Advice on buying a tripod plz!

shepthedog

hey all
Looking for purchase a tripod, have never used one before but feel the time is right..So I'm looking for some advice, all the basics required such as what type, whats the difference between a "good and bad" one? Also where to buy it? Online? Based in munster, so could hit cork or limerick..
Thanks all

rymus

Unless it's something very low end (which may well be the case for your first tripod until you figure out exactly what you want it to do; I bought my first tripod in Argos for about 30 quid) I'd get it online. I got my manfrotto from technikdirekt and saved enough to buy a few pints

Whats your budget?

Owen

As Rymus stated, if your use is minimal, I wouldn't be fussed about your first tripod. However, there's a few basic things to look out for. Make sure there's a hook under the centre shaft, this allows you to clip on your camera bag, and suspend it underneath the tripod for stability. Try to make sure the tripod has some sort of spirit level too, to make sure your photos are as level as possible. And last but not least, make sure there's some sort of quick release on the legs themselves, nothing worse than having to unscrew each section of the legs!

Steffano2002

Can't go wrong with a Manftotto... I had a great one but had to sell it (on Adverts.ie - I've seen a quite a few being sold there so keep an eye out) because I was broke after Xmas. Really missed it last night when I wanted to take some pics of the eclipse...

dazftw

Try get a pretty tall one too save yourself having to bend over gets annoying!

As the others said make sure its sturdy too! we dont want it falling over lol

Dara Robinson

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055058040&referrerid=&highlight=tripod

some nice tripots discussed here

magicbastarder

DeafVision wrote:

Try get a pretty tall one too save yourself having to bend over gets annoying!

gas thing is, i very rarely use my tripod at full stretch - though how tall it will go is a definite consideration when buying, as long as you're still able to see into the viewfinder.

TJM

If you're getting a low end tripod this one in Argos is a bargain at €10:

http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=30001&langId=-1&catalogId=10751&productId=750116&clickfrom=name

(It's only €10ish in store, not the €20 on the site).

ThOnda

Basicly, the tripod must be sturdy, heavy and tall.

You should be able to take pictures from the height of your eyes without retracting the middle stick - it is the weakest part of all tripods.

Choose among good brand names and go to few shops and try them. The best thing is to bring your camera with the longest lens with you (without film) and mount it on the tripod. Then pres a shutter or use autorelease. And watch, what is your camera (and lense) doing on the tripod. If it shakes - it is not the tripod you should buy.

Don't be afraid of the weight. The heavier tripod, the better pictures.

thebaz

ned78 wrote:

Make sure there's a hook under the centre shaft, this allows you to clip on your camera bag, and suspend it underneath the tripod for stability. !

Wondered what the hook was for - but would an empty camera bag offer much stability ?

Owen

thebaz wrote:

Wondered what the hook was for - but would an empty camera bag offer much stability ?

No, but one with a few lenses would!

shepthedog

thanks for all the replies.. Gonna shop around, taking my camera with me is the best suggestion..

Redundo

Most Manfrotto tripods should be sturdy enough by themselves to keep your camera steady, without the need to hang extra weight from it. Although the more expensive carbon fibre 'pods would be light enough to benefit from some extra weight.

I guess it depends on your camera and how often you are likely to need your 'pod. If its a compact digital or lightweight film camera then the Argos job might be enough. If you've got a dSLR camera then I would recommend spending your money on a proper Manfrotto or Slik.

shepthedog

Its a Sony H2 so its not too heavy, might start off with something not too expensive and work from there.. Looking to invest in a new camera soon enough..

rabbitinlights

Im currently looking to buy a Manfrotto 190PROB, Can anyone recommend a decent head for this? Preferably a ball and socket head?

Im getting the Tripod for 80 euros in bangkok, so would like to spend around 40-50 on a decent head.

digitalage

rabbitinlights the manfrotto 488 rc4 ballhead goes well with the tripod your buying

GristlyEnd

322RC2 or 222 heads are both very good. I have the 222 joystick head but I think I will change it to a 322RC2. The 222 is not as steady with long lenses. It is perfect for macro work.

