In search of a basic tripod

[phillipb]

My needs are not very demanding when it comes to tripods. My old el cheapo velbon hasn't been used for so long that when I dug it out last night, it was looking older then me.
Now I know that you can spend more on a tripod then a camera, and I know that they are probably worth the money, but I'm not looking to spend a lot of money on a very seldom used item.
So I looked at the Vanbar catalog and they have the Manfrotto 190D+141RC quick release head for just under $200.
I know Manfrotto is a good brand, but my question is, at the low end of the Manfrotto range am I paying for the name or is a $200 Manfrotto still better then a $200 lessen known brand?

[Vicareyus]

me too! So, I'm looking forward to the responses as well!
Vic

[Kristine]

phillipb and Vicareyus

I have this setup and am very happy with it for the price. I do not use a tripod a great deal f the time, so I did not want to spend too much on a tripod. Others will recommend Gitzo tripods, but then you are getting into spending $500+.

HTH

Cheers
Kristine

[Onyx]

$200 buys you alot of tripod for the money if it were say an all in one unit (head and legs fixed) and without the "made in Italy" associated brand name.

I see many Velbon and Slik branded 'pods on display in various camera stores, from around $60 upwards. If you were looking for something undemanding, I'm sure there's no need to spend triple digit dollar amounts.

Having said that, let me be hypocritical in saying I have the 190CL which I think is superb value for the money (compared to the Manfrotto Digi728 that I was also looking to get).

[birddog114]

Hi Guy,
Sorry, I have to jump in!
Tripod and head, we discussed in many threads on our forum,

First: yes it's depend how do you want to use it and your lenses + camera, you might need it once a year.

Second: It's also depend on your budget, some brands out there on the market have the price tags of $60.00 - $150.00 but they are still doing the job for simple camera kit/ P&S etc...

Third: Are U going to lust lens? if yes, say example: the 70-200VR or Sigma 70-200APO or 80-400VR or 200-400VR or 300/2.8VR. This is the question you have to ask around: is it stable? and the tripod + head is sturdy enough? on the Man 190 and simple head like Onyx got? or with the zoom lens in the range 70-200 will create vibration / unbalance/ slip on the cheap tripod and head when you attached the lens plate on its QRP.
Will it smooth when you panning? or changing the direction of just the camera only not having to re position the setup of tripod.

If you have a chance to place your camera with your standard lens on the tripod like the Man 190 and try on the Gitzo 1325 or 1327 or 1227LVL with Markin or RRS head, you'll have to think about it and make your own decison on buying your own tripod + head.

At the meets in the near future, I'll have the G1325/ G1227LVL/ G1027 + Markin 20/ RRS BH55Pro head for members to look and play around with them same as other members got their tripod in difference set up and brand as Manfrotto, Silk, Velbon etc...

[phillipb]

Thanks for your replies guys, but I don't think my question has been answered.
I know that the top of the line gitzos or manfrottos are great, but basically what I was asking was, if I may use an analogy, is it better to get a base model Mercedes or a top of the line Holden for the same money.

[birddog114]

Yes, I got you now, my choice will go for the base model of the Merc.

[MHD]

Yes, absolutely... Its the manufacturing philosphy...

Merc dont make crap cars!

I would look at one of the cheaper Gitzos

[gstark]

cheaper Gitzos

Oxymoron alert!

No such thing.

Manfrotto or Gitzo will be fine. Both use good engineering, and that's the crux of your question.

[Miliux]

There is a very good tripod sold in Bing Lee Chatswood. This one is very sturdy, has a ball bearing and has a protractor like marked on the top to show the gradient.

100 bucks. It's a steal!