Choosing tripod


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tatsit

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Sep 5, 2007
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Hi,

I'm new here. Recently i just got my 400D and did a couple of shots and i'm convince i should get a tripod. But how to choose a suitable tripod and the head? Should i choose one that matches my height (which is 1.8m)?

Thanks :D
 

Dear tatsit,

invest in a good and stable tripod, and you can use it for a long long time. Good brands like Gitzo and Manfrotto are worth the investment. Save up a little and get the carbon-fibre legs, it will be lighter to carry.
 

Hi,

How about benro? What about the max operating height, should i choose one that matches my height? If it doesnt, how should i go about taking photos if its so short?

Thanks :D
 

Hi,

I'm new here. Recently i just got my 400D and did a couple of shots and i'm convince i should get a tripod. But how to choose a suitable tripod and the head? Should i choose one that matches my height (which is 1.8m)?

Thanks :D

the tripod doesnt have to match your ht because u dun always shoot at your eye level. if u are shooting ppl, it will be at their eye level or thereabouts. if u shooting landscape, it could be ultra low too.

but having said that, its better to have one that can reach your ht without extending the centre column for maximum stability than one that has to raise the centre column.

those that do, are usually more ex or more heavy or both.

i'm 1.8 as well and i am considering selling off my current tripod to get a gitzo one.
 

my personal opinion,

unless you shoot with tripod extensively, otherwise might want to consider Benro CF tripod.

But, Benro CF or other brand, dont expect such tripods to be very light because the ball head itself contributes a lot to the total weight. Hope my perception is correct.

I paid about S$400 for a Benro. So far quite happy with its functionality and reliability after having brought it along for three overseas trips.

My rationale of buying Benro was that, even if I have to write off the entire tripod for whatever unforeseen reason, the most I lose about S$400. If I get a reputable tripod, I will lose the same amount if not more if I have to sell it as second hand.

Again, this is my personal opinion, and hope did not confuse your thoughts.
 

the tripod doesnt have to match your ht because u dun always shoot at your eye level. if u are shooting ppl, it will be at their eye level or thereabouts. if u shooting landscape, it could be ultra low too.

but having said that, its better to have one that can reach your ht without extending the centre column for maximum stability than one that has to raise the centre column.

those that do, are usually more ex or more heavy or both.

i'm 1.8 as well and i am considering selling off my current tripod to get a gitzo one.

i see.. which tripod you using and whats its maximum height?
 

i see.. which tripod you using and whats its maximum height?

im using the manfrotto 190 ProB. maximum height is 145 with centre column extended.

with my L bracket plate, its actually just nice for shooting ppl. but of cos looking through the VF is a bitch.
 

weight carrying ability is also important... make sure that the tripod you choose can hold the weight of what you might mount onto it plus some extra weight, as in tricky conditions like gusty winds it is usually advisable to hang some weights (example your camera bag or a sandbag) onto the centre hook to lower the centre of gravity of the set up and increase inertia of the set up so as to increase stability... :)
 

For my 400D, i got the Manfrotto XProb and the 486RC2 ballhead. Quite a steady setup although I wasn't so sure about having to spend so much at first, but I suppose it's worth the investment. :)

You can check out CP at Peninsular as they have quite a lot of tripods on display there and you can 'test' them out to see if you are happy with the height/weight etc. Good luck!
 

im using the manfrotto 190 ProB. maximum height is 145 with centre column extended.

with my L bracket plate, its actually just nice for shooting ppl. but of cos looking through the VF is a bitch.

I see.. 145 is really short. what i'm afraid is that the height is at a position where its neither squating or bending..

weight carrying ability is also important... make sure that the tripod you choose can hold the weight of what you might mount onto it plus some extra weight, as in tricky conditions like gusty winds it is usually advisable to hang some weights (example your camera bag or a sandbag) onto the centre hook to lower the centre of gravity of the set up and increase inertia of the set up so as to increase stability... :)

Ok, i'll take that into consideration. I'm having a 400D Kit II, shouldnt be a huge load.

For my 400D, i got the Manfrotto XProb and the 486RC2 ballhead. Quite a steady setup although I wasn't so sure about having to spend so much at first, but I suppose it's worth the investment. :)

You can check out CP at Peninsular as they have quite a lot of tripods on display there and you can 'test' them out to see if you are happy with the height/weight etc. Good luck!

