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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Decent Tripods?
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01/19/2007 07:23:04 PM · #1
Hi guys,

I made the bad decision a few months ago and bought a cheapo tripod which has no structure to it and wobbles about in the slightest bit of breeze!

I'm now looking to buy a new (and fairly decent) one but I have no idea what to look out for?? I'm looking to use it with my canon 300D and want something that will be sturdy and adjustable in height for taking landscape and action photographs.

As this is the best place on the whole of the world wide web to come for advice i thought i would ask you guys for any help/opinions you may have. ;o)

Thanks
Chris

01/19/2007 08:12:08 PM · #2
I've recently bought this tripod and this head for roughly 200 Euros and I'm more than satisfied with this combo. I don't know about action photography, which I hardly ever do, but I'd guess a monopod would be more suitable for that.
01/19/2007 08:20:28 PM · #3
We're not very helpful tonight are we? Maybe there wasn't enough party in your post?

I think budget might be helpful here, as it will determine the final answer. No-limit VS low-budget are astronomically different with all things photographic.

I think the Dynatran AT6793S is a good choice, with a reversible column that also doubles as a monopod. Monopods are more useful for sports, IMO.

The Slik 300DX is another possibility. It's cheaper and lighter overall.

If you have some money to spend you can go the Bogen/Manfrotto Route:

190MF3 Tripod and the 486RC2 Ballhead or the 322RC2 Grip action head

Happy Hunting ;)

Message edited by author 2007-01-19 20:21:54.
01/19/2007 08:36:49 PM · #4
yeah, sorry... it would have been helpful if i had put down the price range, but basically I am looking for as cheap as possible for a decent quality pod, i have no real idea how much these things cost they seem to range from $50 up to a price tag i definitely can't afford??

01/19/2007 08:39:12 PM · #5
Originally posted by dewdodesign:

yeah, sorry... it would have been helpful if i had put down the price range, but basically I am looking for as cheap as possible for a decent quality pod, i have no real idea how much these things cost they seem to range from $50 up to a price tag i definitely can't afford??


I guess anything I would consider a "decent" tripod would start around $100.

Look up Amvona on ebay, they sometimes have pretty sweet deals on their tripods there.
01/19/2007 08:43:45 PM · #6
You've already seen where you end up when you go too cheap. You definitely *don't* need to go ultra-expensive. Here's a good starting point... probably the most popular tripod recommendation made here is the Bogen 3021 Pro. The legs retail around $158 USD, and a good ball head like the 488RC4 is about $106 USD (B&H prices). You can get decent performance for less, but the above could well last you a lifetime, and will handle moderate length thelephoto lenses (300/4, 400/5.6) with ease. Buy once, avoid repeat purchase, save money in the long run!

Message edited by author 2007-01-19 20:45:18.
01/19/2007 09:07:54 PM · #7
hey thanks guys, at least this gives me a good starting point and i can start looking around the web for decent deals, i hadn't even heard of Bogen or Amvona as manufacturers before so you've definitely been a big help.

:o)
01/19/2007 10:21:25 PM · #8
Originally posted by dewdodesign:

hey thanks guys, at least this gives me a good starting point and i can start looking around the web for decent deals, i hadn't even heard of Bogen or Amvona as manufacturers before so you've definitely been a big help.

:o)


"Bogen" aka "Manfrotto".
01/19/2007 10:34:59 PM · #9
Yes, lots of us have made similar mistakes and regretted it (you can see a lot of comments along this line in past threads). It's hard to go wrong with Manfrotto. Some people speak highly of Slik and Benbo as well.

As kirbic said, you've already seen what happens if you go the cheaper end. Better to spend more than you had hoped and get something you know will be good, than to spend about what you hoped and end up with another dud tripod. My Manfrotto tripod cost me A$300 which was a lot more than I hoped, but having got it, I doubt I'll ever need to buy another one.


Message edited by author 2007-01-19 22:36:56.
01/19/2007 10:48:45 PM · #10
I have a Manfrotto tripod, with a quick release camera mount. It has snap lock adjustment for the legs and is very light. I love this tripod, even though it was the most expensive in the shop.
01/19/2007 11:41:58 PM · #11
I was looking at tripods today, actually, and I'm going to concur with the Manfrotto.

A good Manfrotto base can be in the $130 range, with a nice ball joint head for $100-150.

I'm kind of particular to the "Joystick" style heads.
01/20/2007 02:18:09 AM · #12
//www.prime-junta.net/pont/Pontification/a0099_Tripods_101/_Tripods_101.html?page=1

Take a look
01/20/2007 03:02:37 AM · #13
Originally posted by saurabhv:

//www.prime-junta.net/pont/Pontification/a0099_Tripods_101/_Tripods_101.html?page=1

Take a look


That's a very nice site. Thanks for the link.
01/20/2007 07:58:42 AM · #14
You "NEED" to spend some $$$ and get a good tripod, otherwise you will find yourself in the exact same position that you find yourself in here, standing outside with a flimsy tripod yet again.

Manfrotto (Bogen) is all I've used so I can't compare it to anything else, but they are well-made, sturdy tripods. Slap on a good 3-way head (I use the 410) and you will have superb support for your 300D.

Ball heads are a bit easier to work with, but sacrafice some support and "fine-tunability."

Edit to add: "I lied...I actually use a Gitzo 2220 which I love along with the Manfrotto." ;-)

Message edited by author 2007-01-20 08:01:21.
11/22/2008 07:28:26 PM · #15
Opinions please?

