new tripod

gregA · #1 (**permalink**) 26-03-2011, 02:32 PM

Hi all
think its time to invest in a new tripod. What r u guys using?. any ideas on a decent one for about 100-150 pound (if there is one for that price) any help will be much appreciated.
thanks gregA

nightshade · #2 (**permalink**) 26-03-2011, 06:43 PM

I use a Benbo a really versatile tripod. many people (who should have more sense) recite old wives tales about it but I and may others have had no problems just a very flexible tripod

BillyPilgrim · #3 (**permalink**) 27-03-2011, 01:31 AM

There's lots of choice for that kind of money.

The most obvious is probably the Manfrotto range. I don't have one myself but they're widely used and of good build quality. They're a very popular brand so most camera shops (including PC World) tend to stock them so you can have a good look and feel before you buy.

A cheaper but less well known option is the Redsnapper range. I use one of their £50 ones for my backup and they are surprisingly well-made for the price.

davecatt · #4 (**permalink**) 27-03-2011, 02:13 AM

What do you use it for? I find a monopod adequate for a 600 mil mirror lens on a Canon eos 10d,and you cant get much heavier than that.

Portability and good reproduction of subject is my main criteria for photographing nature and wild life subjects.

slimrbp · #5 (**permalink**) 27-03-2011, 09:55 AM

Echo Davecatt's question really.

What are you going to use it for (macro, landscape supporting a huge lens)? What weight of gear are you planning to support?

And finally are just after tripod legs or would you need a head as well?

Tringa · #6 (**permalink**) 27-03-2011, 10:45 AM

I have a very sturdy tripod from Red Snapper (RS 324 + RSH 24 head) for about £115.

Home

Dave

gregA · #7 (**permalink**) 27-03-2011, 12:24 PM

should have said what i'll be using it for. i want it for a scope for both observation & digiscopinging as well as photography both wildlife and general. need both legs and head
gregA

Lancashire Lad · #8 (**permalink**) 27-03-2011, 01:00 PM

On the face of it, this looks to be a very good bargain: -
Velbon EL530 Carbon Fibre Tripod and PH250 Head (2461) - Warehouse Express

I've had two Velbon tripods in the past, and they were both well made and very serviceable.

Both of mine were aluminium construction, (last one was Sherpa 600R), but the spec on this carbon fibre model c/w magnesium head, seems (for the offer price) very good indeed.

I only changed (to my Manfrotto 055XB/405 Geared Head) as most of my photography is macro, with lots of focus stacking included, so I needed critical control over the head movements, for which my Manfrotto combo, though weighty, is ideal. Were it not for that, I would still be using the Velbon 600R.

Regards,
Mike