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I have kinda decided that I won't be bored with this new hobby for a while yet and have decided to invest in a....tripod

So after a few days of digging through the forums reading all the infos available, I would like to just get some opinion.

1. In practical use, just how noticable is the loss of stability that extending the center column supposedly cause? I'm asking this since well the jump in price for 20-30cm standard height seems quite steep.

2. Those with the "PRO" manfrotto, how often do you find yourself using the center column horizontally ? The benros im looking at doesn't seem to be able to do this.

3. Lastly, for around $300, can I do better than an a128 + kb1 setup for 270 delivered(ebay) ? I do realise that with only a d50, 18-55 and 50mm any tripod would probably be overkill, but with all the horror stories floating around this forum in regards to cheap tripod it seems better to spend more from the get go.

Thanks in advance for all the advice.

1. My big heavy 55? Manfrotto is much less stable with the centre column up, others may be different.

3. Haven't used that model but imagine it should be more than adequate for that equipment.

Good luck

I have the C-128, which is the lighter CF version of the A-128, and the KB-1.

I have a D70s. On occasion, I have had the camera, an RRS L-Plate and a Nikkor 80-200/2.8 hanging off the tripod at silly angles.

ie: You won't have a problem!!

Hi,

I have the C-127. It has three leg sections instead of 4 on the a128. For me it is tall enough and it is rare I need to use the center column.

The three section tripods will be more stable then the four section tripods, usually. So if you want something more stable, go for the three section version.

HTH,

André

Hi, as with all equipment decisions the choice is a bit mind boggling.
I have recently bought a tripod and took in all the advice from the forum members. The final decision of course is yours.
You should consider your investment in all your equipment (ie if I get a cheaper one, and, if it fails -what happens to the camera and lens- can I afford repairs or damage).
I am 170cm (210 in my dreams - but too old for that to matter) and I bought a Benro with a ballhead. The tripod is tall enough that I would not usually need extra height (in some situations I need to lower a couple of legs). The tripod is very stable and you can hang extra ballast from the centre column if required.
The ballhead enables the camera to be in either a landscape or portrait angle (and in between).
My suggestion is that you consider your possible needs for the tripod and your possible set up and get a good solid tripod that suits you and those needs.
Cheers,
Mick

I have the Manfrotto 190 Pro B which allows the centre column to be mounted horizontally.

To be honest, i've only used it like that once. And that was only to try it out.

I've got the Manfrotto 190 Pro B as well and the ability to mount the center column horizontally or even 'upside down' (head between the legs) is very handy for macro photography.

I've used this tripod with a Manfrotto 3-way head mounted between the legs with my D70 using a 2xTC, 70-300mm G lens out to 300mm and a 50mm f1.8 lens mounted reversed to get 6-12:1 macro magnification. The tripod was rock solid and had no issues with mounting the camera and plethora of lenses.

I'd go the Manfrotto purely for flexibility as you never know what kind of bizarre angles you'll need just to get 'that' shot...

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I ended up buying due to financial constraints a Hoffmann (yes we have heard all the jokes) Tipod and have found it excellent walue for money, its very sturdy, with a ball head that is changeable (not sure if a Manfrotto or Benro head will fit), the centre column is removable and the extends into a Monopod

All this for the bargain basement price of $265 from camers house Warringah Mall

Cheers
Rod

If you would like more info or a look at it i'm only in Paddington, PM me

Hi Rod,

Hav eyou got any images you can post on the Hoffman?

I am currently looking at the http://www.adorama.com/VNELC630A.html

thanks

Vince

Here are a couple of quick images

Its a Hoffmann BSM-610

Tripod full extended height 1540mm
Monopod Height 1570mm

Cheers
Rod

Thank you Rod...much appreciated

Thanks for all the replies. They've all helped alot.

However the tripod will have to wait, as the lens lust bug has lead me to place an impulse bid on a 180 f/2.8 lens on ebay. Did not really expect to win it but for some reason I did. So I'm stuck with no new toy for the moment until the lens arrive . Regardless, I will keep all your advices in mind.