Demise of an old friend

[Ollie]

Hi folks, after nearly twenty years of faithfull service my old Heiwa HS644B tripod is rapidly nearing the end of it's life. I have patched it up over the years with such items as a piece of drive belt from a washing machine super glued into place, electrical tie wraps, and more recently electricians tape.
I am looking at the Manfrotto range of tripods as a replacement. I can't afford a top of the range carbon fibre job so have been looking at the new view kits. Has anyone any experience of these. My price range is between £100/150:00. Bearing in mind that the head has to be capable of supporting a Bigma lens. Lens and camera combined weigh approximately 2.5kg
The old Heiwa tripod weighed approximately 3kg and I would be reluctant to go for anything heavier than this.
I have looked at the various Manfrotto tripods in my price range but would love to hear from anyone that has any experience of using them.
Thanks Roger

[Alan]

Hi Roger

As I posted on Barbara's thread about what zoom lens to pick, I also mentioned I used a Manfrotto tripod.

The one I use is the Manfrotto 055 CLB priced around £99 on warehouseexpress. The next one up in this range is the 055 PROB which is around the £120 mark (Kev Lewis uses this one...say no more!).

This range is really good value for money, and is well established as it's been around for over 20 years. They are a mid weight tripod of a couple of kilos, which after using a Benbo Classic at over 4kg with head, feels quite light to me. You also, as with most of the Manfrotto range, get spares and accessories for them such as short centre columns, spare leg clips and feet.

I use the 488RC Ball head which is quite strong and at around £40-50 quite good value for money.

Since you don't live that far from me Roger, I'd be quite willing to pop down so you can have a gander at it! Just let us know and we'll arange something

Hope this helps

Alan

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by Alan

Hi Roger

As I posted on Barbara's thread about what zoom lens to pick, I also mentioned I used a Manfrotto tripod.

The one I use is the Manfrotto 055 CLB priced around £99 on warehouseexpress. The next one up in this range is the 055 PROB which is around the £120 mark.

This range is really good value for money, and is well established as it's been around for over 20 years. They are a mid weight tripod of a couple of kilos, which after using a Benbo Classic at over 4kg with head, feels quite light to me. You also, as with most of the Manfrotto range, get spares and accessories for them such as short centre columns, spare leg clips and feet.

I use the 488RC Ball head which is quite strong and at around £40-50 quite good value for money.

Since you don't live that far from me Roger, I'd be quite willing to pop down so you can have a gander at it! Just let us know and we'll arange something

Hope this helps

Alan

Cheers Alan. It would be good to meet you sometime, maybe we could meet hafway somewhere if you know of anywhere. The next time I am free would be anytime realy on Monday 26th June. Will be going off-line shortly but should get back on very late this evening or you can Pm if you want.
Roger

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Ollie

Cheers Alan. It would be good to meet you sometime, maybe we could meet hafway somewhere if you know of anywhere. The next time I am free would be anytime realy on Monday 26th June. Will be going off-line shortly but should get back on very late this evening or you can Pm if you want.
Roger

What I'd probably do is come by your place on the way to Far Ings, Barton. I haven't been there for a couple of months so I might aswell make the most of it. I could always pick you up if you like and we'll go together. You can then have a good try with the tripod. Just pm me when you're on again, and we'll see what's what!

Alan

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by Alan

What I'd probably do is come by your place on the way to Far Ings, Barton. I haven't been there for a couple of months so I might aswell make the most of it. I could always pick you up if you like and we'll go together. You can then have a good try with the tripod. Just pm me when you're on again, and we'll see what's what!

Alan

Still here Alan, sounds good to me just give us a rough time weather permitting of course and I will tell you how to find me
Roger.

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Ollie

Still here Alan, sounds good to me just give us a rough time weather permitting of course and I will tell you how to find me
Roger.

Is early Monday morning OK with you? We'll verify a time Sunday maybe, and as you say - weather permitting!

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by Alan

Is early Monday morning OK with you? We'll verify a time Sunday maybe, and as you say - weather permitting!

That would be fine Alan. I can meet you there if you like it will save you dropping off the motorway. Must go as I've tea to cook before going on 12 hour night shift
PM me a time sometime Sunday, it will be 10pm or after on Sunday when I get on line, but whatever time will suit me fine. I have a silver Nissan Micra by the way to help you recognise me
Thanks
Roger

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Ollie

That would be fine Alan. I can meet you there if you like it will save you dropping off the motorway. Must go as I've tea to cook before going on 12 hour night shift
PM me a time sometime Sunday, it will be 10pm or after on Sunday when I get on line, but whatever time will suit me fine. I have a silver Nissan Micra by the way to help you recognise me
Thanks
Roger

Will do Roger

[Alan]

Just to say thanks Roger for showing me round the Wildlife Trusts site at Messingham today. It was a good morning, I'll certainly be going there again!

Cheers..........Alan

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by Alan

Just to say thanks Roger for showing me round the Wildlife Trusts site at Messingham today. It was a good morning, I'll certainly be going there again!

Cheers..........Alan

My pleasure Alan, by the way my photos weren't up to much, and thanks for letting me try your tripod. Ordered the same model and head this afternoon
Roger