In the process of getting a tripod...

[justarius]

Hi all,
I'm in the process of getting a tripod and have some questions for the clubsnappers here who have experience with the below mentioned tripods..

Main use of the tripod would be for macro photography and some night shooting and scenics. The tripod have to be able to support a Nikon F100 with MB-15 and a 105mm Micro-Nikkor + speedlight (currently a SB-22). I'm not very tall (1.7m) so don't need super big tripods. I don't foresee myself getting very big lenses in the near future. The biggest lens I might probably own in the future would be the 70-200/80-200mm so it would be great if the tripod I buy now can support this rig as well, but currently, the setup outlined previously is the heaviest thing taxing the tripod now.

I'm contemplating the Manfrotto 190Pro, but would like to know how useful the central column positioning actually. Is the whole thing sturdy enough when the central column is positioned horizontally? Read something about flexing of the collar in another forum, so... :dunno: Also, is the 190PRO as sturdy as the plain 190?

I'm also eyeing the Gitzo 2220, though its at the limit of my budget. Anybody can comment on its sturdiness and versatility in macro photography?

Any other suggestions are also welcomed!

Thanks!

 

[mr_jason]

I'm also contemplating which tripod to get, initially looking at Gitzo 1224, 1226 and 1228. But then realised that they are out of my budget, for now.

On looking at the Manfrotto range, I am now consideing the 055PRO with the 329RC4. With the amount saved instead of buying Gitzo, I can get a monopod now.

Still not totally decided.... :dunno:

 

[denniskee]

for closeup photography, get bembo (dont know if spelling is correct) or unilock. Prime (beside CP) has one for around S$250. design to go into water to certain depth (cant remember what depth).

CP is also having one, cant remember the brand for about $350. not design to go into water (unless put on some plastic bag (for umbrella) for each leg).

go take a look, very good tripot for closeup photography, better than typical tripot whereby centre column can only be in vertical or horizontal.

 

[MooEy]

u thinking of using the horizontal center column for focusing? no gear wor, if u just push hor, u will find it not beri smooth.

another thing hor, if u use center column in horizontal mode, need something to balance tripod, ur set up too heavy on one side liao.

~MooEy~

 

[YSLee]

You're roughly my height, and I'd say the 055 Pro is a better bet. Its increased weight also gives increased stability. If you're not going to be using some extreme angles the 055 Pro is versatile enough. Balance the centre column with a counter weight, like a bag, and it'll do fine.

 

[justarius]

The 055 is a better bet ah? I've handled both in a camera store (window shopping ) and it seems to me that with my gear and a 190 extended to full height (not using central column), it would just nicely come to my eye level. Is the additional height of the 055 needed when shooting?

The store also have a benbo tripod on display. I didn't play with it, but if I'm not wrong, there's is a central control for all the legs angle? Read some reviews that setting it up in the field is like playing with an octopus. :dunno:

I think ease-of-use quite important for me, as well as portability. If its cumbersome to use and heavy to transport, then I would'nt use it as much, sort of defeating the purpose in the first place...

 

[YSLee]

Hmm, ok, I found the 190 too short!

The Benbo is very specialist equipment. Unless you have need for it, just use a normal tripod. And by need I mean you find that you'll need to use a Benbo in more than 50% of your shooting. If most of the time it's going to be a normal tripod don't get the Benbo.

 

[justarius]

hmm, the 055 is 10cm longer and 0.5 kg heavier. Do you find it very unwieldy when carrying it around, especially on daylong photography trips?

 

[Jack_Ryan]

I'm selling mine ..interested ???

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=67013