f said:
I really prefer the twist-lock legs - but they have to be the ones with Anti-Leg Rotation fitted, otherwise they're a real PITA.
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How can I tell if one is fitted with this system, or not?

Snap locks will snag anything dangly - camera straps, bag straps, remote cables, etc.
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I hadn't considered that, thanks.
 
keyrex said:
Velbon make good tripods too don't forget
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Hmmm ....... I read on here that Velbon didn't do very well in the AP Group Test. I've let quite a few go past on eBay (D-600, Ultra Luxi M, Sherpa 600, 750). Which used ones would you recommend for my lightweight kit? Thx.
 
Trig's said:
Have a look at the giottos MTL9351B as well as I was considering the Manfrotto series then decided on the Giotto as it done almost the same as the 190/055 but was cheaper.. There is a review on the forum for the giotto if it helps..
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I can't find a used MTL9351B, at the moment, but there is a used 934B for £45, a new MT9240B for £55, and a used MT9340B with MH7002-652 ball head Buy it Now for £75.

Any of these any good compared to the RS-283/4 + RSH-24 at £59?

Thanks.
 
savvy249 said:
I can't find a used MTL9351B, at the moment, but there is a used 934B for £45, a new MT9240B for £55, and a used MT9340B with MH7002-652 ball head Buy it Now for £75.

Any of these any good compared to the RS-283/4 + RSH-24 at £59?

Thanks.
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If you want cheap and good value, and despite your opening comment, tripods worthy of the name don't get much cheaper than this, then RedSnapper is hard to beat. Phone and speak to Joe and I think you'll get 10% off by mentioning this website. Their RSH-12 ball head is very good too - a decent head is at least as important as the tripod itself - it's the bit you actually work with.

Also, you can't say Velbon or Slik or whoever don't make good tripods. Most of the leading brands make good tripods and also less good ones, largely depending on the price. The only brand that only makes excellent tripods is Gitzo, but the price is a bit of a clue to that.
 
HoppyUK said:
If you want cheap and good value, and despite your opening comment, tripods worthy of the name don't get much cheaper than this, then RedSnapper is hard to beat. Phone and speak to Joe and I think you'll get 10% off by mentioning this website. Their RSH-12 ball head is very good too - a decent head is at least as important as the tripod itself - it's the bit you actually work with.
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Richard, Not quite sure what you mean by "despite your opening comment", I haven't meant to be disrespectful with any of my comments?

I've currently got a bid on a Manfrotto, which ends today, but I suspect it will go over my max bid like all the others. If that's the case, I'll enquire about the RS Discount and order their combo. Thanks for the tip about the head, too, I'll have a look at that.

Also, you can't say Velbon or Slik or whoever don't make good tripods. Most of the leading brands make good tripods and also less good ones, largely depending on the price.
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I guess that's me as a noobie reading too much into specific comments in threads, without knowing enough detail.

The only brand that only makes excellent tripods is Gitzo, but the price is a bit of a clue to that.
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LOL :lol: Yes, I've seen their prices, even used :eek:

Thanks for confirming the quality/price on the RS, and that I wouldn't go too far wrong with this.

Rgds.


Les.
 
savvy249 said:
Richard, Not quite sure what you mean by "despite your opening comment", I haven't meant to be disrespectful with any of my comments?

<snip>
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No nothing at all disrespectful Les, just your opening line about not wanting to buy cheap. RedSnappers are cheap, but they are great value and a million miles better than those 30-quid Argos type jobbies. Sorry, I wasn't being clear :)

Edit: being realistic, unless you can get a used bargain, you can't really get a serviceable tripod and a decent head for less that £100.
 
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HoppyUK said:
No nothing at all disrespectful Les, just your opening line about not wanting to buy cheap. RedSnappers are cheap, but they are great value and a million miles better than those 30-quid Argos type jobbies. Sorry, I wasn't being clear :)
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Ah, I see - the opening line from my opening post, yes that makes sense now.

Edit: being realistic, unless you can get a used bargain, you can't really get a serviceable tripod and a decent head for less that £100.
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I'll see how I get on with my bids on used items for a couple of days then, if no luck I'll go for one of the RS Combos, which becomes even more of a bargain with the discount for TP members.

