Tripods and monopods and gorilllas -- oh my!

[Hayden]

Hey everybody

So how do they get away with changing several hundreds of dollars for tripods and monopods etc? Surely it's just metal and plastic... I don't get it...

Meanwhile, I want to do some slow shutter speed stuff and my hands are waaay too jittery. Can anyone recommend a nice, well-priced tripod/monopod for me? I am using a Canon EOS 550d (with biggest lens is about 2kg) and I am about 2m tall ;)

[Kym]

Camera stability...

Pick at most 2 of ...
a) Stable
b) Light
c) Cheap

Stability is a big factor in sharp images.
More info here: http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=24053

[Hayden]

Okie dokie, how about STABLE + CHEAP... any brands/models that jump out?

[Kym]

Benro are good value, also Slik

[Kym]

Also http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=23409

[RaoulIsidro]

I find the Manfrotto #055 tripod very versatile, and I would recommend that to anyone.
It has a 486RC2 Mini Ball head. My tripod is silver in colour.
I extend one leg and it becomes a monopod! Looks funny and bulky, but it works for me.
I plop in a Manfrotto lighting bracket with QR plate and it becomes a soft light stand with brollie and speedlight atttached!:th3:

[Hayden]

Five hundred bucks for a tripod? Holy hell...

[ricktas]

What is cheap? Tell us your budget, cause some think $50.00 is cheap, whilst others think $500.00 is cheap.

But remember Hayden, really cheap, is just that, it will be flimsy and wobbly. A good tripod can last you a lifetime, a cheap wobbly one lasts a very short time, cause it doesn't do the job you need it to.

[GJC]

So many variables:
- Price
- Weight
- Weight that they'll support
- Stability
- Maximum & Minimum Heights
- Head type
- ease of set up and pack up
- size when pack up
- other features

Work out your selection critera first. The longer the focal length of your lens, the more that Stability will be a factor.

I'd suggest going into a store that deals with consumer level stuff as well as pro gear. Have a look at a Manfroto. Get them to extend all of the legs and put your hand on top of it. push down a little to add a bit of weight and give it a wobble. Then do the same with some of the cheapies - $50 - $100. Then keep moving up in the price range until you find something you're happy with.

As Rick says - you could spend $50 on something and then never use it because it's a piece of junk.

At the cheaper end - I'd look at Slik and Velbon, but beware they both do really cheap stuff too.

At the higher end - Vanguard as an alternative to Manfrotto. I've also seen some reports on the web on some Chinese ones that are supposed to be close to Manfrotto stability and even look like them for 1/2 the price - but have no first hand experience of them.

The other things you'll have to consider is what type of head you want. There are lots of options there too. If you mve out of the cheap consumer level, you can also mix and match tripods and heads.


I've been using a Slick aluminium tripod for years and lusting after a Manfrotto, but could never justify spending the money. I've recently spent $515 on a Vanguard carbon-fibre tripod and a Manfrotto head.

Go and play with them in the shops.

[Hayden]

Thanks everybody. Going to a camera store today to try some out.

I just didn't factor this in as an expected expense, I honestly thought the really good ones would top out at 150 bucks or so...

[ricktas]

Thanks everybody. Going to a camera store today to try some out.

I just didn't factor this in as an expected expense, I honestly thought the really good ones would top out at 150 bucks or so...

ouch.. You can easily pay 10 times that!

The Manfrotto 190XproB is a good tripod and can be had (with head) for about twice your figure.

[maccaroneski]

Well how's about $250? this kit works pretty well for me:

http://www.vanbar.com.au/catalogue/product.php?id=61556

[mikec]

I think being so tall Hayden, your most important factors will be height, stability and cost. Nothing worse then having to hunch over to look through the view finder when your camera is on the tripod.

[Kym]

If your tall (I'm 6' 3") then the 190 is not tall enough.
Bottom line - try the pod/head/camera in a shop, and use it looking up as if you were trying to get a shot of a bird in a tree.
If your stooped your need taller.
DO NOT RELY ON A FULLY EXTENDED CENTRE POLE - this is not stable.

[maccaroneski]

I forgot to add "I am a shortar$e". :)

[peterb666]

Gitzo Ocean Tralveller - around $1700.

The decimal point is in the correct place but unfortunately not for my wallet.

[mithrandir]

Even with a good tripod, you might want to invest in a cable release or remote control. It is so easy to shake even a solid tripod.

[bigdazzler]

Check out the Velbon Sherpa (http://www.velbon.co.uk/newvelbon/pages/semipro.html) series. Good quality and value for money.

[Hayden]

Hi again everybody.

I went into the camera store (only one where I live) and chose a Velbon Sherpa that I felt comfortable using. It was the tallest in the store, and I have to stoop a bit when the center pole isn't up, but I do like it.

I think down the track I will also get a suitable Gorillapod for something that is a bit more versatile and easy to carry around for some impromptu stuff, but for now I am happy with the Sherpa. Paid 270 (*sigh*).

Thanks for all your suggestions.

[bigdazzler]

$270 sounds a bit $$$ for a sherpa mate ... which model is it ???