Wow.. is it the 055xPROB?

Btw, you bought your tripod at CP or the MO in this forum? Which one is cheaper?
 

for manfrotto, their web site now has a program that helps you to select tripod and tripod head. although it is only for manfrotto brand, but you can use their recommendation as a guide to source other brand of similar specification.

www.manfrotto.com

or can go down to cp. they are able to recommend you a suitable set base on your input and you can have the hands on feel (best if you bring your gears).
 

you got some good recommendations on tripods there. i'll throw in some things you should look out for.

i find tripods with ball heads much easier to use. just be sure it's a good ball head and locks securely.
also look for quick release plates, makes getting the camera on and off the tripod quicker

other then that, what will you be using the tripod for? travel, landscape, studio, wildlife, sports?
with that in mind, you want to see if you can deal with a heavy tripod or if you want a light one. and how compact you want it to fold up.
will you be using long zooms? how heavy are your lenses?

for max height, there's rarely a situation where you'd need it to be taller than you are. so keep that in mind

other then that if you can borrow someone's tripod to play around with....i find that's the best way as you'll start to learn what you want in a tripod
 

For my 400D, i got the Manfrotto XProb and the 486RC2 ballhead. Quite a steady setup although I wasn't so sure about having to spend so much at first, but I suppose it's worth the investment. :)

You can check out CP at Peninsular as they have quite a lot of tripods on display there and you can 'test' them out to see if you are happy with the height/weight etc. Good luck!

Bro,

How much did you pay for this setup?

I was quoted 285 recently... is it worth it? :think:
 

yes wanted to know how much and where to buy 190PROB and 486RC2 ballhead. just new here in Singapore and to this forum. hope you can help. thanks!
 

Mmm it would depend on your style of photography, too. Like do you want to/like being seen toting a big tripod along, or do you go on dedicated photo expeditions? If you want to be discreet, having a steady tripod with a small footprint when stowed may be for you. If you don't care, then you can have a big tripod. When outdoors in winter, carbon fiber or leg warmers may be a consideration, and especially a sandbag to keep things steady in windy conditions.
 

I plan on using the tripod for lanscape shots wild life and sports. Most probably i'm not going to use long zooms, but i keep the option open for future upgrades.

Due to budget constrains, i think i'll go for benro's A500EX, but my friend recommended me slik brand. Now in serious dilemma, especially i've made orders for it.
 

yes wanted to know how much and where to buy 190PROB and 486RC2 ballhead. just new here in Singapore and to this forum. hope you can help. thanks!

Both Cathay Photo and TK Foto selling 190XPROB at $175 (GST inclusive), not sure about 486RC2 pricing. 488RC2 selling for $140 at TK and $170 (iirc) at Cathay. However, Cathay giving away some freebies like straps/key chain etc for their Manfrotto promo. You might want to go down and have a look.

Chris Wong (Cathay Photo) mentioned that there will be price increase after 1st Jan, so if you are looking for tripod, better get it within these 2 days.

Hope this helps! :)
 

Bro,

How much did you pay for this setup?

I was quoted 285 recently... is it worth it? :think:

Sounds standard as Manfrotto pricing is quite fixed. Does it come with any freebies? CP having Manfrotto promo now, giving away some strap & key chain etc...
 

For my 400D, i got the Manfrotto XProb and the 486RC2 ballhead. Quite a steady setup although I wasn't so sure about having to spend so much at first, but I suppose it's worth the investment. :)

You can check out CP at Peninsular as they have quite a lot of tripods on display there and you can 'test' them out to see if you are happy with the height/weight etc. Good luck!

Wow.. is it the 055xPROB?

Btw, you bought your tripod at CP or the MO in this forum? Which one is cheaper?

It's the 190XPROB, and i got it from CP.


Bro,

How much did you pay for this setup?

I was quoted 285 recently... is it worth it? :think:

Sounds like you got a good quote as I paid $339 ;(
 

I plan on using the tripod for lanscape shots wild life and sports. Most probably i'm not going to use long zooms, but i keep the option open for future upgrades.

Due to budget constrains, i think i'll go for benro's A500EX, but my friend recommended me slik brand. Now in serious dilemma, especially i've made orders for it.

if u plan to shoot wild life and sports, u will likely get a telephoto lens and u will need a tripod can support quite a heavy load. take that into consideration.
 

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