Thanks for everyone's help, and sorry to be a pain with so many questions on one subject in the one thread !!
 
savvy249 said:
Thanks, I had sort of discounted Slik on new prices, plus that they were only made in the same factory as redsnapper anyway, plus one guy on here saying his was worse than his cheap Hama; but the link to that deal you posted looks very good. Food for thought......
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Slik make cheaper tripods as well so I am not sure what they are like, possibly not great (and that may be what the guy was referring to) but the one linked to is part of their Slik 'Pro' range (their word for it not mine).

The one in the link (Slik Pro 400DX) got the best buy in the most recent issue of one of the photo mags (Practical Photography I think??) but the Manfrotto in the test was not the 055 or 190 and Red Snapper was not one of the models tested. But for £69.95 delivered (new, from Morris Photo) I think the 400DX is a great deal though as you will be lucky to find a used Manfrotto 55 or 190 for that.

I did loads of reading of reviews (nearly did my head in) :) and looking at tripods in camera shops and made a shortlist for a lightweight small folded length travel tripod (mainly to take hillwalking and also when I might need a tripod but might not) and a bigger heavier sturdier tripod for when I would definately need a tripod but would not be walking miles with it.

The travel one I ended up with is the Slik Sprint Pro ii GM and I have yet to buy the second tripod (not in a big hurry as I only have lightweight mirrorless cameras + lenses at the moment). Very happy with the Slik Sprint so far (£55 inc ballhead but the head was not brilliant so has been replaced).

But anyway - my shortlist for the bigger heavier dslr suitable tripod is either another Slik Pro 400DX, Slik Able 300Dx or Slik Pro 700DX. The last one in particular is very solid and sturdy and a few people have recommended it over one of the Manfrottos at a similar price. Get's good reviews @amazon (UK & US, B&H photo etc, eg: 11 5 star reviews @amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...r&tag=1567&=electronics&qid=1350231114&sr=1-1 One went for £75 + delivery on ebay recently, but they are not listed as often as the Manfrottos: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SLIK-PRO-...-WITH-700DX-HEAD-MINT-CONDITION-/271069946898
The rest of the shortlist is the ever popular 055 and 190 Manfrotto's and now that I have seen that Giottos MTL9351B I have added that too as it looks just as good as the Sliks and Manfrottos on my shortlist.

You need to decide if you want a ballhead or pan and tilt head and allow for this in your budget and also how much weight you are prepared to carry around. :) My Slik Sprint is under 1kg and the Slik 700 weighs 2.6kg -so there is quite a variation. :D The only tripod on my heavier tripod shortlist that weighs under 2kg is the Manfrotto 190XPROB.
 
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Mark,

Thanks for the detailed reply - it's doing my head in too, LOL :lol:

Yes, weight will be a consideration, we do go out on walks/hikes, so that Silk400 at 2.6Kg is quite heavy compared to some of the others, thanks for pointing that out.

As I, too, only have a lightweight CSC camera, like yourself I think I'll start off with something a bit lighter, and see how I get on with that.

Last night's bids on the Manfrotto's went up to c£100, so I didn't get them.

Based on yours, and others, comments, I'm now looking at other brands, used, as well.

Thanks to all - very helpful in steering me down the right path (I hope !!)
 
savvy249 said:
Last night's bids on the Manfrotto's went up to c£100, so I didn't get them.
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Auctions ending on a Sunday always seem to go for a bit more. 190XPROB @1.8kg is probably the best compromise between tripod weight and sturdiness especially for a small camera like the E-PL3 (I have the same camera).

If you are not in a rush, then you should get one within budget eventually - looking at past listings (completed sales) there was one that sold for £61 a couple of weeks ago and a few that have gone for around the £75 mark, including one buy it now listing at £69.99. All seemed to be lightly used and in good condition.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/csc/i.html?_from=R40&LH_Complete=1&_nkw=190XPROB&_sop=15

Do you have an ebay email alert listing under saved searches so you get an email of new listings (including buy it now listings)? You can also sign-up to be alerted when MPB get any more in - they had one for £64 (now sold) http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/us...s-andamp;-supports/manfrotto-190xprob-tripod/ but you can ask to be notified when anything similar comes in.

Of course you always get a few daft people who pay more on ebay for a used item than you can buy the same thing new for! :D
 
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Hi Mark,

I've set up those alerts now, thanks.

Yes, I think Auction Fever gets the better of people sometime :D
 
I have sometimes found items on ebay that have the finish time at silly hours, these are normally the best to bid on, however you then have 2 options, set your alarm for silly o'clock or set up a goofbay account.

