Tripod Help

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

Hi guys,

I need to get a new tripod as my monopod is struggling with the constant use of my 170-500mm lens and 400D. I have around £120 to spend, anyone have any ideas what would be a good purchase. Dont want a hugely heavy one but weight isn't too much of an issue, a couple of friends suggest Manfrotto or Velbon as a starting point.

Cheers Jacob

[nightshade]

Manfrotto are very popular here,a quick perusal of previous threads will give you a good idea (I like Benbo myself)

[Chris_Johnstone]

I'm a manfrotto user. I have a 055PROB. This tripod can be manipulated so the centre column can be made to sit horizontally (by detaching it first). Any models with XPROB can do this without detaching it but cost slightly more and my photography doesn't require it that often. The tripod is very stable and can extend to my eyeline without using the centre column. I use a manfrotto 222 head on this which easily supports the size of lens you mentioned. All in all about £160, slighty over your budget but a good combination for flexibility.

What I really suggest is...
Buy a really good tripod and head, they'll last for ages and are vital. Secondly, buy a tripod that doesn't have supporting legs between the centre column and the legs. This means you can splay the legs out to get really low to the ground for macro, hide use etc.

Chris

[RichBrew]

Jacob,

Do you really want to replace a monopod with a tripod? After the freedom you have become accustomed to with the former, I would think replacing like for like would be the better solution, and you would be able to get a pro-spec monopod (capable of supporting a 600mm f/2.8 lens) for the budget you have set yourself.

Just a thought.

RichBrew

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

Rich I have thought long and hard about exactly that but the Tripod gives me so much more stability however I do love the freedom of the mono I think it is time to get more stability, it can also double up for my telescope then too!

Cheers Jacob

[RichBrew]

Jacob:

Touché!

RichBrew

[glsammy]

I suggest you simply replace your monopod with a better one. I can't imagine shooting without one. You can react faster to moving subjects, and still get good shots with low shutter speeds with the right technique.

Mind you, I'm biased. I simply can't manage a tripod. I've got one, but it mainly stays at home for macro work.
My Monopod is a Manfrotto 694 Magfibre with a 234RC Quick release Tilt Top Head. Total cost was around £140, back in May 2006. I can mount and unmount the camera very quickly, for those fast moving flying shots. The weight of the Bigma is no problem at all for this set up.

[Seajay]

I agree with Graham. I am a strong believer in a tripod but some months ago was advised by him and others on WAB to try a monopod. For birds in the field they are superb giving great mobility and very good stability. Keep the tripod for close-up and landscape work. Each has it's uses but lugging a heavy tripod for miles is not really feasable for me nowadays. If bird photography is your main aim then replace your monopod.

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by Scarlet Pimpernel

Rich I have thought long and hard about exactly that but the Tripod gives me so much more stability however I do love the freedom of the mono I think it is time to get more stability, it can also double up for my telescope then too!

Cheers Jacob

Aahh

Now if you want a tripod for telescope, then you have to get something fairly robust with good smooth head.

When I bought my telescope I was very disappointed until I bought my manfrotto tripod.

I also use a monopod which is light, but also use the tripod as a monopod quite often with bird photography to keep the speed of use.

[John D]

Originally Posted by RichBrew

Jacob,

Do you really want to replace a monopod with a tripod? After the freedom you have become accustomed to with the former, I would think replacing like for like would be the better solution, and you would be able to get a pro-spec monopod (capable of supporting a 600mm f/2.8 lens) for the budget you have set yourself.

Just a thought.

RichBrew

I agree! A monopod can be used in situations where a tripod would just be a hinder. It is also much lighter to carry around and in my opinion much more adaptable in most cases.
I have a Manfrotto 679B monopod with a 234 RC head and find it ideal for my Canon 400D and Sigma 100-300f4 lens and 1.4tc.
There is still of course a case for having a good tripod in some cases but not as a replacement for 'the adaptable' monopod.
John D