I'm not sure I got the right tripod & ball head.
Does anyone have the Manfrotto 055XB Classic tripod and/or the 222 Grip Action Head Joystick?

We shopped at a local camera store because I wanted to have hands on time to see what felt good.
Unfortunately, we bought while there (and paid too much - not my usual research for weeks before buying).
But now I'm having buyers remorse a bit. Some remorse about the extra money paid. But, also that maybe I didn't get enough good advice from the salesman.

I'm a bit worried the tripod and head are not going to hold my 20D & 70-200 lens properly. Manfrotto's description for the head says "SLR cameras with short and/or light fixed-length lenses".
The tripod does not have the horizontal center column feature of the pro model - but it's does have the option of removing the column so you can get a low angle on the whole tripod.

Anyway - just wondering if anyone has these items and can give me feedback.
11/22/2008 08:17:38 PM · #16
Originally posted by AutumnCat:

Opinions please?

I'm not sure I got the right tripod & ball head.
Does anyone have the Manfrotto 055XB Classic tripod and/or the 222 Grip Action Head Joystick?

We shopped at a local camera store because I wanted to have hands on time to see what felt good.
Unfortunately, we bought while there (and paid too much - not my usual research for weeks before buying).
But now I'm having buyers remorse a bit. Some remorse about the extra money paid. But, also that maybe I didn't get enough good advice from the salesman.

I'm a bit worried the tripod and head are not going to hold my 20D & 70-200 lens properly. Manfrotto's description for the head says "SLR cameras with short and/or light fixed-length lenses".
The tripod does not have the horizontal center column feature of the pro model - but it's does have the option of removing the column so you can get a low angle on the whole tripod.

Anyway - just wondering if anyone has these items and can give me feedback.


The legs should be fine but I'm not so sure about the head. The head is rated at 5.5 lbs and that may be pushing it. Can you exchange it for something a bit more robust?

Edit: the 322rc2 can be had for just a bit more and support 11 lbs.

Message edited by author 2008-11-22 20:21:32.
11/22/2008 08:18:03 PM · #17
My brand new Manfrotto 55XPROB Tripod with 410 Geared Head. Love it!



I think the 222 head is not quite up to long lenses. I looked at the 488 ball head and the 410 geared and went with the 410.

I have used a 70-200 lens with it and it is still very solid. Get some type of carrying case though since it weighs around 8 lbs. Short of getting carbon this is the weight you get for the stability.

Message edited by author 2008-11-22 20:22:50.
11/22/2008 08:32:20 PM · #18
Thanks Bob & Ken. The info is much appreciated!

Yes, I do believe I got the wrong head. I'm a bit unhappy with the advice this guy gave us and I really want to return both items. I told him exactly what equipment I use and he didn't advise against getting that head.
Will have to see how to get the right gear!
11/22/2008 08:35:00 PM · #19
I have this tripod, the sunpak 6464. about 50$. its sturdy, has quick release head, and had ncie, fluid panning motions. i really like it.
11/22/2008 08:58:41 PM · #20
Well, if you have a few bob you can't do much better than these legs. A strong and sturdy tripod for life but I probably love it most for the pull push legs and the fact they are inside out (you can be in 18 inches of water and still not get water inside the legs). I use a geared head for Landscape stuff and fluid head if I use the tripod for motion stuff.
11/22/2008 09:24:14 PM · #21
Induro makes good tripods as well. The prices of these are comparable to manfrotto.
11/23/2008 02:40:53 AM · #22
Originally posted by AutumnCat:

Opinions please?

I'm not sure I got the right tripod & ball head.
Does anyone have the Manfrotto 055XB Classic tripod and/or the 222 Grip Action Head Joystick?

We shopped at a local camera store because I wanted to have hands on time to see what felt good.
Unfortunately, we bought while there (and paid too much - not my usual research for weeks before buying).
But now I'm having buyers remorse a bit. Some remorse about the extra money paid. But, also that maybe I didn't get enough good advice from the salesman.

I'm a bit worried the tripod and head are not going to hold my 20D & 70-200 lens properly. Manfrotto's description for the head says "SLR cameras with short and/or light fixed-length lenses".
The tripod does not have the horizontal center column feature of the pro model - but it's does have the option of removing the column so you can get a low angle on the whole tripod.

Anyway - just wondering if anyone has these items and can give me feedback.


I have a Velbon CF tripod and have recently acquired the 222 head. I have found the head to be easy to use and very solid. I know it to be capable of holding a 50D and 200mm lens with no problems. I think you have made a good choice.


11/25/2008 09:07:37 PM · #23
Thanks again for all the feedback.
I called the store and their return policy allows me to get a refund. So - taking the two pieces back tomorrow.

I'm considering a carbon fiber set of legs to lighten the load - but am concerned that it won't be stable or sturdy enough.
Has anyone found that to be the case with carbon fiber?
What about the mag fiber models?

Too many choices!
11/26/2008 07:18:53 PM · #24
Bump for carbon/mag fiber questions.
11/26/2008 07:34:42 PM · #25
Originally posted by AutumnCat:

Bump for carbon/mag fiber questions.


Did not look into carbon very seriously when I was shopping as it was out of my price range. Basically use the maximum load as a guide. A carbon and an aluminum may both support 15 lbs, but the carbon one will wiegh 3 lbs and the aluminum one 5 lbs. You have to decide whether 2 lbs of weight saving is worth the extra money. They should be equally sturdy for the weight load specified.
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