Tripod advice

phog

My old tripod got smashed up a few weeks back and now I'm in the hunt for a new one. I seem to remember that manfrotto are the most recomended.

I mainly used the old one for landscapes, water and night time photography, this time I would like one that can be used close to the ground. I've a budget of about €200 to €250, is this reasonable?

What would be your recomendations for a tripod and head?

Thanks in advance.

thebiglad

I too was recently in the market for a tripod and was going to buy a Manfrotto.

When searching around I found the Slik 700DX Pro - it is slightly cheaper than the Manfrotto but I think at least as good.

Can go all the way to ground level just lacks the ability to hold the camera horizontal (for Macro photography), but if wanted for landscape then no issue

At least worth taking a look in you local camera store at this model.

DaireQuinlan

There's a thread on this from a few days back. I guess search is still down, but use google with 'site:boards.ie' in the query and you'll get results only from here. And yes, the prevailing opinion was, as always, buy a manfrotto :-)

Thirdfox

I'm a big fan of my Slik Pro 350dx - can reverse the centre column to get to ground level (and upside down photos ) or upright it goes to around 30ish cm above ground.

Cost me 50 euro and can hold a D90, SB600 and 55-200mm lens without problems (can probably hold more too).

smelltheglove

I have a cheap tripod, I wouldnt use a tripod often enough to invest in a tripod but if you do definitely go with the manfrotto, from what I hear it is the best around and no point taking a chance with a cheapy if you rely on it. Mine comes out around 3 times a year.

greeneyedspirit

+1 for Slik Tripods - I have the Slik Able 300DX, cost me about 100 quid. You can reverse the centre column, and it's extentable to a nice height (good for tall people like me) and very sturdy.

peter1892

For €200-250 you'd get the Manfrotto 190X Pro B Tripod legs (about €160 here).

There's a wide variety of heads, I've got the Manfrotto 222 Joystick which sells in the shops here for around €120.

Duchovny

I think manfrotto is overrated actually I also have a Slik Pro and I would recommend, also check Giotto's tripods they are pretty good too, in Manfrotto you pay a lot for the brand.

DutchGuy

+1 for slik tripods - my able 300dx is very good though a bit heavy. Centre column can be shortened easily to allow very low ground clearance without reversing the column; or can be reversed to allow it to be level with the ground. You can also change heads on them if you're thus inclined.

I'd say just go into a camera store and try them out though. If you're in dublin Berminghams and Halls have a decent selection of Slik tripods (I think conns mainly sell manfrottos).

phog

Guys thanks for the advice, now that I can search boards by using google I'l do a bit more research.

I may need the tripod for macro at some stage in the future, if I can ever afford a lens

Mycroft H

DutchGuy wrote: »

+1 for slik tripods - my able 300dx is very good though a bit heavy. Centre column can be shortened easily to allow very low ground clearance without reversing the column; or can be reversed to allow it to be level with the ground. You can also change heads on them if you're thus inclined.

I'd say just go into a camera store and try them out though. If you're in dublin Berminghams and Halls have a decent selection of Slik tripods (I think conns mainly sell manfrottos).

+2 for slicks, manfrottos are very over rated and not worth the price difference vs slicks.

I have the pro 500dx and its excellent. Stable enough for high magnification with a scope and the reverseable column is very nice too

Mine was 90 euro on the shop on great georges street (not gunns)

Sasquatch76

FWIW, I've had a few people recommend me Gitzo tripods. Seen a few pros and semi-pros rave about them.

DaireQuinlan

Sasquatch76 wrote: »

FWIW, I've had a few people recommend me Gitzo tripods. Seen a few pros and semi-pros rave about them.

They're also enormously expensive :-) In some other thread I mention the three things you want from a tripod. It has to be cheap, light, and stable. You can get any two of these at one time. Manfrotto and slik fall into the cheap and stable category. Gitzo, particularly the carbon fibres, fall into the light and stable camp ...