Sturdy metal tripod?

the_syco · 30-06-2010 08:36PM #1

Hello all,
Yup, this is one of those weird posts that tend to pop up from time to time.

I'm looking for a sturdy metal tripod, like those that are used on building sites, new roads, etc. The plastic ones don't seem to last long

Based near Dublin, so any shops there that may have a decent one, or maybe an online shop.

Thanks.

muffler · 01-07-2010 12:20AM

What do you intend using it for? (just so as I know what type you after)

the_syco · 01-07-2010 12:46AM

muffler wrote: »

What do you intend using it for? (just so as I know what type you after)

Well, DSLR. But please don't redirect this over to the photo forum, as I've gone through two or three camera tripods so far

Thus, I'm looking for a sturdy tripod. Weight doesn't matter a whole load, as I ain't small, but I don't want one so heavy it'll need wheels.

muffler · 01-07-2010 01:27AM

Something like this would be what you're looking for.

I wouldn't know of any place in Dublin myself but Im sure there are a few survey equipment outlets. A quick google located this - a bit expensive though.

Google "surveying equipment" or "dumpy level +tripod" to get a few online results or look up "surveying equipment" in the golden/yellow pages.

Im not into photography but will this type of tripod work with a camera?

Mellor · 01-07-2010 04:12AM

muffler wrote: »

Something like this would be what you're looking for.

I wouldn't know of any place in Dublin myself but Im sure there are a few survey equipment outlets. A quick google located this - a bit expensive though.

Google "surveying equipment" or "dumpy level +tripod" to get a few online results or look up "surveying equipment" in the golden/yellow pages.

Im not into photography but will this type of tripod work with a camera?

Afraid that's not suitable Muffler. It's an optical level, for total stations etc

OP, you need a camera tripod. The metal ones you see on site are not suitable for cameras. For a start there is no camera connection, they are a bit too heavy, and are not compact. Overpriced too considering the high level of engineering that goes in.
I have no idea why you have been restricted to plastic ones? There are a number of metal ones out there.
There are a few shops in dublin that sell them, Conns, Bermingham, Camera Exchange or Jessops.

This really should of been in the photographic forum. There are a nuymber of pro shooters over there, who have bigger and heavier camera's and lens than you (i'm sure of this due to the fact that you started a thread on this)

A quick search threw up this;
http://www.hahnel.ie/index.cfm/page/tripods

There are a number of models. All are suitable for DSLRs (what model do you have and what is the biggest lens). From the 30 lite (max load 4KG), to the 80 and 100 pro tripods, to the 200 Carbon fibre tripod.
These were just the first brand with good reviews I seen. If you go to Conns or the other shops above, they'll advice you exactly what you need.

Basically, the cheap ones are crap. You get what you pay for.

mickdw · 01-07-2010 11:57AM

If the OP wants a tripod like a building site, a camera could be easily made fit as the screw for surveying instrument can be easily removed & replaced.
Looking at the purpose build tripods, there does seem to be suitable options there for all levels of abuse so perhaps they are best

Sturdy metal tripod?

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