Posted by Rob Howard on November 2, 2007 at 8:30 PM
Hi All,
I would like advice on picking a tripod please. I need a tripod for landscapes/macro, I already own a G1548 but this is way to bulky to lug about for landscapes, so lookig for a lighter, sturdy tripod, also one that extends to around 2m(I'm 6' 7") I have a budget of £150ish. I alredy own a arca swiss ball head so plan on using that.
Any help is much appreciated
Regards
Rob
Posted by David Clapp on November 2, 2007 at 9:17 PM
A second hand basalt Gitzo which is fantastic for travel and landcapes is a great idea. They are not too expensive brand new, I think it is the GT2931 or something. They are very solid for camera + lens up to 70-200 / 300mm f4. I have often put my 2.8L on it, it is unstable, but not badly. It wont go to 2m, none of them will, in fact I think there are only a few in the Gitzo range that do and then you are back to where you started.
If you want to use this for macro then you can get the centre column removed and a plate put in.
"I already own a G1548 but this is way to bulky to lug about for landscapes" - I would just use this personally, its fantastic and sod the weight. At 6"7 your more capable than me I am sure!
Posted by Stuart McCrae on November 3, 2007 at 3:54 AM
I have the manfrotto 055proB,it's not too bulky extends to over 2m and is reasonably stable.You can also remove the centre column to get flat to the ground and position the arm horizontally for low level macro.
Stu.
Posted by Andy Astbury on November 3, 2007 at 4:22 AM
Rob - ditto Stuart, the 055proB is a great lightweight tpod, and for macro work the 410 geared head mounted on a 055proB is the best setup I've come across; because of the weird center column arrangement I managed to get the camera body less than 2 inches off the ground when I did the fly agaric I posted the other day.
Posted by Paul Ashton on November 3, 2007 at 6:06 AM
Recently needed a new tripod that would be more portable than the big Gitzo. I like the build quality of the Gitzo so was very keen to check out the lighter weight models. Bob Rigby stocks a good range so I was able to make comparisons. Came away with a Manfrotto 055. Sturdier than the equivalent Gitzo and really good for very low angle shots.
Posted by Rob Howard on November 3, 2007 at 10:21 AM
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the replies. Just ordered a manfrotto 055X PRO B, apparantly this is a new replacement. Still within my budget of £150 though
Regards
Rob
Posted by Sean Bolton on November 3, 2007 at 2:12 PM
Hi Rob
A bit too late if you have ordered, but the Manfrotto 190B is the slightly smaller and lighter version of the 055. It doesn't extend as high (not usually an issue for landscapes) but is a bit easier to yomp with.
Discussion
6 repliesI would like advice on picking a tripod please. I need a tripod for landscapes/macro, I already own a G1548 but this is way to bulky to lug about for landscapes, so lookig for a lighter, sturdy tripod, also one that extends to around 2m(I'm 6' 7") I have a budget of £150ish. I alredy own a arca swiss ball head so plan on using that.
Any help is much appreciated
Regards
Rob
If you want to use this for macro then you can get the centre column removed and a plate put in.
"I already own a G1548 but this is way to bulky to lug about for landscapes" - I would just use this personally, its fantastic and sod the weight. At 6"7 your more capable than me I am sure!
Stu.
Thanks for the replies. Just ordered a manfrotto 055X PRO B, apparantly this is a new replacement. Still within my budget of £150 though
Regards
Rob
A bit too late if you have ordered, but the Manfrotto 190B is the slightly smaller and lighter version of the 055. It doesn't extend as high (not usually an issue for landscapes) but is a bit easier to yomp with.
You can't go wrong with the 055 though.
cheers
Sean