[jellyhead]

I'm looking to buy in the very near future a tripod. I want to buy over the internet as I believe that will be the cheapest option. I haven't got one at the moment so I am starting from scratch. I have a Canon 400D and i would like it to be pretty damn sturdy with a Sigma 70-300mm lens on although It will probably be taking my 18-50mm Sigma lens 90% of the time. I have been looking at the Manfrotto 190 or 55. I am will to spend a tadge over £200 max.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[_MB_]

055 tripods are solid as a rock but the metal versions are heavy. 190s are smaller obviously but still very stable - unless you get large aperture telephoto glass I think a 190 would do you fine. As you've got a big budget look at the carbon fibre versions. I wouldn't get anything ridiculously (sub 1kg) light as it'll be over in the first gust of wind and may not offer much of an advantage over hand holding to avoid shutter/lens blur.

Work out how much weight the legs can take, work out how much weight the head can take, work out how much the head and camera and lens weigh to work out if the legs can take it. Always work within a buffer too so if your head-lens-camera weighs 3kg and the legs can only take 3kg, look for something heavier duty.

I prefer a 3 way head to a ball head but its really personal preference.

[P-E]

Might be worth having a quick look here;

http://www.pixalo.com/reviews/showcat.php/cat/24

[Dabhand16]

Weight v stability is the conflict here. Rest assured, if the tripod is a pain to lug about, it will end up being left behind.

There are quite a few carbon tripods within your budget, so I'd start by looking at them. Also make sure it will get to a reasonable working height without being fully extended too.

[Charlotte]

I can't recommend my tripod kit (see my gear) highly enough, but (a) it's heavy and (b) it cost over £200.

Depending on usage, you have to weigh pro's + con's of weight/price. If you're doing weddings, yes you want a light tripod so it's not a schleppe to move about frequently. But if it's for landscapes or low light photography, then a heavy, sturdy tripod is what you need.

Price-wise, you might have to spend a bit more than your budget to get a good sturdy set-up, but in the long run it's money well spent. If your tripod is not sturdy enough, then it's not doing the job, and then it will get left in the cupboard + not used, which is what happened with my first tripod. Actually the main reason it fell into disuse was the fiddley setting up, I couldn't be bothered to set it up, then to shift it about (for a different viewpoint) was a real nuisance.

My current kit, however, is a doddle to set up, move + take down, + is an absolute pleasure to use. Consequently, and most important of all, it certainly does get used.

Next to your camera/lenses, your tripod is the next most important piece of kit. Therefore, it's worth spending the extra to get a good set-up in the first place.

Hope this viewpoint helps you to choose not just "a tripod" but which options best suit your particular needs, which may or may not be similar to mine. If your priorities are totally different, then just ignore my advice

[Dabhand16]

Originally Posted by Charlotte

If your priorities are totally different, then just ignore my advice

At your own risk

But good points nevertheless. There are certainly differing requirements for tripods much the same as lenses. If you do a lot of one type of photography, it makes sense to match one to suit that sort of photography. If you want a general purpose tripod, you will have to decide if any compromises will need to be made.

As a matter if interest, Charlotte, you say the the 190 is heavy, but is it too heavy to consider carrying for a lengthy walk across country? (Presuming other half is not available as an assistant). It always gets good press, and I think I saw that there is a carbon version of it now too, although probably a lot dearer.

[Charlotte]

Graham, I wouldn't know about the 190 ... I have a Neotec

Actually, the 190 was my 2nd choice: I went to look at tripods in store + saw the 190, which I did like. Couldn't find a Neotec in any store (it was just new out), but I knew it had all the features I wanted, so I bought it sight unseen over the web, and have to say I made the right choice

I have lugged it around Hillier Gardens ... + was a bit puffed after climbing a hill but to me it's worth the effort

[Dabhand16]

My mistake Charlotte It's my age, you know.........

DP magazine did a couple of tripod tests a while ago, and from memory the Neotec was joint winner in one of them, but I can't remember the full details. (age again...)

Jellyhead - it might be worth checking out those tests. You might be able to get them on line from the DP site. They will give you a good starting point and highlight the good and bad points of the different makes.

[P-E]

I used to have the Manfrotto 055PRO but found this too heavy to carry around while attempting landscapes........sold it and bought a Gitzo Basalt which is lighter but very stable plus I have spikes screwed into the bottom of the legs that give extra stability

I have ball heads (not bald head Charlotte ) but like _MB_ prefer to work with a 3 way head.

[Charlotte]

Originally Posted by P-E

(not bald head Charlotte )

Yes you do

Originally Posted by P-E

... prefer to work with a 3 way head.

You mean like this ...

[Markulous]

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

There are certainly differing requirements for tripods much the same as lenses. If you do a lot of one type of photography, it makes sense to match one to suit that sort of photography. If you want a general purpose tripod, you will have to decide if any compromises will need to be made.

Nail on the head! I do lowlight/macro/ landscape/long exposure photography and needed maximum flexibility combined with reasonable sturdiness in a not-too-heavy package at a reasonable price.

Since I may have to walk a few miles to get that landscape and set up in a stream, I've found the Benbo Trekker near perfect as it'll adapt to put the camera at any level, has sealed legs and doesn't weigh a ton - and the price was good at under £100. Not everyone's cup of tea as it requires a degree in Origami to get used to the way the legs/centre column angling works (one lever controls all) but I'm getting the hang of it!

[Dave]

Some more advice here :- Which Tripod for under £200 ?

[Dave]

Manfrotto 190V here for good price :- Bargain Basement Items