Please recommend a Good Tripod

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pixel_ninja

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Hi Guys,

I've ordered a Canon 650D and am looking for a good tripod that (preferably has a level, and can swivel) will be good for panoramas and time lapse work.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
 
Between myself and my family we own three of these Manfrotto tripods and plan on getting more. We also own two Manfrotto monopods too.

Good quality, decent price, and that ball head with pistol grip trigger is really awesome. Another good brand is Vanguard but they are quite pricey. Their tripods are quite tough and stable though.

I've tried numerous other low-end tripods in the R200 - R400 range and they all eventually break or are made of a cheap plastic that isn't stable and sturdy enough for my liking. For around R500 - R600, those Manfrotto's are a great versatile buy because the pistol grip is suited to both photos (static, locked) and are brilliant for smooth panning when shooting video.
 
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+1 for Manfrotto, they're sturdy, practical and not insanely expensive at the entry level
 
I just bought the manfrotto MKC-H02 (mentioned above by AniV) about a week ago.
So far so good. Its light and stable, and comes with a 5 year guarantee. Assuming you arent using a massive telephoto lens, I dont see why this wouldnt suit you.
They're currently on special at Makro for R450 as well, and in my opinion is the best value for money option. Only downside, no spirit level, but u can always purchase a hot shoe attachment one if you really need it.
 
Makro keep a range of Takara tripods, they seem super cheap and feature packed, cant say much on the quality of it though.
 
Just_Ice said:
I just bought the manfrotto MKC-H02 (mentioned above by AniV) about a week ago.
So far so good. Its light and stable, and comes with a 5 year guarantee. Assuming you arent using a massive telephoto lens, I dont see why this wouldnt suit you.
They're currently on special at Makro for R450 as well, and in my opinion is the best value for money option. Only downside, no spirit level, but u can always purchase a hot shoe attachment one if you really need it.
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Oooooooooooooooo :D I know where I'm making a stop after work.

Have been aiming to replace my old broken tripod for months now. Best price I've seen for these awesome tripods yet. Thanks!
 
Just_Ice said:
I just bought the manfrotto MKC-H02 (mentioned above by AniV) about a week ago.
So far so good. Its light and stable, and comes with a 5 year guarantee. Assuming you arent using a massive telephoto lens, I dont see why this wouldnt suit you.
They're currently on special at Makro for R450 as well, and in my opinion is the best value for money option. Only downside, no spirit level, but u can always purchase a hot shoe attachment one if you really need it.
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Max load of 1.5kg which is less than something like a 7D + 24-70mm or 16-35mm - neither of which lenses are particularly massive.
 
bwana said:
Max load of 1.5kg which is less than something like a 7D + 24-70mm or 16-35mm - neither of which lenses are particularly massive.
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He just ordered a 650D = 575g. So I dont imagine a 7D being used by either the OP or myself anytime soon and as such I dont imagine him splashing out too much on lenses anytime soon.

But regardless: 70-200 f4 = 760g with IS.
24-70 f2.8 = 805g.
16-35= 640g.

None of those combinations top 1.5kg, so its definitely sufficient for myself. And most likely for the OP too.
 
Just_Ice said:
He just ordered a 650D = 575g. So I dont imagine a 7D being used by either the OP or myself anytime soon and as such I dont imagine him splashing out too much on lenses anytime soon.

But regardless: 70-200 f4 = 760g with IS.
24-70 f2.8 = 805g.
16-35= 640g.

None of those combinations top 1.5kg, so its definitely sufficient for myself. And most likely for the OP too.
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While that may be true the most common theme about tripod regrets is not buying a good one the first time around. Add a small to medium size flash into your equation and you're easily tipping the scales.
 
Agreed on Manfrotto. Which one in the range depends on your budget and your intended use. If you have the budget and want to use it on the go, then a carbon fibre tripod is probably the best option in terms of weight.
 
Burp

Thanks guys. I checked the Manfrotto and its the best sub R1K Tripod on the market in retail stores. I just ordered from ORMSDIRECT today (they have stock)

FYI: MKC-H01 is on special for R445 and is the black model, MKC-H02 not on special and is the grey model - same tripod.

Also the MKC-H01/2 head have some nice features (I think its called a ball and pivot head) that you often don't find in this price range. Its nice and solid, sturdy, and will last.
 
swift412 said:
What's your budget?

I have one of these and I'm very happy with it. Solid and reliable.

http://www.ormsdirect.co.za/manfrotto-294a3-d3rc2-tripod-kit-with-804rc2-head

Before I bought it I went through two or three cheapie no-name brand tripods; they were lightweight and flismy and eventually all of them broke after a few months.
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I went tripod shopping yesterday - everything I tested in the stores where beyond junk. The one at Game looked good till I picked it up, the leg fell off. The ones at Incredible that where still in stock where very flimsey. The sales guy at IC told me the Manfrotto sold out quickly. Deon Wired still had but for R700.
 
cbrunsdonza said:
I went tripod shopping yesterday - everything I tested in the stores where beyond junk. The one at Game looked good till I picked it up, the leg fell off. The ones at Incredible that where still in stock where very flimsey. The sales guy at IC told me the Manfrotto sold out quickly. Deon Wired still had but for R700.
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I have gone through 3 manfrottos that were under R1000. The threads just get worn to bits. I have eventually just gone with what everyone has said, and bought myself a R2500 kit of ballhead and legs. The quality is something out of this world. Seriously.
 
Inn3rs3lf said:
I have gone through 3 manfrottos that were under R1000. The threads just get worn to bits. I have eventually just gone with what everyone has said, and bought myself a R2500 kit of ballhead and legs. The quality is something out of this world. Seriously.
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Yip, I shared a link to Redged tripods early in this thread and it was totally ignored in favour of the cheaper option. If you are even partially serious about photography you need to proper tripod and not three sticks.

The thing is they also recently had a 30% Christmas discount on all their products. Not sure if it is still on but worth a try if someone is looking. Let me know and I can try and find out :

uploadfromtaptalk1354649748059.jpg
 
Inn3rs3lf said:
I have gone through 3 manfrottos that were under R1000. The threads just get worn to bits. I have eventually just gone with what everyone has said, and bought myself a R2500 kit of ballhead and legs. The quality is something out of this world. Seriously.
Click to expand...

I just picked up my Manfrotto and for R450 I challenge anybody to show me a better deal. But I won't be battle testing this tripod, it will be used conservatively and eventually become part of a 2nd kit as I slowly get back into photography. Its good enough for the casual hobbiest but it won't survive beyond that.

I'm also somebody that likes to buy entry level stuff to get a feel of what I should look for when I buy something proper. And I do agree that my next tripod will be in the R2,5K+ range
 
cbrunsdonza said:
I just picked up my Manfrotto and for R450 I challenge anybody to show me a better deal. But I won't be battle testing this tripod, it will be used conservatively and eventually become part of a 2nd kit as I slowly get back into photography. Its good enough for the casual hobbiest but it won't survive beyond that.

I'm also somebody that likes to buy entry level stuff to get a feel of what I should look for when I buy something proper. And I do agree that my next tripod will be in the R2,5K+ range
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Fully understandable if it won't be taken out on koppies and whatnot. I don't see the point really in buying a carbon fiber tripod if it will be used in the yard, and for casual shots. R6K for a carbon fiber tripod in my eyes is just crazy as well. No matter the location. Unless you are a paid tog.

I still have my takara cheapie that I used around the house to get a few shots, and that lasted longer than my manfrottos.

The manfrottos were solid, but I use a 7D with battery grip, so it could never handle the load.
 
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