New tripod needed
 

Its about time I upgraded on my tripod because the one I'm using is too low and doesn't do much good for landscapes.

I'm thinking in buying a Manfrotto tripod. But unsure which to buy.

I'm wanting a 3-legged tripod which extends to near eye level (I'm 6'2" if that helps). Also where the legs stretch out on the ground at ground level (see photo).

Manfrotto?
Lightweight - Carbon?
Suitable to the Canon EOS 450D
Suitable for landscapes and panoramic views and portrait
Where the center arm tilts horizontally

Any ideas which Head I would need too?



[IMG]http://andrewmillerphotography.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/manfrotto_tripod_rig_2.jpg[/IMG]

To be honest I would pop into various camera shops and see what they have to offer and have a play, a tripod is quite a personal thing really and different people get on better with different systems.

You have a good checklist so take that in with you.

If you want to do panoramics then a proper pano head is a lot of money on it's own so think carefully about how often you will use this as it will probably not be much good for normal use.

If it was me then I would probably look at a good quality ball head that you can lock horizontally and vertically, do check the tripod and head will take the weight of your camera and the heaviest lens with some room for expansion.

Also check it is strudy and has hooks in the centre column to add weight for sturdiness such as a camera bag.

With regards to material yes carbon fibre is lighter but it will probably double the price of the tripod so you need to ask yourself is weight really much of an issue i.e. how far are you going to want to carry it and are the standard tripods light enough..

With regards to brands I would look at all the major manufacturers Manfrotto, Velbon and Giottos.

I have a Manfrotto 190XPROB and a 324RC2 Joystick Head which I am more than happy with but some people don't get on with the joystick head where as I find it quick,easy and accurate to use.

I've been looking through my camera magazines and I have considered about buying a ball and joint head. I don't fancy the joystick type.

This might be a good choice in what I want [URL="http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/055xprob-pro-tripod-black"]Manfrotto 055xprob[/URL] with the [URL="http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/midi-ball-head-with-rc2"]496RC2 Ball Head[/URL]


I was thinking about going to a local camera shop but he doesn't stock a lot of tripods. I don't know what make they are either. I'll have to have a look some time.

That does look a very good choice,seems to tick all the boxes I have had my Manfrotto for 5 years now and despite being subjected to sand, mud and salt water it is still functions perfectly and isn't showing any signs of wear although I do clean it off when I have put it through such adverse conditions.

Can get it at a reasonable price have a look [url=http://www.camerapricebuster.com/Manfrotto_055XPROB_Tripod_pc.html]here[/url]

I was actually looking at that website lol The head is priced at £54.95. Free postage since its over £150 :D

The head I use cost £230. :eek:

Try this tripod: [url]http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-giottos-mtl9271b-vertical-column-aluminium-tripod/p1518585[/url] I have one myself and use it with my 400mm F2.8 Nikon AIS lens plus D3, which weighs almost 8kg. It's rock solid and has a maxium height of 180cm so, should be ample height for what you want.

For a good compact ball head try this: [url]http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-manfrotto-496rc2-ball-head/p1033011[/url] I also have one that almost the same model and it works a treat. :D

Been looking at reviews and most people say that the tripod is heavy. I'll be able to handle the weight if I have a bag to put it in so I don't think I'm going to worry about it.

I'll have to look in a couple of camera shops to see if they have the tripod and see how heavy it is. Knowing my luck I know they both won't have it.

I'll also ask about what head I should use. But I might go with the 496RC2 Head.

[QUOTE=SunderlandPhotography;71060]Been looking at reviews and most people say that the tripod is heavy. I'll be able to handle the weight if I have a bag to put it in so I don't think I'm going to worry about it.

[/QUOTE]

If you think that's heavy then see this: [url]http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-manfrotto-058b-triaut-tripod/p10849[/url] I have one of these as well and it costs £289 and weighs over 6kg. Forget the bag and get a tripod strap as it's much easier to carry. I can carry the Giotto all day slung over my sholder together with my dryzone 100 bag and various lenses. I brought a bag for the Triaut, which cost £70, but it's a pain in the backside and prefer to use strap instead. :D

Yes that is a little heavier than the Manfrotto lol.

On my old tripod it has a fixed joystick head on it. I've been ok with it and I'll have to consider them both.

On the Warehouse Express website I used the Live Chat and he said that [URL="http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-giottos-mh1312-652-ball-head/p1524183"]THIS[/URL] (or least I think it was that head) would be ok for what I want to use the tripod for. And it will fit the Manfrotto 055XPROB.


Also I've looked at the [URL="http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-manfrotto-494rc2-ball-head/p1033009"]Manfrotto 494RC2 Ball Head[/URL]. It has a panoramic pan. So I might go with this one

If you can wait, I'd suggest that it's worth a trip to Focus on Imaging at the start of March, where you'll be able to examine all the tripods you want. Might get a bargain price on it there, too.

Chris