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Tripod?

sportback

sportback

Member
I need help please. I'm looking for a tripod but I'm frankly bewildered by the choice available. I found something interesting, in terms of functions & price, but I'd like opinions please.

Criteria are pretty simple: amateur using 500/SWC limited to maximum 250mm lens.

Light enough/sturdy enough to be able to carry around alot, to be used everywhere. Not too fussed about having a crank to wind up the centre column, a simple slide will do.

I used to have a GITZO (which I can't find anymore) but even here in France they're horribly expensive, so I've sort of narrowed down my choice to a Manfrotto 055XPROB/804RC2 3 way head.

Does anyone know this model or have particular praise or horror stories regarding the marque etc.?

Thanks in advance
 
I use the 055 in Silver (non pro) more sturdy than the pro version I think,

I used to have that head the 804RC2 and although it was fine I swapped it for an 808RC4, I am very very happy with this setup.
 
I have two Manfrotto tripods and I am happey with them. I think that they are good value. One of these days I'll spend $800-900 for a Gizto. I have that three way head and I never us it. I think it was part of a "kit" price for the first CF tripod that I bought.

I am not that happy with my ball heads with the Hasselblad equipment. I am thinking of getting a Manfrotto three way geared head either the 405 or 410. For the price they have excellent reviews.



s
Steve
 
Thank you both for your replies.

Steve - about the geared head. Am I right in thinking that when you turn any one of the knobs, the associated plateau moves and stops/locks when you stop turning it? If so, this seems a much better idea.
 
How about this one?


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Whilst I admire fine engineering etc. I can't justify a price like that! (And I'm certainly not as rich as Jürgen!!)

Although the 400€ for the geared Manfrotto head seems expensive, I really like the principle. I might be able to afford it if I ever stopped buying lenses!!
 
I am also looking for additional camera support but need to decide on a tripod or monopod.

I prefer to handhold my Hasselblad but I now accept that for maximum sharpness I will need the additional suport.

What are people's experiences on using a monopod vs a tripod with a Hasselblad?

Kevin
 
I would use a monopod if I had one for longer lenses.
A monopod gives you more chances to follow targets like on a photo safari.
A good tripod takes away all unwanted movement from the camera especially when using slower shutterspeeds.

For me Slik tripods are optimum between weight and stability.
Older Slik's from the pro series are my favorites, I have two of them
Look at evilbay uk for a selection of those.
 
Haha...evilbay I know exactly why you call it that and so does my Bank Manager!

You recommend Silk and not Gitzo?

Is this because of the weight or price?

Kevin
 
Kevin,

I like Slik because these tripods are not extremely heavy and give good support in spite of modest weight.

The Gitzo ones I have seen are very good but too heavy for me.
Gitzo makes excellent tripods.

Both used Slik tripods did not cost 50 GBP, each of course.


Slik pro series tripod.jpg

Slik pro series tripod


Forget about the head, that is unsuitable for photography.
The connecting frame from the center pole to the legs is essential for stability.
Not all Slik models have that, neither do other brands.
It makes a tripod stiffer and avoids vibrations.


Paul
 

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polypal said:
Kevin,

I like Slik because these tripods are not extremely heavy and give good support in spite of modest weight.

The Gitzo ones I have seen are very good but too heavy for me.
Gitzo makes excellent tripods.

Both used Slik tripods did not cost 50 GBP, each of course.

Forget about the head, that is unsuitable for photography.
The connecting frame from the center pole to the legs is essential for stability.
Not all Slik models have that, neither do other brands.
It makes a tripod stiffer and avoids vibrations.


Paul
Click to expand...

I own a small (read: light) Slik tripod, one without the umbrella-style frame. It no longer has its original pano head, I refitted a Manfrotto ballhead on it.

The reason for me to own a light tripod is really simple: if you want to carry one into the field (for landscape work in my case) it better not break your back. A tripod heavy enough to make you leave it in your car trunk is pretty useless in my book. Same goes for too much weight to put it in air plane checked luggage.

Summarising: carefully consider your use case before buying.

Wilko

NB: I bought my Slik second hand, saves me from having to scratch it myself, while saving € at the same time.
 
my old faithful tripod - I bought this in 1980

I forgot what brand this is until I saw the same tripod here in the thread !

It's been everywhere with me and at one stage was used in a form of self-defence ! It is a great tripod, no fuss, sturdy and reliable.

It is still going after all these years. This was taken on the way to Lithgow (NSW) on the Bell Line Road when I pulled the car over to grab some photos.

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Upsold...

I went in to have an older 35mm camera serviced at the local repair shop and walked out with a ca. $300 (US) tripod. Now that's salesmanship! All kidding aside, he sold me a Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with 3D head. At the time I was primarily interested in capturing views of the aurora and star trails here in Fairbanks so weight reduction wasn't a concern. I love the tripod. The head is finicky and I'd prefer a ball for general use. The 90 degree center-post option on this tripod looked like a great idea at the shop until I realized there is no provision for fine height adjustment without jacking out the legs one at a time. Not sure if this is helpful -just thought I'd throw it out there...
 
I've been worried that I would need a new tripod, but today I took the 501C with the 80/2.8 out for a spin, and my Manfrotto 190 with a ball head worked just fine.
I probably wouldn't get the 190 but rather the 055, but now that I already have it I won't be looking for another.
 
After some thought...

I'm really very happy with the 055XPROB. I'm now using it with the Manfrotto 486 ball head which has a 3/8 mounting thread spring-loaded and surrounding the standard 1/4-20 stud so I can use the larger thread size like Hasselblad suggests. To this I mount the Hasselblad quick connector. The setup is fairly heavy but sturdy and quick to use. Here's a pic "for the record."
 

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