Tripods - Something sturdy?

[AndyA]

I'm thinking about getting myself a sturdier tripod. After yesterday's 'The Tree on the Hill' photo session, it became quite apparent that at some point in the future, I'm going to have to get something reasonably decent. With my current cheap as chips tripod, when zoomed in with Live View to focus, I could see my framed shot 'creep' in the viewfinder.

It may be a month or two before I buy, but I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction. I'm not overly concerned about tripod weight, I just need something good and strong. PC World have some tripods, are any of them recommended?

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/manfrotto-tripods/751_7189_70244_29_xx/xx-criteria.html

[Thndr_strck]

Re: Tripods - Something sturdy?

I use one of these http://www.vanguardworld.com/index.p...1-4-14-82.html
It supports my 5d3 and sigma 50-500mm with no hassles.
Not sure where you'd get one from tho

[Thndr_strck]

Re: Tripods - Something sturdy?

http://www.vanguardworld.co.uk/index.php/pv/where-to-buy.html

there ya go

[David Morison]

Re: Tripods - Something sturdy?

I have a National Geographic Expedition Carbon - absolutely rock steady and does almost everything you want except make the tea!

http://www.fotosense.co.uk/national-...on-tripod.html

David

[Alan Campbell]

Re: Tripods - Something sturdy?

Hello Andy,
i use a Manfrotto 055xproB tripod which is very steady.
I would recommend spending that wee bit extra for something robust bearing in mind you can be putting thousands of pounds worth of gear on top and you would not want something flimsy.
use the legs for adgusting height as much as you can rather than the centre column.
in windy conditions weigh it down by hanging your bag from the middle between the legs.
I have had cheep and can strongly recommend manfrotto.

Alan

[2Beers]

Re: Tripods - Something sturdy?

Another for manfrotto 055xprob

[MX5]

Re: Tripods - Something sturdy?

Another Manfrotto user (both Tripod and the surprisingly useful Monopod, with a collection of heads). You say you are not too concerned about weight ... you or your Sherpa have to lug it about. But it needs to be sturdy and part of a system so it can grow. Guess the first thing you might like to think about is how low will it go ... some go very low (with 'magic legs') and other about 2'. Then you need to try at the other extreme ... can it extend enough (and stay stable) so you can use without stooping (which us older types find painful). Then your budget will dictate Carbon Fibre (£££) or Aluminium (££). If you intend using it knelt down then factor in a knee mat. But for emergencies I still use an old Pod and cable release.

A wise Chinese man once told me 'A cheap naff tripod is worse than no tripod'.

[colin C]

Re: Tripods - Something sturdy?

Another Manfrotto user.

My all purpose tripod is an 055MX carbon.

[Mish21]

Re: Tripods - Something sturdy?

Another Manfrotto 055xprob user here too. Have both tripod and monopod, though admittedly the monopod doesn't come out much.

[Wayne Els]

Re: Tripods - Something sturdy?

I have a Giottos MTL 8351B which is well made. Can't compare it to other expensiveish ones as I haven't used em. I got it on fleabay otherwise I would have probably got the 8350B as it folds a bit smaller.

[AndyA]

Re: Tripods - Something sturdy?

A wise Chinese man once told me 'A cheap naff tripod is worse than no tripod'.

I like that! I noticed today that the locks on the tripod legs, don't lock too well. Thanks everyone for passing on your views. :)

[Nathaniel]

Re: Tripods - Something sturdy?

I have a Giottos MTL9351B (Aluminium)+ MH5011 head which I hadn't used much due to it's weight; however recently I found my lightweight Cobra tripod which I used had the dreaded "creep"- LCD screen going up and camera and lens pointing down. So have decided on the Giottos for all future use. It costs around £139- tripod and head. Not the most expensive but suits my needs- Landscapes and interiors of buildings esp churches.

[AndyA]

Re: Tripods - Something sturdy?

Thanks Nat. I looked at the Manfrotto mentioned by the other members and thought it was a good price ... then I realised that the head was extra.

[Ascot55]

Re: Tripods - Something sturdy?

Hi Andy,

Take a look at Red Snapper tripods

http://www.redsnapperuk.com/camera-a...r_Tripods.html

A working colleague of mine bought one at Christmas ( the RS-324 Alloy 4 Section Tripod model) and whilst heavy, I was very impressed with the quality etc. There are bundle offers if you are looking for a head as well.

Just a suggestion for consideration.

Regards

Steve

[AndyA]

Re: Tripods - Something sturdy?

Thanks Steve.