Please recommend a Good Tripod

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

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.

I'm really impressed with mandfrotto and its very solid. The quick release is awesome but on my Nikon bridge camera, the base plate prevents me from replacing batteries. I also have a Sony handycam and thinking of delegating this tripod to it instead as its super compact.

As for weight, the entry level stuff just cannot take a decent camera with a max payload of 1,5kg.

I also agree on the carbon fibre stuff - one knock and its gone. I'm sure there are individuals who could justify it, but I believe its reserved more for bragging rights amongst the weight weenies - something we see a lot in the cycling community.

 

[SpoonTech]

Buy a solid feeling Manfrotto for anywhere between R900 and your budget, buy anything for less than that and it will shake with your gear, or break in a short space of time.