Another tripod question

[Dae]

Hello!

Brand new to the site, and looking forward to learning!

I'm not brand new to photography, but by no means seasoned or learned. I have had my Canon 30D for about 5 months now. I typically use my Canon 70-300 4-5.6 IS lens but soon I'll be adding a teleconverter.

My question is in regards to tripods, as the title suggests. I'm looking for a sturdy tripod for my 30D that I can use to focus on bird photography.

I've been looking at manfrotto, and also the slik master classic with D3. To be honest, it's all making my head spin and desperately need some help to sort me out.

Looking to spend between £140 altogether.

Thanks a lot!

[nimbus]

The majority view when these questions are asked is Manfrotto, Manfrotto, Manfrotto. I would not argue with this, they are a robust product with the potential of a long and happy life. Mine is now some 20 years old, looks a little battered, but still functions as well as the day I got it.

[Tacitus]

I use Manfrotto heads and tripods, but also an older very solid (and cheap) Slik tripod which has braced legs. However, I dumped the flimsy Slik p/t head and use one of my Manfrotto heads with it for the heavy-weight jobs. I also use Manfrotto heads on my big Unilock (Benbo type).

The advantage of the Manfrotto route is that I can buy all sorts of add-ons and alternative heads and retain consistency and interchangeability. For example, the Manfrotto QR system is a better universal system (at least for me) than the ever-changing systems used by many other manufacturers. If desired, you can build a custom camera support system (say, for macro work, long telephotos, 'scopes, video, etc) with Manfrotto rather more easily than with most other (similarly priced) brands. If you want flexibility it's hard to beat Manfrotto.

[Teddy]

Hi,

As already mentioned a lot of people will say go for a Manfrotto and as you have a budget of up to £140 you should just be able to get legs & a head for that but you will have to shop around some and you’ll be limited on heads & extra’s. e.g. I paid £136 for a 190 XproB with MN486RC2 head.

I would have a good search round the forum thou as this question is asked almost weekly & I remember John posting a good link for tripods reviews 2 or 3 weeks ago:

search

I also remember Manfrotto running an add in AP 3 weeks ago; 190 legs & junior head for £99???

Happy shopping

[Roger_Provins]

Manfrotto 190 XproB with MN486RC2 head bundled at Amazon for £127.99 with free postage.

[Dae]

You guys are stars! Thank you very much, you've been very helpful. My husband and I had pretty much settled on manfrotto, but wanted a bit of extra reassurance. I was looking for something that would have the most flexibility in interchanging heads, add-ons etc, in addition to being very sturdy. It sounds like manfrotto is just the ticket. We might have to spend a tad more than our budget, but maybe not. Will shop around. Thank you!

[beejaybee]

The majority view when these questions are asked is Manfrotto, Manfrotto, Manfrotto.

Because it's the most complex system? I mean, having to buy head seperately from legs, then having a choice of quick-release adapters and loads of other stuff...

Choice is good. Anyhow I'm pleased with mine!

[nimbus]

No. They are sturdy and steady. The availability of different heads means that the user can choose what suits them best, and change the head at a later date, should they wish to. They are, in my and many others view, the best option.

[Benchista]

The majority view when these questions are asked is Manfrotto, Manfrotto, Manfrotto.

Because it's the most complex system? I mean, having to buy head seperately from legs, then having a choice of quick-release adapters and loads of other stuff...

Choice is good. Anyhow I'm pleased with mine!

No, because in general it's a good compromise system. Not the very best, but not the most expensive either - Manfrotto normally come in as a decent product at an affordable price.

[Monk]

Only just noticed this thread, so if you have already bought then I still say Manfrotto. Gitzo are great, so is large format, we can not have it all; well if you have oodles of dosh maybe....

For birding I use a Nikon D200, used to be a D70, with 70-200mm f2.8 VR, sometimes handheld, also sometimes with a Nikon TC-20E II(2x) Teleconverter; the tripod is a Manfrotto 055WNB with 128RC QR head, this may be bought as a whole kit. Excellent unit in terms of stability and flexibility of use. I would recommend the OP/TECH tripod strap to go with it, cushioned and balanced strap for the hike into the underbrush.
I thought I bought this about £130, but a quick look is more and above your budget, however I hope this gives you an idea of what sort of thing to look for.

The lightweight option is a Manfrotto 434B (monopod) with a 234RC QR head, the technique takes a while to grasp but is well worth it; this is my favoured option for local area birding.

Monk.