Topic: any recommendations for buying a tripod?

[Nigel]

Hi everyone, I'm planning to do a project this summer documenting an area of the North Kent coast near where I live, so long story short I've decided to buy myself a good quality tripod. I really want to get a keeper that's going to last me a good few years.

Most of what I'm planning to do will probably be 120 (6 x 9) pinhole so the camera isn't very heavy but I also want it to be OK for any 120 camera I might get in the future.

I've looked at the big names but it seems you can pay anything for a tripod, I was probably thing of 200 pounds-ish, but I'd rather pay a bit more for something that's going to last. I don't image walking miles with it so weight isn't too critical. Any suggestions of features I should be looking for? and what type of head? 

Any and all advice appreciated. 

thanks
Nigel

[Francois]

I'm a huge fan of Manfrotto stuff. Sturdy and well designed with a bit of Italian flare thrown into it. Legs are big and beefy so there's no risk of vibration. I don't know if you need to take low/macro shots but they do make a very ingenious column tilting collar. Mine is a low end aluminum model with a 3D locking head that works wonders. But now they have lighter models made out of carbon. I like their leg clamps instead of the twist lock we find on other company's tripods. When you have sweaty palms during the hot summer, you don't swear at the solidly locked nut that won't come undone. Well worth looking at their website.

I paid something like 160$ many years ago. Mine is model 190CLB.

http://www.manfrotto.com/

(check out their head-model configurator)

[This-is-damion]

I got one of these for my LF set up,  and its great.

Cheap as well compared to others.  Seem to get good reviews on the internets.

http://www.aldine.co.uk/redsnapper/tripod-3wayhead-combo.html

[Francois]

I got one of these for my LF set up,  and its great.

Cheap as well compared to others.  Seem to get good reviews on the internets.

I remember you searched high and low a few years ago. And Red Snapper did look pretty good... just not available locally over here.

[Nigel]

Thanks guys, I hadn't heard of Red Snapper I'm going to check them out. That Manfrotto configurator is quite something!

[Francois]

When you start looking at the small details on Manfrotto pods, you quickly realize all the engineering that went into them. They have round tube legs that don't rotate on themselves... and the clamps don't squeeze the tubes. Legs can be adjusted ridiculously low. Center column is reversible in the blink of an eye.

And when I say they're flexible, here's what I mean.


[Sorry, image deleted during forum software upgrade. Please re-upload if so inclined.]

[LT]

Another vote for Manfrotto. My 'frotto head & base has kept me going for 9 years now ... And it's taken quite a battering too, salt water, dropped numerous times etc. It's worth the cost. 

[astrobeck]

Manfrotto and Bogen all the way.

I've used them for over 15 years and will not buy any other brand.

I would suggest getting carbon legs as they are not so darn cold in winter though.

 
Let us know what you get.   We like to see new gear!

Becky

[moominsean]

dunno about tripods, but i can recommend a good octopod.

[Francois]

dunno about tripods, but i can recommend a good octopod.

I personally prefer Oktapodi.
Much sweeter looking


Here's the lovable link
http://dekku.nofatclips.com/2008/08/oktapodi.html

[Miller]

Manfrotto 055 has survived all and handles a Polaroid Fat G00SE (Heavy).

Velbon CX 560 which is a good cheapish brand for lightweight work.

These do for moi...

Rgds and good luck...

[gothamtomato]

I agree about the Manfrotto. I like that you can get the head & legs separately, so you can customize it for what you need. I've had one for a number of years & what I like is the way it comes apart so that the center pole can be put in sideways so you can shoot straight down (great for certain kinds of macro shooting or as a copy stand).

But I do also have a lighter, cheapo tiltall tripod that I've had for at least 25 years & is my go-to tripod if I'm going to be carrying everything a long distance. The Manfrotto is just to heavy, for me, for some things.