Tripod reccomendation

FUDGEY · #1 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 08:00 PM

My 40th bday is coming up and I'm getting vouchers from Jessops. I want a decent tripod, but would really appreciate some advice to help me choose the right one. It's mostly birds & mammals I photograph, but I will be doing landscapes and macro in the near future. With this in mind could you offer me any ideas please? I'll have about £250 to spend, but could add extra myself if neccessary. I know jessops probably isn't the best option, but it wasn't my choice. Hope someone can help.

Jim Ford · #2 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 08:21 PM

This year I bit the bullet and bought a carbon fibre Benro Flexpod and am very pleased with it.

PhotoPal UK | Benro Tripods & Heads Benro Carbon Fibre Multi-functional Tripod C-198n6

Unfortunately I don't think Jessops stock them.

Jim

Tormentil · #3 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 07:05 AM

I bought a Manfrotto MN190CX PRO4 carbon fibre tripod a few months ago and it's excellent. The centre pole is easy to move from the vertical to horizontal position and it the legs will splay out horizontal too. So it's great for low level shots. You will have to buy a head though. I bought the 391 RC2 .

sidewalkdoctor · #4 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 07:42 AM

As Ben says the Manfrotto MN190CX PRO4 carbon fibre tripod has all the boxes ticked plus it is fairly light (total weight with ball head 2.6kilos) being carbon fibre not Ally. However the Jessops on-line has not the ball head he has, so this would be a fine substitute Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head With RC2 Rapid Connect System & all for less than £200.

Wish I had one instead of my Red Snapper look-a-likey...

(it is Ally)

Ben

Davy Crockett · #5 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 08:05 AM

there's nowt wrong with any of the Slik range of tripods, take your gear with you and try it attached, if its steady and fits then its ok.

FUDGEY · #6 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 09:42 AM

That is excellent advice guys. Thanks to all of yous.

Tormentil · #7 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davy Crockett

there's nowt wrong with any of the Slik range of tripods, take your gear with you and try it attached, if its steady and fits then its ok.

I have a Slik Master Classic, as well, and it's a heavy lump to carry all day, though it is as steady as a rock, that's why I splashed out on a carbon fibre tripod. These old bones tire very quickly

sidewalkdoctor · #8 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 04:54 PM

My monopod is a Slik Pro Pod 600 & worth its' weight in gold. Even use it as a staff when coming down a slope......

Ben

Geoff F · #9 (**permalink**) 18-09-2009, 06:13 PM

I use the Manfrotto 055XPROB with a Manfrotto 322RC2 ball head - and I wish it was worth it's weight in gold!

But if you don't mind a bit of exercise, it is a very strong construction while the ball head gives rapid movement and a firm grip. No wobble at all, even with a 40D and Sigma 150-500 at full reach. Legs will adjust to a very wide angle for lower shots.

And while it is a bit fiddly to set up, the centre column can be adjusted to a horizontal angle for those lying in the mud shots.

acherontia · #10 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 07:31 PM

OH has the 055MF3 Magfiber (swine) and I'm making do with his old Benbo tracker 2.

Heavy, man!!! (Ozzy voice)

Acher

PS - He's just said if I don't want it I can give it him back LOL LOL

Elean0r · #11 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009, 12:33 PM

I've got a Velbon CF631EL, which is brilliant. It doesn't weigh very much, so is easy to carry all day.

Fully extended, without using the centre column, it's at my eye level and it can also be used as a grounder for very low level shots.