Cost effective tripod

Dolby

Dolby

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I had NO idea there were so many out there :/

Is anyone able to narrow it down by supplying a brand or model I can look at, please?

Needs to hold to 2.5KG
 
R2,999.00?!

That's not my type of cost effective ;)
 
I think the height is a pretty important factor to consider. You don't want to keep bending over and hurt your back or neck but at the same time you want to be able to use the LCD panel (not monitor) to change options.

If you are thinking of landscapes then perhaps a more sturdy tripod is essential if you will be on top of some hill in the middle of a blustery wind storm but also consider a mono-pod for walk around stability.

I would get a cheap one to start with then if this ends up not being suitable you will then surely know what you need and the old one will become the off-camera flash holder. So no loss at the end of the day.
 
hilton said:
I think the height is a pretty important factor to consider. You don't want to keep bending over and hurt your back or neck but at the same time you want to be able to use the LCD panel (not monitor) to change options.
Click to expand...

To me, the top LCD panel is a total waste of time - I always use the LCD monitor as it's much easier to use when the camera is on a monopod, tripod or a beanbag in the car (the text is also more legible for old eyes).

@Dolby: most decent tripods will prolly start around R2k (without a head), a decent head will set you back twice as much again. Then you're going to start looking at quick release plates for your lenses and bodies. Then you're going to want an L-bracket so you can flip your camera from landscape to portrait, when you're using a lens without tripod collar. Then...

[and we're not even talking about the other lenses you want :D]

PS: brandnames would be Manfrotto or Gitzo
 
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Dolby said:
R2,999.00?!

That's not my type of cost effective ;)
Click to expand...

A good tripod is a once-in-a-lifetime investment: my Gitzo must be close to 40 years old & is still going strong.

Granted the rubber grips perished years ago, but if I have a 500mm lens loaded it's the Gitzo that I trust to eliminate the shake.

If you are serious about photography a good tripod - e.g. a Manfrotto - is an essential.

BTW, a tip for when purchasing a tripod. Open the tripod & take off the head. Place your hands on the top of the tripod then lift your body off the ground. The tripod should handle your weight - for a few seconds, at least - without buckling ... :)

We (self + pals) have given more than a few salesmen a heart attack using this test ... !!
 
Pity about the 2.5 Kg cause that's the max load you should use on my fav Induro A014 This is my carry around everywhere tripod, because of it being so light, seen many a bush trail all over the world.

At R1200 it was a bargen for all the use I got out of it.
 
Quantum Theory said:
I know, that's why I don't have one already... You must get a proper tripod though, especially for 2,5kg!
Click to expand...

Agreed, last thing you want is a R30 000/R40 000 investment race to the ground cause you only wanted to spend R500
 
You have good points ;)

I'll continue using the old one I have until I can buy a decent one.
 
Look for the Hahnel Triad 100. I have one, cost me R989 from kalahari (don't have stock at moment...) R1069 from SACamera http://www.sacamera.co.za/product/1018461/ Holds up to 5kgs, it has great ball head, two tripod plates and very stiff aluminium legs. I have taken it through hail, mud, sea water, river water and it hasn't faltered once. The center column can also be removed and used as a monopod!!! It might not have the looks of a Vanguard or Manfrotto but it definately does the job for the price!
 
I just bought me my second tripod @ Makro for R599, Manfrotto compact. Great for mobility.
 
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My first tripod was a cheap all-in-one Manfrotto (R700 or R800, can't remember exactly). It is lightweight, a pleasure to travel with...and absolutely crap as a DSLR tripod. It's just to small too reliably do it's job - that of actually keeping your camera still. :) It wasn't sturdy enough and the head mechanism was too weak.

I then bought a bigger Manfrotto (190XPROPB and 494RC2 head, approx R2,200 iirc) - the difference is like day and night. Don't waste your money, get a decent one, it is worth it and makes a huge difference.
 
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