Time for a tripod

[Ausyuppy]

Hi Guys,
Santa is looking at being kind to me this christmas. I am itching to get myself a tripod as I want to achieve a lot more satisfaction out of my D70 in low light conditions. I was being dragged around the shopping centre by the wife and I happened to wander into a camera store.

I noticed how reasonable (well I thought so) their tripods were priced. They had a manfrotto 190/804 aluminium tripod for $269.99. To me that seemed pretty reasonable.

I know people will say the carbon fibre models are lighter...and the benro are just as good, but I cant see myself carrying it all over the countryside in the forseeable future. Also the budget stops be from getting the Benro

I am mainly after peoples opinion on this particular tripod. From looking around it seems well priced, considering I am in Cairns What else should I look out for when looking at tripods.

Cheers
Steve

[myarhidia]

Hi Steve,
how heavy is the equipment you are planning on mounting on the tripod? That should definitely be a determining factor on which one you buy.

[Razor]

Try to anticipate future needs. If you find that you cannot live with one of your decisions shortcomings, then you will probably be shelling out for a 2nd tripod - costing you even more in long run. False economy...

Your decision should really depend on the type of photography you're into. Don't pay for funky features you never use but do get one that is stable, not too heavy and can do a bit more than you currently require.

I am very happy with my Benro

[Ausyuppy]

Hi,
I forgot to mention, I will be using a D70 with the tripod.

It seems pretty sturdy, the legs can be moved out at different angles to accomodate whatever terrain you are in.

Its always hard to buy something for the first time, as I am a Tripod Virgin

The reason I looked at this one, is that the original one I looked at was $129 and I knew if I bought that, I would be replacing it pretty soon.

Cheers
Steve

[blackD200]

Hi,
I forgot to mention, I will be using a D70 with the tripod.

It seems pretty sturdy, the legs can be moved out at different angles to accomodate whatever terrain you are in.

Its always hard to buy something for the first time, as I am a Tripod Virgin

The reason I looked at this one, is that the original one I looked at was $129 and I knew if I bought that, I would be replacing it pretty soon.

Cheers
Steve

the manfrotto your lookin at is the newer version of mine.

I bought my alluminium tripod about 10years ago with a 141RC head and cost me about $110 bucks then (new). TO this date the tripod looks new and still very sturdy. I love this alluminium tripod.

I've mounted a 300mm prime f2.8 with my D200 on the pod.
I even caried the camera and lense over myshoulder just holding on to the pod.

the different leg angles will come in handy when working on uneven ground or on rocky areas...

it was a good investment back then and I cant believe their selling for about $250-$300 now adays

good luck mate...

[Yi-P]

I got the 055PRO legs (larger/heavier version of the 190) with the 488RC2 head from Manfrotto, all combined for about $420 and I'd say this is a rock steady tripod. It is not light for trekking long distances, but will sure hold plenty of weight and not budge a bit under any non-extreme circumstances.

The "PRO" version of these legs (190 or 055) has the option to set the centre column vertical for direct down or closeup shot at 90 degree angles, or to extend the tripod 'out' of somewhere...

I will say this will be with me for the next 10 or 15 years of shooting and $420 divided by all that, is not really an issue. Rather than $120 for couple of months.

Remember, that the tripod is essential kit on photography but also the longest investment you may have apart from some lenses that you may still own from the very beginning... Choose something that you will take out the most and use the most. PS. The best tripod is the one that always have the camera attached to it, and not heaviest sitting at home gathering dusts...

[moggy]

With tripods buy the best you can afford, Manfrotto, Velbon, Benro, they're all good quality and will go the distance.

[stubbsy]

I am currently looking at buying a second travel tripod to sit alongside my Gitzo 1325 carbon fibre one and having done some research on price lately I think you'll find you can get a Benro Aluminium well under the price you've mentioned eg the A-228 or A-227 can be found for under $160 incl freight

[gstark]

Peter,

He'll still need a head with that.

[Ausyuppy]

Hi Stubbsy,
I have found this one on Ebay from China.... http://cgi.ebay.com.au/New-Benro-A-228- ... dZViewItem

Although this would mean I would need to purchase the head that goes on top?? What cost am I looking at that??

Sorry for all the questions.....gotta get it right the first time though.

Cheers
Steve

EDIT: Disregard about the head, Gary just cleared that up

[stubbsy]

Peter,

He'll still need a head with that.

Didn't think of that Gary. A Benro head costs as much as the tripod

[Killakoala]

Steve, you need good head for your tripod. Without good head, the tripod shaft is difficult to handle. Errr, what did i just type......

[ozonejunkie]

I got the 055PRO legs (larger/heavier version of the 190) with the 488RC2 head from Manfrotto, all combined for about $420 and I'd say this is a rock steady tripod. It is not light for trekking long distances, but will sure hold plenty of weight and not budge a bit under any non-extreme circumstances.

I will 2nd this and further recommend this combination. I love it! I bought these two from this eBay store, as they had the best price that I could find (don't remember exactly how much). I notice they don't have any legs listed at the moment, but I have always been able to order stuff by sending messages to the seller. Really helpful in my experience (also bought from them a spike for monopod, spiky feet for tripod, another tripod for a mate .......)

Cheers,
Tristan

[Ausyuppy]

Steve, you need good head for your tripod. Without good head, the tripod shaft is difficult to handle. Errr, what did i just type......

Steve Steve Steve, I see nothing changes

I should have played with your erm.... tripod to get an idea what I would have needed before I left Sydney

[Steffen]

With tripods the trade-off between stability and portability is a big one. For that reason, expect to own more than one tripod as time passes. There simply is no do-all-take-everywhere tripod. Don't feel presurred into making a once-in-a-lifetime decision.

I'd say, buy the tripod now that suits your present needs best. As your needs change/grow buy another one. A friend of mine owns 12 tripods and uses most of them regularly... (he does shoot all sorts of formats, though)

Don't cut corners with quality. Buy the well-made stuff only. It's a difficult balance to achieve, since one is easily swayed to trade quality for heftiness. I for one know that my next tripod will be a Gitzo instead of a Benro.

On the other hand, my Benro head hasn't failed me yet, although there is a huge difference in feel between a Benro and an RSS head (almost as big as the difference in price).

Just my humble opinion.

Cheers
Steffen.