Redundo

Yup, I have a 055CL with an 488 RC4 head. Ball-heads are so quick and easy to use i don't see myself ever having a tripod without one again. Although if getting a ball-head it is usefull to have one with a seperate panning lever as without one you'll end up constantly re-adjusting your horizon line everytime you loosen the ball to pan your shot.

FreeAnd..

Anyone have any reccommendations for a sturdy ultra light tripod suitable for long trekking etc? I already have the 055PROB with 804RC2 head - will probably be selling this or trading down to much smaller one. The 55 is excellent but far too big and heavy to head off with..

magicbastarder

shepthedog wrote:

Its a Sony H2 so its not too heavy, might start off with something not too expensive and work from there.. Looking to invest in a new camera soon enough..

if you can borrow a tripod off someone, that'd be the best bet to see what sort of use you'd get from it.
no point in rushing out and buying a manfrotto unless your use of it can justify that expenditure.

CrowdedHouse

FreeAnd.. wrote:

I already have the 055PROB with 804RC2 head - will probably be selling this or.

Great and I'm just after ordering one...with a 488 head

Fionn

i've finally resolved to get a good tripod
i've decided on a neotec with a 322 RC2 head.

Now here's the thing - where is the best place to get one? I'd prefer mail order as opposed to doing 200 mile round trip to Dublin or someplace.

I did try to get in touch with Manfrotto's authorised distributers here in Ireland DML Data Micrographics LTD but apparently they seem to be like a lot of irish companies you see online with no price list and vague product lists etc. like as if they really couldn't be bothered doing business, so anyway they don't read their e-mails or answer phones so i wouldn't have much faith in them :rolleyes:

so if anyone has pointers on any other places that'd be ok online i'd appreciate it.

CrowdedHouse

Fionn wrote:

i've finally resolved to get a good tripod
i've decided on a neotec with a 322 RC2 head.

so if anyone has pointers on any other places that'd be ok online i'd appreciate it.

Fionn - I ordered mine from Technikdirekt.

Ordered yesterday -on the way to Tipp today

DotOrg

they sell them on the first floor in camera centre on grafton st, you won't get the best price but you can always try it and others out there and any problems or repairs and you can just bring it back there

Fionn

i realise it's a bit late now coz i've ordered the Tripod but has anyone any experience with a photo place in the uk called Morris Photographic?

on second thoughts, i dont wanta hear any horror stories, i just hope it goes ok.

rabbitinlights

I got the Manfrotto 190ProB and a 486RC2 head for just under 130 Euros (plus a fancy Manfrotto bag), How does that compare to prices back home? I have not had a chance to play with it yet as im flying to Australia today, but its seems like a decent bit of kit.

S.

Vaussore

7dayshop are worth checking out for the occasional special offer — especially if you get a few bits & pieces together. But at the moment the only tripod they have is this: http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_1&products_id=9095

rymus

Fionn wrote:

i've decided on a neotec with a 322 RC2 head.

Pfff, copycat! Enjoy the new bit of kit

CrowdedHouse

My 055ProB/488Rc4 arrived today..

'tis a little bit more substantial than my Argos one ok

PaulieC

I got this monster a few weeks ago (well my sister got it for me in B&H). I wanted something sturdy and solid, wasn't too concerned about portability as I'm waaay too lazy to hike or anything like that. This thing is built like a tank, think it's made form scaffolding or something. Has a 3-way pan head, but it's simple to use and adjust.
I had it out last night and I am very pleased indeed with it. Even more pleased with this and the remote shutter release together...

halenger

For a completely different look at things and for those who do not understand the word 'budget', see here:

http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

It is an interesting read but prepare for some painful prices (for those who know what 'budget' means).

Fionn

rymus wrote:

Pfff, copycat!

he hee

well you know thats one of the many advantages of Boards meetings - gives ya the opportunity of actually seeing kit in action!!

oh! and a really great tripod by the way!!!