Hi all.
I would like some recommendations and personal comments about tripods which can be used primarilly for macro shooting with DSLR (meaning able to go low with short centre column), and secondary use with large telephoto lens (up to maybe 300mm f/2.8).
Went down to CP today, and had a look at the Gitzo 1228 Carbon Fibre ($800) and Gitzo 1224 Aluminium ($420). Stephen told me both can support up to 8kg, which will suit my needs. The aluminium one to me feels much sturdier. What are your views on these 2? Also, any equivilent Manfrotto or Slik ones to recommend? Seems they currently don't have any Manfrotto ones in that weight supporting range.
Secondly, what will be a suitable 4-way pan-tilt head which can be used well with either of these tripods? They only have 1 Gitzo 1200 series 4-way pan-tilt head left, so did not get to see the rest. I would like one which would be suitable for a SLR with 180mm macro lens.
Getting a good tripod is an investment, unlike camera body or lens which will be 'obsolete' in time. So hope for your views, thanks!
I would like some recommendations and personal comments about tripods which can be used primarilly for macro shooting with DSLR (meaning able to go low with short centre column), and secondary use with large telephoto lens (up to maybe 300mm f/2.8).
Went down to CP today, and had a look at the Gitzo 1228 Carbon Fibre ($800) and Gitzo 1224 Aluminium ($420). Stephen told me both can support up to 8kg, which will suit my needs. The aluminium one to me feels much sturdier. What are your views on these 2? Also, any equivilent Manfrotto or Slik ones to recommend? Seems they currently don't have any Manfrotto ones in that weight supporting range.
Secondly, what will be a suitable 4-way pan-tilt head which can be used well with either of these tripods? They only have 1 Gitzo 1200 series 4-way pan-tilt head left, so did not get to see the rest. I would like one which would be suitable for a SLR with 180mm macro lens.
Getting a good tripod is an investment, unlike camera body or lens which will be 'obsolete' in time. So hope for your views, thanks!