Thinking about which Tripod to get

[David]

hmmm, probably going to purchase a nice tripod soon but I want something which is going to last awhile... probably in the price range of $150 - $300 will need a tripod and head kit has anyone seen some good deals around?

[Haim]

look on trade me... there are alwayd good deals there... BUT, if you want new.... the one i use is this one (http://www.photowarehouse.co.nz/134692/falcon+ht+1410+tripod/)... i had it like a year now... still hasnt broken and never needed a manfrotto or something of that sort....

In saying that, i will get a manfrotto when i finish buying lenses / other more important gear!

[EGD]

i would suggest Manfrotto, its quite dear, but diffinately worth the investment, i use my tripod a lot and a steady and reliable tripod combo makes life a lot easier.

i use the 190XPROB with 486RC2 head.

with the 190XPROB seriers it features the horizontal column which allows you to shoot from very low angle and still steady enough for big camera and long lens.

[David]

haha that will set me back about $537 for the Manfrotto combo you have there... i guess it makes sense to get something which is going to last for a long time... ill have a think about it - thanks guys.

[talan]

I'm kind of in the same situation.

There has been a lot of positive reviews of the 190XPROB legs with 486RC2 ballhead so I think im leaning towards that combo.

When I first looked at the prices I was :eek: but realised you should always see it as an investment. A good tripod will last 10+ years.

You want something that is strong and sturdy that will support the load of your equipment e.g. long zoom lenses.

If you do have a budget in mind you can consider ones on Trademe which are like Manfrotto China clones.

Another popular clone brand is Benro (http://www.benro.com/). I believe Parallel Imports carry that brand.

[weka2000]

Buy once buy good.

Im now on my third tripod so going Manfrotto and not any cheap knock off clones :mad:
The clones are a waste of time, things break and get loose real quick.
Im quite hard on my tripods and have had 1 save my life after getting stuck in a mud hole in the manakau and used it to pull me out.

Manfrotto has parts should you losse somthing off it.

[David]

I ended up getting the 190XPROB legs with 486RC2 ballhead for just under $500 from camera-camera on Queen St. I'm pretty happy with it but one thing which disappoints me is that the ballhead does not have the three extra holes in the bottom to stabilise it and make sure it doesn't accidentally unscrew, does anyone know why this is? did they sell me a clone or something?! :mad:

[Haim]

camera-camera are actually pretty good on some prices i found out.....

500!!! wow.... everyones getting a manfrotto! i want one too lol

[talan]

I ended up getting the 190XPROB legs with 486RC2 ballhead for just under $500 from camera-camera on Queen St. I'm pretty happy with it but one thing which disappoints me is that the ballhead does not have the three extra holes in the bottom to stabilise it and make sure it doesn't accidentally unscrew, does anyone know why this is? did they sell me a clone or something?! :mad:

Check this thread out Dave. Maybe you're using it incorrectly? http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=529785

I'd be keen to check it out before I dish out $500 on the setup :)

[talan]

I just got the 190XPROB and 486RC2 combo today. Got it from Photo Warehouse as it was around $30 cheaper than Progear but not as cheap as Camera and Camera which is parallel imported.

The guy was telling me if you're not going to take your head on and off then just tighten the 3 screws on the bottom to lock the head on firmly, so don't worry David.

[Robin Ducker Photography]

Yes buy once and buy good. Anything over $250 or so. Personally I like carbon fibre 'pods as long as they have a hook on the centre column to hang your gear bag on....they are significantly lighter and stronger. While light isn't always good, a heavy 'pod sitting in the back of the car because it was too heavy to take with you is useless....I have a $700 Velbon carbon fibre pod. I have yet to see anything as strong and light but I do like the Manfrotto's for sure.

again I don't like ball heads. With 4KG of a Nikon with a 200mm F2.8 its just not viable. I also do a lot of panoramas so a ball head just doesn't cut it.