Tripod Help

Scarlet Pimpernel · #1 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 04:15 PM

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 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 05:30 PM

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

Chris_Johnstone · #3 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 05:52 PM

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 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 06:53 PM

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 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 07:10 PM

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 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 07:16 PM

Jacob:

Touché!

RichBrew

glsammy · #7 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 07:38 PM

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 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 11:44 PM

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 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 04:23 AM

Quote:

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 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 10:23 AM

Quote:

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

richardkm · #11 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 12:00 PM

If you close up the legs on a tripod, you have a monopod! I don't get on with monopods, finding that they don't give me any stability, so I use a tripod and put up with the weight.

DuncanE · #12 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 01:12 PM

Quote:

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

Be greedy and have both.

I have a monopod I now want a tripod - well a replacement for the basic one I do have. If I'm in one place and not in the way i'll use a tripod this also goes for longer exposures. If I will move around, need more fredom or likely to get in the way, I will use the monopod.

Scarlet Pimpernel · #13 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 02:42 PM

I have a Manfrotto Mono already but I am just finding it hard to keep still especially in the wind or when I am cold out birding. Has anyone used the Manfrotto 190XB & 460MG head or the Manfrotto 190XPROB & 460MG head?

Scarlet Pimpernel · #14 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 05:46 PM

Just a couple of others...Slik D3 Master Classic, Manfrotto 055XV & 700RC2 head Birdwatching Tripod or finally the Manfrotto 055XV & 701RC2 head Birdwatching.

Cheers Jacob

Fourwings · #15 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 06:17 PM

Have a serious look at the Velbon Sherpa 600R tripod.
I have just bought one myself as my trusty old Slik D2 has just bitten the dust after over 20 years service.
The Sherpa 600R comes complete with an excellent one touch two way head c/w quick release plate.
I have two friends that already use this tripod and swear by its stability and excellent functionality, both of these friends and myself use large DSLR's fitted with Bigmas (Sigma 50 - 500mm zoom).

Best of all it does not cost the earth at around £80.

Steve.

Fourwings · #16 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarlet Pimpernel

Has anyone used the Manfrotto 190XB & 460MG head or the Manfrotto 190XPROB & 460MG head?

I had a good look at these and in my opinion they were too light and those heads were a bit fiddley for quick adjustment which is frequently needed in wildlife photography, plus they would not be much use when using a spotting scope.

Steve.

Scarlet Pimpernel · #17 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 06:31 PM

Thanks very much Steve, interesting reading

MagpieMick · #18 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 06:51 PM

Hello Jacob,

I shot 99.999 % off a tripod even flight shots.....!!!!

I do have a Manfrotto monopod and i do use it just not as much as a tripod.

For macro work i use the Uni-loc 1600 ... Great tripod ... i use it with a Manfrotto ball and socket head ... Any position is possible ... But you have to wait to take your shot because of vibrations !!!!

For all Bird photography and Nikon Scope i use a Manfrotto 055V Tripod with 701RC2 head ... i've made some D.I.Y alterations to the tripod first i cut the arm that you move the head with down as short as possible and second the center column i've cut so its fixed in one position and cannot go up... This second one is mainly for hides as then i get two legs up on the shelf and one on the floor....

This Tripod setup i've found to be easy to use and fairly light to carry around allday...

Its not the sturdiest tripod in the world but it works fine...

Mick..

Scarlet Pimpernel · #19 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 07:03 PM

My good friend is telling me to get a Manfrotto, he has the Manfrotto 190XV + 700RC2 Birdwatching Tripod Kit. I think I will probably get the same, it is on offer at the mo at £139.95 with the head...

Cheers Jacob

MagpieMick · #20 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 07:15 PM

Jacob, thats a good setup and a nice price ....what camera/lens will the 700 be used with as this is a lightweight head for another £20 you can have the 701 stronger sturdier and smoother..
just a thought might be worth concidering...if its not mail order then have a test run....

Mick..

matt_xyz · #21 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fourwings

Have a serious look at the Velbon Sherpa 600R tripod.
I have just bought one myself as my trusty old Slik D2 has just bitten the dust after over 20 years service.
The Sherpa 600R comes complete with an excellent one touch two way head c/w quick release plate.
I have two friends that already use this tripod and swear by its stability and excellent functionality, both of these friends and myself use large DSLR's fitted with Bigmas (Sigma 50 - 500mm zoom).

Best of all it does not cost the earth at around £80.

Steve.

that's the tripod I also use. I've been very happy with mine. The centre column is removable which allows you to get fairly low for macro work, although the lens is still around 10-12" from the ground. Some discussion in another thread recently suggested that some other tripods allow you to get down to around 3 or 4" which could be useful.

Matt

MagpieMick · #22 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_xyz

Some discussion in another thread recently suggested that some other tripods allow you to get down to around 3 or 4" which could be useful.

Matt

The Uni-loc i can get the camera 1 mm yes not a typing error ONE mm off the ground and still supported by the Tripod....takes a bit of getting use to working with it as but for Macro i find its great..

Mick..

delros1 · #23 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 07:45 AM

have you looked at the manfrotto spiked feet 236 ,it replaces the rubber foot,and realy makes for a much more staple mono pod, when it pressed in to the ground.both amazon and speedgraphic .co.uk-the code at( speedgrapic) is ma236.
i have been using a velbon tripod for the last 20 odd years,about 6 weeks ago , i purchased the benbo1 kit, and while its a tad on the big side,and a nuisance to carry,once you get the hang of setting it up,it works like a dream with my d200 and tamron 200-500mm lens.

dav56 · #24 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarlet Pimpernel

My good friend is telling me to get a Manfrotto, he has the Manfrotto 190XV + 700RC2 Birdwatching Tripod Kit. I think I will probably get the same, it is on offer at the mo at £139.95 with the head...

Cheers Jacob

Can you tell me where this is on offer and will it cope with a 100-400 lens?

Thanks
Dave

wildtinsey · #25 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 09:12 PM

I have been using a swarovski tripod for many years, it is firm and find it ideal for both my cameras and spotting scope. It is basically a rebadged manfrotto. The standard head can be changed as at the moment it is only suitable for horizontal shots as it wotn rotate the other way.