What tripod for a 50-500mm Sigma lens?

[Garry]

Morning

Still new to the game of photography. Last year I bought a 50-500mm Sigma lens to fit my Canon 400D camera.

Now I want to buy a decent tripod, Nothing tooooooo expensive ie £200+

Wonder if anyone can help. It is a fairley heavy lens.

I did hear this might do, but never seen one in my local camera shop- (Jessops)

Manfrotto 055XProB - Tripod
804RC2 - Head

Total is about £160 ish or so

Is this a good one to get or any other ideas.

Many Thanks

Garry

[nigel_b]

I use a Slik Master Classic for my scope and recently camera. It cost about £100 and I think its brilliant! It doesnt have tilt though, so you have to get it upright or the camera tips when you pan. No experience of the one you mention.

[Geoff F]

That Manfrotto is certainly a sturdy piece of kit. I got a 322RC2 ball head with a trigger handle for easy and quick use, although I reversed the handle so I can operate it with my left hand while using my right for quick shutter clicking. But there are cheaper simpler heads available.

While I have no qualms about recommending this tripod for quality, I would suggest having a thought about size and weight. Closed up it still measures 30 ins and is really heavy. I strap mine onto my Lowenpro Mini Trekker bag, very tightly, put it on my back and just try to keep walking. But with camera, Sigma 150-500 and 180 macro, plus sandwiches, it does take a bit of effort after a couple of miles on rough terrain.

So for more occasional and easy carry use, I have just ordered a Velbon Luxi-L tripod which, hopefully, will fold up small enough to fit inside my bag and be handier for general use; they should be available for a little under £100 including head.

But when the weather warms up and I'm seriously looking for wildlife again, it will be back to the Manfrotto.

[Garry]

Many thanks for your help.

Looking at the ideas on the web now.

Touch wood, be buying at the weekend.

Thanks

Garry

[GTH]

Hi Garry,

I use a Redsnapper with my Canon 500mm f4 with a Kood ball head and find it very adequate.

You can find these if you goggle them.

Best of Luck

Geoff

[Tormentil]

Originally Posted by nigel_b

I use a Slik Master Classic for my scope and recently camera. It cost about £100 and I think its brilliant! It doesnt have tilt though, so you have to get it upright or the camera tips when you pan. No experience of the one you mention.

That seems odd. I have the Slik Master Classic and it's D3 head is the only head I've come across that has a two-way pan head, lockable in both axis with one handle.

It is a bit on the heavy side, that's why I bought a Manfrotto 190CXPRO4, but it's rock solid.

[wizzo]

Hi Garry! I've got the Manfrotto 190 ProX and it's superb. Also have a look at the carbon Giottos. Made under licence from Manfrotto, they are very good quality, very stable and came out tops in a number of reviews. A real classy looking bit of kit too! Two hundred quid or thereabouts should get you one of these or the cheaper aluminium version. P.s - I know Jacobs stock these but not sure about Jessops? - Wizzo

[Tobyh]

Manfrotto 055X Pro B here - with a 488RC2 ball head.

Worked a dream when I had a Bigma, still works fine with a heavier prime on it.

Have to say it's a purchase I've never regretted and wondered why I wasted money on a cheaper one first (doesn't everyone!)

TobyH

[momji1971]

Just watch with the Manfrotto tripods as too how much pressure/weight you pu ton them.

I had the 055 carbon but with a D300/powerpack and a 500mm prime I managed to snap the leg lock mechanism when having the legs splayed for extra rigidity.

Finally, after three tripods, I got one rated WELL over my gear weight.

regards.
Stu.

[Garry]

Once again many thanks for all your help.

Garry