Goofbay is great as you can click on an item, set your price limit and set the time you want to bid, I normally set it for i think 3 seconds before the end of the auction. This is called the sniper.
Yes you do have the occasional loss, but if you put your maximum in you are prepared to spend, then it stops the auction fever kicking in.
The also have a best offers tool on there, you put in the sellers ebay name, and it comes up with the prices they have accepted best offers on items, again you will get to know if the item (especially if they have a few) is within your price range.
 
I had a RS tripod and head and really liked them, but i didnt really use them much.
A mate recently introduced me to the Manfrotto 055XPROB and 496RC2 head and i immediately got myself the same set up.
The RS stuff is good but i always found mine to be rather sloppy when it comes to being rock solid if that makes sense. There was a bit too much play in the head, and although i like the leg adjusters there were a couple of times i had problems with them.

I'd say they are good if the budget is low, and will definitely do the job, but i'd also say hold out for a 055XPROB if you can for a bit longer, its a better set of legs.
 
applemint said:
You could also try Ffordes - they have a good reputation and have a used Giottos MTL9351B Tripod + 5001 Head (mint) for £75 at the moment: http://www.ffordes.com/product/12100916125781 as well as various Manfrotto and Slik models.
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Mark,

Great find - I've just ordered that Giottos from Ffordes, smashing price for a tripod and head.

Many thanks for looking for this - cheers - what a helpful forum this is !! :thumbs:

Les.
 
No worries Les, was looking at Ffordes website anyway (mainly for lenses) and spotted it - hope you are happy with it. Let us know what you think of it as I might end up getting the same model at some stage, when funds allow.
 
Well, I have had the MTL9351B Tripod + 5001 Head for a while now. (Thanks to Mark [ Applemint] )

I'm very impressed with the stability of this rig, even with all legs fully extended, I haven't needed to have the centre pole extended at all (and I'm 6'1"), so can't comment on the stability of that fully extended yet.

I like the flip-locks on the legs, they are very quick to adjust and very secure.

The single bubble on the tripod itself seems to be accurate for levelling with the legs. The bubble levels on the 3-way head, however are less than accurate, and with both head bubbles dead centre, the camera is slightly off level both ways. (However, see later, I've changed heads).

I was wanting to try some moon shots, and I couldn't get the head to tilt far enough backward in it's normal configuration, so had to mount the camera on the QR plate, what I would consider "backwards", so the handle for Tilt was forward of the lens. This did allow it to tilt waayyy back, but felt awkward being in front rather than behind. (This may be me, not understanding it's operation enough).

Also, if I wanted to reverse the centre pole for low-level stuff, the legs in their most upright (but not extended) position were restricting the movement of the head caused by the 3-way head handles hitting the legs.

I think these are a function of the head, rather than criticism of the tripod legs.

After much experimentation, I decided the 3-way head wasn't for me, and got a used Manfrotto 498RC2 Ball-Head from eBay. I wanted a 498 (even though it's a bit of a beast for my E-PL3 M4/3 gear), purely because the smaller heads had a 50mm mount, whereas the Giottos legs have a 60mm mount, and I thought it would look odd !! :lol:

I got this for a steal, as it was advertised as the Locking lever not locking any more, but I had read much online about this being possibly caused by a small pin at the end of the locking lever coming out and dropping into the body, caused by over loosening the lever. So, I took a punt, and sure enough, I could hear something rattling around in it. After much shaking, it eventually fell out of the locking lever hole, and I just had to re-insert it in the end of the lever, and re-screw in - perfect locking now !! :thumbs:

The combination now, is rock-solid, and a dream to use. I've even had a stupidly long & heavy (for M4/3) Super Ozeck 75-250mm zoom, plus Vivitar 2X TC, plus OM to M43 adapter on it and it doesn't move a fraction.

The arrangement for moving the centre pole up, out, and into the horizontal position is very quick, and again very solid once locked off.

The only thing that I think is a bit odd, is that there is a lever to lock the centre pole at the top of the legs, there is also a collar on the centre pole itself underneath the apex of the legs which also locks it off. Add to that, the pan lock on the 3-way head or the ball-head, and you seem to have 3 ways to do the same thing! Not a major problem, I just lock off both the former 2 firmly, and use the head pan-lock if I want to rotate it in a more controlled fashion than just swivelling the ball from the top.

All in all, I'm very happy with this tripod.

Hope this is useful to anyone considering this model, and also some sort of payback/acknowledgement for all the people who helped me.

Rgds.


Les.
 
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