Tripod Help for Beginner

[misery011]

Hi everyone, this is my 2nd post... I got very positive replies on my last problem so I thought I'd ask for everyone's help and opinion again.

I currently have 2 tripods, an Optex one that I received for my birthday, and a generic 'cheapo' that I bought myself, after I noticed that the "quick release" on the Optex was really crap.

I attended a weekend photography lesson a few months back, and my instructor told me a good tripod should be one of those that can fully spread out on 3 legs, in order to allow for a low viewpoint. He had a Manfrotto (I don't remember the model number), it was very tall and steady, and the camera was almost at eye level without having to use the wind-up extension. (I apologize for any incorrect terms, I don't know what some of the parts are called)

My instructor also had a special type of tripod head (again, I don't know what the proper term should be), it was basically like a joystick with a trigger, which allowed him to quickly position the camera with a squeeze of the trigger. He said that was around $200 just for that part.

Anyway, I've been looking around on this forum and kept hearing about the Manfrotto 190.

I went to the local camera store and they had a Manfrotto 190D w/141RC head for $279.99

I tried the tripod and in my opinion, it was far too heavy for trekking. Maybe the other variations of the 190 are better suited for travel? I heard about a 190Pro.

I'm basically looking for a light, all-round tripod that I can bring on trips. I'm going to Japan in a few weeks, and I'll be doing lots of travelling while I'm there. I like taking panoramas and macros, with the occasional portrait and still life.

Can anyone recommend a good tripod combo? Prefably with a price guideline. I have a feeling that my local camera store is charging way too much.

Also, I have no idea about all the different type of heads. Ball, pan, etc...

Can anyone just give me a quick primer?

Thanks in advance for all replies.

[misery011]

I just realized I've been using the wrong search function.

I've always been using the search to the left of the forum index page which returns very scrambled results, instead of the one on the top of the screen.

Now I've got lots of results and topics for tripods to read through.

Sorry for an unnecessary post.

But everyone are still welcome to give any opinions.

[Nnnnsic]

Yes, we had some odd results when we moved to a different server and as a result, part of our searching facilities are now screwed.

[Onyx]

I had a Manfrotto 190 and I didnt think it was all that heavy, IIRC around 2kg. I guess if you find that setup heavy, you'd be looking at basalt or carbon fiber materials - these are lightweight and support big loads with ease. The one drawback however, there's no such thing as a cheap carbon fiber tripod... altho your best bet in this regard would be Feisol.

There is a massive spectra of budgets catered for by tripod makers. I believe this is one item you should think long term. A good tripod will enhance your photographic pleasure as well as produce better resulting image than a poor one - and will outlast your camera, and maybe even be passed down to your grandkids for their use or as a relic.

[spartikus]

I recently purchased a 190D+141RC combo from Vanbar for just under $200. I'm not one of those people who have the dollars to spend on a Gitzo or Magfiber range of Manfrotto tripods, and I don't really often need one, so this setup seemed fine for me. It easily supports my largest lens, a 70-300mm Tamron. It is a tad on the heavy side when compared to the lighter carbon and basalt rock tripods, but like most things you get what you pay for!

[misery011]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Is the 190 considered an entry level tripod?

I guess the 190 just feels heavy compared to the flimsy cheapo one that I currently have. I'll try it again tomorrow when I go to the shopping centre.

Any comments on the 141RC head? I have no experience with changeable heads.

[spartikus]

The 190 series of Manfrotto tripods are considered to be entry level - especially when compared to Gitzo

I find the 141RC head to be fine, however I'm beginning to wish I had a head that was a little easier to adjust, rather than having to twist three individual adjustment thingies. Ball heads like the 322RC are a fantastic idea - might even be the one that your instructor was using! Check out all the Manfrotto gear on their website, soon you'll know a lot more and what will suit your needs!

[misery011]

I guess I can only note down the model numbers and hopefully try to get a tripod duty free at airports, or even in Japan maybe, there simply isn't any choice here in Cairns.

Spartikus, how much does does that Vanbar site charge you for shipping? or did you buy yours from a store.

Do Manfrotto tripods come with carry case, or some kind of cover for the tripod? Or is it separate.

[spartikus]

Vanbar charged me around $15 for shipping to Perth. And no, no carry case supplied, but I believe you can get bags for them - not sure where though!

[birddog114]

I guess I can only note down the model numbers and hopefully try to get a tripod duty free at airports, or even in Japan maybe, there simply isn't any choice here in Cairns.

Spartikus, how much does does that Vanbar site charge you for shipping? or did you buy yours from a store.

Do Manfrotto tripods come with carry case, or some kind of cover for the tripod? Or is it separate.

Duty free won't sell any pro-gear especially this type of the tripod at the international Airport and their prices are 2 or 3 times more expensive than retail stores cos they're there for ripping off tourists
Sorry! re-read your post, you're going to be a tourist/ traveller.
Japan's price of tripod is twice the price you pay in Australia BTW.

[fozzie]

misery011 - in case you are going to purchase a tripod at an Airport, just remember this fact, that you can take a Tripod on an aircraft as hand luggage, must be in checked in on arrival in its own carrying case/bag or inside suitcase. This all has to do with Sept. 11 ie. security and safety onboard an aircraft (tripod can be used as a weapon).

[birddog114]

misery011,
A monopod can be claimed for walking stick

[gstark]

Misery,

Check Vanbar's website for the Manfrottos. They're quite good and very usable. Also check out Fiesol; Gitzo is at the top end and probably more than you need or want to pay.

And just read our threads ... you'll learn heaps.