[Dave]

Decided it's time to get a tripod. Main criteria is :-

- Must be light so prefer carbon fibre
- Must be sturdy & full height, so probably 3 sections to legs
- Must be able to spread legs to get low level shots
- Twist locks preferable for leg adjustments
- Prefer sponge sleeves to main legs, to ease carrying in cold weather ...brrrrr
- A simple head included would be a bonus until I can justify spending more
- No more than £200

Ideally after end of line model, to try & get better value for money

So what do others recommend ?

[P-E]

Did you like Steve's tripod when you was over in Germany.......hasn't he got one of the Velbon Sherpa range?

[Markulous]

Benbo Trekker 2 - not carbon fibre but very light, tho' only 2 sections (but are sealed) so taller than most when closed. Has to be one of the best value all rounder tripods. OK, you have to have a degree in octopus-ology to operate the single leg/column release but it's worth the effort!

Best thing that happened to me when I dropped my previous tripod (don't ask!)

[stepheno]

Originally Posted by Dave

- No more than £200

[Dave]

Now is that you won't get that under £200 or Dave we know you will spend more ?

[Dave]

What about this one for £150 ? :-

Velbon Sherpa PRO CF535 EL Specifications:

The Velbon CF535 carbon fibre tripod is extremely light weight and well made. It also has great features such as low level photography, foam wrap legs for comfort and clip-lock, graduated legs.

Weight: 1.26kg ·
Length Closed: 55cm ·
Low level operation: 16.5cm ·
Length Extended: 156cm ·
Sliding, splittable and removable centre column for low level operation ·
Includes Case, Stone Bag & Centre Column Hook for hanging accessories ·
High density foam grips around legs ·
3 section multi angle legs with clip locks
Anti twist legs with extension markings ·
Range of heads available separately
Built-in spiked or rubber feet

PH-157Q 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head (Quick Release)

All die-cast metal construction with quick release and large pan handle. Head Type 3-Way pan/tilt with quick release Max. Camera Supported 35mm SLR with medium zoom lens.·
Net weight: 0.58kg ·
Height: 4.1cm
Diameter of top leg: 25mm

[Dave]

or this one ...although 4 sections ..for £199

Slik 614CF Lightweight Tripod

Bigger brother of the 613CF kit, the 614CF offers a little more height in use. Beautifully made using top-grade carbon fibre, the 614CF incorporates an extra leg section (4 total) helping to raise it's height to a maximum 155cm. It's multi-position legs allow incredibly low shooting angles, and extra versatility on uneven ground. Each leg is locked using twist locks, enabling virtually silent operation, perfect for when you're on the move and just have to get the shot. Combined with Slik's amazing SH704E head, you'll find all the big-tripod features in this compact unit - 3 way movement, quick release plate and a bubble level - all weighing in at just 290g!

The Ultimate Travel Tripod - just a touch bigger!


* Max Operating Height: 155.5cm
* Min Operating Height: 11cm
* Folded Length: 45.5cm
* Weight: 880g (legs) 290g (head) = total weight 1.17kg
* Max Recommended Load: 3kg

[danpen]

I've never used thee but they get rave reviews on some of the other forums (forae?). Link's to a UK dealer but I think you can get them cheaper on EBay.

PhotoPal.co.uk New C-series Tripod

cheers

Dan

[P-E]

The Sherpa CF535 certainly interested me when I was looking for a tripod.

[danpen]

Watch the max load on lightweight tripods. I just weighed my 20d with 180mm macro and flash, it came in at 2.6kg with a solid head that's going to be over a 3kg load on the legs.

My 5D with 100-400mm, and battery grip is 2.9kg.

I don't know how much you can go over the max recommended but it's worth thinking about, the Sherpa's max load is 4kg, the Slik's is 3kg.

cheers

Dan

[Dave]

Cheers Dan, those tripods do seem very impressive spec

[Dabhand16]

Have you considered the Manfrotto 322RC ball head?