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General => General discussion => Topic started by: justalex81 on 24 December 2012, 09:47
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Been trying to research this myself but there's just so much choice and i'm confused. Looked on amazon and jessops and Manfrotto, gorillapod, and Hama are coming up a lot. I just don't know where to begin!
I am a noob but i always buy good quality kit no matter what it's for.
How much should i be spending for a decent tripod? will i need any other accessories for it?
Any help is appreciated!
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I am a noob but i always buy good quality kit no matter what it's for.
Manfrotto are basically the best band you can get, all my gear apart from from gorillapod (focus and slr) is Manfrotto :cool:
Tripods come in two parts the legs and the head, the legs are what takes the weight and the head dictates the movement on the legs.
Basically you need to make sure the tripod legs are strong enough to take the weight of your gear, try and put too much weight on the legs and you get an unstable base which negates the point of the tripod.
Less sections are more stable than more but comes at the price of size, cost also influences weight of the tripod e.g. carbon fibre legs, but then you don't have to carry as much weight.
In terms of head, ball head is generally the best if you're only buying one head, a two or three way allows you to move in an axis whilst keeping the other locked (think smooth pan or tilt), from here up you get exotic heads like gears macro and panoramic heads.
There are plenty of other brands are redsnapper offer a very good value range, gizitos and hama too, but my advice would be workout the weight of your gear and go from there.
Accessories wise, a tripod bag is good for protecting your stuff and making it easier to carry, you could just get a carry strap, quick release plates are handy too.
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cheers for the info Ridg. camera weighs max 750g with biggest lens attached.
So i should be looking for a separate head and tripod?
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So i should be looking for a separate head and tripod?
depends on your wants and needs, when I bought mine I wanted a 3 way head so bought the legs and the head separately. You can get kits like;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-MKC3-P02-Compact-Photo-Kit/dp/B0049SVU26/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1356348867&sr=8-2
So if you're happy with a ball head you should be able to find a bundle.
You've always got the option to change heads in the future and heads can be changed easily with a screwdriver.
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How geek do you wanna get would be my question? If very then follow Ridg's advice...if not very but you want a half decent one then the advice from Ridg plus a basic all in bundle should suffice. I'm happy with my Hama one...didnt cost the earth...quick release...the ball head allows for downward shots...and for the price will cope with the weight of my gear so far. Expensive doesnt = value for money dependent on ability and interest :wink:
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I have the Hama Profil Duo III, perfect for what I need, doesn't cost the earth, sure you could spend more but its decent for the money.
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ok so i've had a butchers at curry's/pc world. A carphone warehouse cnut hounded me during my research so i strung him along for 30 minutes before telling him to do one :laugh:
saw a manfrotto jobbie for £50 that looked nice. designed for photo and filming. they had a few hama ones there too but they weren't catching my eye.
seems i want a gorillapod/mini tripod too.
I need to stop using the internet. gonna cost me a fortune :evil: :laugh: :whistle: :whistle: :whistle:
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Suggest you find somewhere a bit more photo-oriented to look for tripods - better advice and choice there!
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Suggest you find somewhere a bit more photo-oriented to look for tripods - better advice and choice there!
i was only in there to pick up a present for my mum. Have been looking on jessops and amazon website and checking reviews. The hama tripods get great reviews but i just don't like the feel of them. I discovered the need for some sort of mini tripod whilst trying to take a photo in low light last night. couldn't hold the camera still for long enough.
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Got one from 7day shop for xmas. cost about 15 quid and tbh. im well happy. wighed alot less than i though for the size. the heads nice and smooth and easy to use. Cant fault it. on par with a 60 quid one i was looking at in jessops
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Picking up a velbon tripod from jessops that half price at the moment. looks good but if it isnt them im only £25 down.
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Jessops are selling a nice Manfrotto one for 50 sheets. Might go back tomorrow :embarrassed:
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happy with the velbon df60 i purchased at half price. found some nice hoya filters on amazon at 70% off so got those. Also bought a lowepro aw 140 kit bag. Not getting obsessed at all . . . :whistle: :whistle: :whistle: :whistle: