which type of tripod is reliable and versatile

ws_2004 · 18th August 2004

Hello!

Could anyone recommend me a good tripod? Thanks !

ws_2004

Bernard Ong · 18th August 2004

What is your budget? If it is abt 300 dollars, i recommend Manfrotto 055Pro + 468RC Ballhead

ndroo · 18th August 2004

Originally Posted by Bernard Ong

What is your budget? If it is abt 300 dollars, i recommend Manfrotto 055Pro + 468RC Ballhead

Maybe you should state what camera you are using, as diff camera sizes (weight) may required different range of tripods.

OT a bit. Bernard, good idea ah Nick Ong ... so if change system can call Ken Ong

Del_CtrlnoAlt · 18th August 2004

think most versatile would be the gitzo explorer range or the bembo/unilock kind... all super expensive...

ws_2004 · 18th August 2004

Thanks for the earlier replies!

Currently I am using a F100 and 28-105 lens, but thought of getting more lens in future. As for my budget, i don't really know how much should i invest on a good tripod. Most importantly i need not upgrade in future. Actually i did check out on Gitzo 2220 and Gitzo 1325(expensive), however is there any other brands that are highly recommended. Thanks!

ws_2004

student · 18th August 2004

Originally Posted by ws_2004

Thanks for the earlier replies!

Currently I am using a F100 and 28-105 lens, but thought of getting more lens in future. As for my budget, i don't really know how much should i invest on a good tripod. Most importantly i need not upgrade in future. Actually i did check out on Gitzo 2220 and Gitzo 1325(expensive), however is there any other brands that are highly recommended. Thanks!

ws_2004

There is no such thing as only one tripod for all seasons! Assuming you have no budget constraints, I suggest you bring you camera and lens combo to a tripod shop and test out the stability of the tripod. I think the 1300 series of Gitzo for your camera/lens may be an overkill. While I use Gitzo tripods, I found that the screwing method can sometimes be a bit of a nuisance.

I am not sure if benbo is still available in Singapore. I have one. It is one of the most versatile tripods around. But I do not use it very much becasue of the weight, and the fact that all "controls" is with one level. Make a mistake and you may say goodbye to your camera.

justarius · 18th August 2004

Manfrotto, Gitzo, Slik are all reputable tripod manufacturers. When buying a tripod, most important consideration is whether the tripod and head can support the weight of your equipment. No point buying a light and cheap tripod which trembles when the wind blow. Also no point in buying a super sturdy tripod which remains stable in an earthquake but weigh a tonne.

So you must balance portability with stability, and on top of that is the cost. There is a saying, you can get light and cheap (but not stable), cheap and stable (but not light), stable and light (but not cheap).

The F100 is not a light camera, and Bernard's suggestion of a Manfrotto 055 with a 486RC is a good and cost effective suggestion. If your budget is higher, have a look at the Gitzo 1228/1227 range of carbon fibre tripods. The 13XX series are more for holding very heavy gear (super telephotos etc), and the 12XX should be good enough if you don't see yourself shooting with a 300/2.8 or a 400/2.8.

If you are into macro photography, I can strongly recommend the Gitzo Explorer series. It's flexibility in positioning is amazing and is stable enough for my gear.

Have fun!

ws_2004 · 19th August 2004

Thanks for ur advice.

ws_2004 · 19th August 2004

Anyone has other advice?

2100 · 19th August 2004

If you are considering Manfrotto 055, check out Slik Pro 500DX too. Some don't like the made-in-thailand tag, some say that they have brought it along for treks and will deliver as well as last ok unless you really abuse it like no tomorrow. Good height at 1.4m (if i am not wrong) w/o centre column being extended and only 1.75kg light, ard the same as 055 but lighter. You may think that it won't be stiff coz of the lightness, but it is made of AMT (aluminum, magnesium, titanum) alloy, on paper they claim it's 40% stiffer than the usual aluminum stuff. Around $150-160 with the 3-way head which comes with it, you can buy another ballhead and swap if you prefer that.

18th August 2004	#1
ws_2004 Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 108	which type of tripod is reliable and versatile Hello! Could anyone recommend me a good tripod? Thanks ! ws_2004

18th August 2004	#4
Del_CtrlnoAlt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Outside the Dry Box. Posts: 16,342	think most versatile would be the gitzo explorer range or the bembo/unilock kind... all super expensive... __________________ Logging Off Permanently. Those who need to contact me will know where to contact me.

19th August 2004	#10
2100 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,116	If you are considering Manfrotto 055, check out Slik Pro 500DX too. Some don't like the made-in-thailand tag, some say that they have brought it along for treks and will deliver as well as last ok unless you really abuse it like no tomorrow. Good height at 1.4m (if i am not wrong) w/o centre column being extended and only 1.75kg light, ard the same as 055 but lighter. You may think that it won't be stiff coz of the lightness, but it is made of AMT (aluminum, magnesium, titanum) alloy, on paper they claim it's 40% stiffer than the usual aluminum stuff. Around $150-160 with the 3-way head which comes with it, you can buy another ballhead and swap if you prefer that. Last edited by 2100; 19th August 2004 at 10:40 AM.

18th August 2004	#2
Bernard Ong Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 407	What is your budget? If it is abt 300 dollars, i recommend Manfrotto 055Pro + 468RC Ballhead

18th August 2004	#7
justarius Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Western side of Singapore Posts: 1,163	Manfrotto, Gitzo, Slik are all reputable tripod manufacturers. When buying a tripod, most important consideration is whether the tripod and head can support the weight of your equipment. No point buying a light and cheap tripod which trembles when the wind blow. Also no point in buying a super sturdy tripod which remains stable in an earthquake but weigh a tonne. So you must balance portability with stability, and on top of that is the cost. There is a saying, you can get light and cheap (but not stable), cheap and stable (but not light), stable and light (but not cheap). The F100 is not a light camera, and Bernard's suggestion of a Manfrotto 055 with a 486RC is a good and cost effective suggestion. If your budget is higher, have a look at the Gitzo 1228/1227 range of carbon fibre tripods. The 13XX series are more for holding very heavy gear (super telephotos etc), and the 12XX should be good enough if you don't see yourself shooting with a 300/2.8 or a 400/2.8. If you are into macro photography, I can strongly recommend the Gitzo Explorer series. It's flexibility in positioning is amazing and is stable enough for my gear. Have fun!