what tripod to get

[bazz3014]

hi im looking to buy i tripod for wildlife im fairly new to photography i have a 550d and sigma 150-500 im only spending about £100 and i have found this one fotopro c5i does anyone no if its any good or could anyone point me in the right direction thanks

[wizzo]

Hiya Bazz! I've never heard of that model to be honest. I have an Arena Pro tripod (currently for sale as it happens ) It is one of London Camera Exchange's own brand tripods and comes highly recommended. You want something sturdy with that lump of a lens and the Arena's are certainly very well made, sturdy tripods. Where are you located Bazz? Regards - Wizzo

[Geoff F]

The Manfrotto 055X is popular but it isn't exactly cheap or lightweight. It will definitely do the job though. Remember that you will need both legs and a suitable head attachment for this model.

As an alternative lightweight easy carry tripod, I also use a Velbon Luxi L which I have used with that lens. But it does get a little shaky particularly in a stiff cross wind, and I wouldn't want to raise the centre column. Velbon produce a number of other versions which are within your price range.

They are reasonably well made, but not in the same league as the more expensive Manfrotto.

I'm afraid there isn't any cheap options if you want absolute stability; unless you find something secondhand.

[Jim Ford]

I've seen stated elsewhere, something along the lines of:

Light
Cheap
Rigid

Choose any two!

Jim

[johnf3f]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I've seen stated elsewhere, something along the lines of:

Light
Cheap
Rigid

Choose any two!

Jim

You must be doing better than me! I can only get one out of two!
However there may be an exception! I should state that I am a Gitzo fan/owner of 4, and believe that nothing I have yet encountered compares - but then I don't have a mortgage to pay or kids to feed!
I have a number of TRIOPO products and find them pretty good, especially when you look at the price.
If the OP can stretch their budget a bit I think this tripod may just be the job. Pretty light, pretty rigid ( I have one of their smaller tripods and the Carbon is not bad - remember I am comparing to GITZO) and it's FAIRLY cheap. Have a look on E Bay - item number 180665506909.
Hope this is of use.
PS. If you want a ball head, I have the TRIOPO RS3 (£30) and my 600mm F4 + 1D4 are simply too light to test the lockup/creep on this little head.

[John D]

Originally Posted by wizzo

Hiya Bazz! I've never heard of that model to be honest. I have an Arena Pro tripod (currently for sale as it happens ) It is one of London Camera Exchange's own brand tripods and comes highly recommended. You want something sturdy with that lump of a lens and the Arena's are certainly very well made, sturdy tripods. Where are you located Bazz? Regards - Wizzo

Hi Wizzo,

Have a look at the Giotto range on the Giotto webpage and others such as Warehouse Express etc.

John D
Zenfolio | John's Wild World

[MartynA]

Hi Bazz

I use the Sigma 120-400 on a tripod and you really do need a fairly sturdy one to make it worthwhile and hold the weight of that lens combination.

I used to use a Velbon tripod, which was great to carry around but just couldn't cope with the Sigma, so I now use a Slik tripod - which is a pretty heavy over the shoulder job to carry but does provide a sturdy platform.

If you're spending a lot, I'd certainly recommend trying the tripod out with the Sigma, just to make sure it can cope.

It depends what you intend to photograph, but often a bean bag on a bit of convenient tree is a better (and lighter) option!

Martyn

[wizzo]

Hi John! Yes I already have a Carbon Giotto, which I take out with me when I want to impress the other birders . Seriously though, it's a stunner, nice and light and sturdy too. The one slight issue I have with it though, I cant seem to lock the centre column tightly enough. It may just be me perhaps. If anything though, the Arena is a bit more rigid and is perfect for the spotting scope. However, it's obviously heavier and doesn't turn any heads Wizzo

[Stevio125]

Have you considered a monopod ?
If you walk around whilst shooting they are a lot more flexible and lighter to carry. I bought a giottos head and pod for around £60-70 a year or so ago, they take a little getting used to but definatly add enough support for sharper shots.

[operanut1972]

Hi,

Have you looked at the 3leggedthings products, they offer good stability, with reasonable price. For £150 you can get a really good set up. However, Velbon offer cheap but good as well! You get what you pay for generally in this field!

Good luck, hope you get what your looking for!
OpNut72