Tripod advice for Canon 550d

[gavinmls]

Hi all

im in the midst of pressing "buy" online for the Canon 550d and a EF 70-200 4L USM lens. i imagine the majority of my photos will be taken whilst on foot, and will be getting a wide angle lens for landscapes in the not too distant future.

can anyone recommend a decent tripod that would support the weight of this and not break my back at the same time?!

Any thoughts are most welcome :-)

Thanks

Gavin

[Geoff F]

Well for serious photography I use a Manfrotto (055X PROB) which is an excellent tripod which is well liked by the semi pro users.

But it is heavy, and I mean heavy! Good value but not exactly cheap either.

It is also cumbersome to carry (30 ins long when folded). So for general lightweight occasional use, I bought a Velbon Ultra Luxi L which is a 4 joint tripod which folds up to 15 ins and will fit inside my backpack.

Well constructed but a reasonable weight; and should be available at a little under £100. I use it with a Canon 40D plus a Sigma 180 macro; and I have successfully used my Sigma 150-500 but preferably with only 3 sections extended.

The Velbon Sherpa range may also be worth a look.

But if you want to do serious tripod work, I don't think you could beat the Manfrotto; it's just carrying it around all day, along rough tracks and woodland, that can become a problem.

[Red Squirrel]

I use a Manfrotto 190XB. It's not too heavy and sturdy.
I had a spare handle from a travel bag which I clipped onto the tripod so just sling it over my shoulder when walking.

[Stinky Bob]

I also use the Velbon Ultra Luxi L and am really pleased with it, it will take upto 2.5kg which is ample for my D90 and Sigma 300, it packs up so small and light, the only niggle is that you need to unscrew and then rescrew one of the handles for erecting/dismantling but that is only minor point.

[BillyPilgrim]

Have a look at the Redsnapper 283 and 284. They both cost £49.95 and are excellent value for money.

Don't be put off by the low price. They are very good quality.

I have the 284, which I use when I travel abroad (it is quite light and folds up very small - 490mm) to support a Canon 1d mk IIn and a 500mm lens, total weight is about about 6kg.

They are also supplied with a very good tripod bag.

[davecatt]

Originally Posted by gavinmls

Hi all

im in the midst of pressing "buy" online for the Canon 550d and a EF 70-200 4L USM lens. i imagine the majority of my photos will be taken whilst on foot, and will be getting a wide angle lens for landscapes in the not too distant future.

can anyone recommend a decent tripod that would support the weight of this and not break my back at the same time?!

Any thoughts are most welcome :-)

Thanks

Gavin

If your going to be on the move and using low range magnification I would suggest a monopod with a foot brace and cable release. Dont spend too much too soon. If you later decide to go into heavy weight gear such as high mag telephoto or the sort of shots that require a slow shutter speed, then a solid sturdy tripod is a must. The Manfroto is good quality gear but there are good solid tripods available at half the price.

Remember, the gear the professionals use is more expensive simply because the professionals use it. Dont pay over the odds for a hobby, and always try before you buy.
Dave

[Geoff F]

Stinky Bob, I don't normally remove that handle when folding up my Luxi L as I find simply folding down the tripod head will allow it to fit inside my backpack (Lowenpro Mini Trekker) even with the handle sticking out slightly.

It is only when placing in the 'official' Velbon carrying bag that the handle needs to be removed; and I have never used any tripod bag because I fear that would make it far too easy to leave behind.

[GTH]

Like Billypilgrim, I too use a redsnapper with my 1D mark II and 500mm, and have never been disappointed at it`s performance. Christina uses one as well with her 5d and 400mm f2.8....now that`s a lump of a lens !!

[Stinky Bob]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

Stinky Bob, I don't normally remove that handle when folding up my Luxi L as I find simply folding down the tripod head will allow it to fit inside my backpack (Lowenpro Mini Trekker) even with the handle sticking out slightly.

It is only when placing in the 'official' Velbon carrying bag that the handle needs to be removed; and I have never used any tripod bag because I fear that would make it far too easy to leave behind.

Thanks Geoff I will give that a try

[gavinmls]

All - thanks for the advice - appreciate you taking the time to answer

I'll get investigating.... :-)