Tripod recommendation

I want to buy a lighter weight tripod than my current Manfrotto 055 and would appreciate any recommendations. Gitzo seem to get rave reviews but seem very expensive, are they worth it? The Manfrotto magfibre range don't seem that much lighter than the standard 055.

I have quite a lot of travelling planned and want to take one that won't give me a bad back!

Thanks

Paul

Have a look at Feisol and Benro, Carbon fibre, good quality and not expensive!
Rene de Heer

Hi Paul

I have the Manfrotto 190Pro which is essentially a lighter version of the 055. Slightly less tall when fully extended and takes a lower maximum weight but I like it as a yomping tripod. Not too expensive either.

cheers

Sean

Hi Paul

Cannot really comment on other makes having always used Gitzo, yes I think they are expensive, but I am very pleased with mine and would buy the same again. I use the G1325 as my main tripod and the G1227 when I want to go light and I have on many occassions used my 500f4 on the G1227 - not ideal but adequate!

David

I would also look at the Chinese Gitzo clone 'Benro' for it offers a significant saving in money... I have used one but cannot say anything about its longevity... Gitzos last and last....I use a 1228 as a lightweight but have to admit if I was buying today I would be looking seriously at a CF Benro clone of the G1228.


T

Thanks for the all the suggestions. The Benro's seem to be in the £175-£250 area and I am a bit reluctant to spend that much on an unknown quantity.

Cheers

Paul

Well Paul, i wouldnt neglect them. There is enough information on the internet concerning users of Feisol or Benro. Check out Naturescapes as well. Everyone seems to love those tripods. I use a Benro ballhead, very similar to the Arca and for the money its a great ballhead.

Check out the following website http://photopal.co.uk/index.php?cPath=26
Rene de Heer

I'm not a big fan of gitzos cos i do a lot of wading and the bushings are made of stiff paper which do not take to water very well. Also, the inside of the leg fasteners are metal and corrosion is a major problem if u are lazy and don't wash up immediately after use. I'm currently using the MF3055 but used to use the velbon 630 series. The velbon are great value for money, and are lighter than light. Warehouseexpress is having a sale on them right now so do consider them. The 7 series would be great for long lenses, or so someone i know assures me, and he uses a 600 f4.

OK - Off on a tangent slightly.

I'm using a Gitzo 1228 and Benro ballhead. The Benro head is well made and I'm happy with it for what it cost me. I would investigate the tripods further.

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