quality tripods, manfrotto or

[ReF]

hi,
i've been trying to shop for a tripod and wanted to get some opinions. i've narrowed it down to the Manfrotto 3021Pro for $146 or the Giottos MT-9180.
both are almost exactly the same in specs and price, except the Giottos is listed as having spiked feet, a "built in three way head when center column is removed" and can hold up to 33lbs, while the Manfrotto is listed at max load of 11-15lbs (have seen conficting specs). the Manfrotto is obviously very popular and well liked while the Giottos sounds good on paper but i don't know much else about it. can any share any experience/recommendation with either tripod or even experience with just the brands? another, lower cost option i was looking at is the Slik Pro 700DX for $129, which includes an all-metal head and quick release plate. can anybody share any opinions about the Slik "pro series" as well?
thanks

[cdifoto]

hi,
i've been trying to shop for a tripod and wanted to get some opinions. i've narrowed it down to the Manfrotto 3021Pro for $146 or the Giottos MT-9180.
both are almost exactly the same in specs and price, except the Giottos is listed as having spiked feet, a "built in three way head when center column is removed" and can hold up to 33lbs, while the Manfrotto is listed at max load of 11-15lbs (have seen conficting specs). the Manfrotto is obviously very popular and well liked while the Giottos sounds good on paper but i don't know much else about it. can any share any experience/recommendation with either tripod or even experience with just the brands? another, lower cost option i was looking at is the Slik Pro 700DX for $129, which includes an all-metal head and quick release plate. can anybody share any opinions about the Slik "pro series" as well?
thanks

I can't vouch for that specific Slik but I have the old U-212 and really like it. It's heavy but durable with spiked feet. Has squared legs for more strength. I also have a Slik monopod that I really like.

[Warin]

I use a Slik monopod and tripod that I really like. I was not happy at all with the Giottos tripod I started with.

You cant go wrong with Manfrotto at all, though.

[cdifoto]

I use a Slik monopod and tripod that I really like. I was not happy at all with the Giottos tripod I started with.

You cant go wrong with Manfrotto at all, though.

Yeah...I dunno if I'd trust a tripod made by a company famous for rubber blowers. :eek:

http://www.photofilter.com/images/giottos-rocket-air-large.gif

[Warin]

Yeah...I dunno if I'd trust a tripod made by a company famous for rubber blowers. :eek:


Hey! That rocket blower kicks major butt! I have heard decent things about the Giottos carbon fibre 'pods, but I havent had one (and my boss gets crabby if I order 300 dollar tripods on spec!)

[cdifoto]

Hey! That rocket blower kicks major butt! I have heard decent things about the Giottos carbon fibre 'pods, but I havent had one (and my boss gets crabby if I order 300 dollar tripods on spec!)

I love my rocket blower. HOWEVER...you won't see me buying a Daewoo or Hyundai anytime soon (neither Television nor Car! :eek: ).

[jamison55]

I have a Dynatran 818 that I bought new off of the Amvona EBay store for $59. It's build like a tank...easily as solid as the $300+ Slik's and Manfrottos I was looking at...

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7515&highlight=tripod

[SamPhilly]

ReF, I just picked up a Manfrotto 714b. It did a nice job for my needs while out on the trails, it is light but I didn't need it to support much weight though.

[hallbilly]

man, and i was hopeing to get a GOOD one for 50-70 bucks... originally i was looking to spend all of about 20 :D ... is the extra money worth it?

[Militaris]

I brought a 2nd hand trip-pod for $12 NZD ($8USD) at a local market. It was made in Germany out of what looks like stainless steel but with bronze/copper (dont know which) expandable legs, not sure of the marker. But is rock solid, has three different height levels and I have little to complain about it. Although it does not have a quick release, and does not rotatable top. In my opinion there is little point in spending hundreds for a new tri-pod. Especially if you do not plan to use it often.

[akysiev]

I brought a 2nd hand trip-pod for $12 NZD ($8USD) at a local market. It was made in Germany out of what looks like stainless steel but with bronze/copper (dont know which) expandable legs, not sure of the marker. But is rock solid, has three different height levels and I have little to complain about it. Although it does not have a quick release, and does not rotatable top. In my opinion there is little point in spending hundreds for a new tri-pod. Especially if you do not plan to use it often.

Yeah.... Might wanna reconsider not using it very often ;)


man, and i was hopeing to get a GOOD one for 50-70 bucks... originally i was looking to spend all of about 20 ... is the extra money worth it?[/B]

A tripod will overall make your shots oh-so-much better. That's why people shell out the c-notes for lightweight, sturdy, and convenient tripods suited for their shooting environment, equipment, and height. They're not just for night-time photography ;)

I haven't used that Manfrotto before but I've never been disappointed by the company. The MagFibers that I've used are top of the line in quality (and price) and although the rated max load is only around 15-20 lbs, I can't envision myself putting more than that on it. The tripods were exceptionally light too - My monopod was only marginally lighter :o

[Shooter]

Not worth a lot of money IMO. Read what Ken Rockwell has to say about tripods.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/tripods.htm

I'd say 50 dollars max, unless you are planning long exposures in windy conditions at night with a huge telephoto zoom. Also consider a monopod which is better for hiking / nature photography implications or a mini ultrapod.

My first post on dcresource!

[akysiev]

Granted it's inconvenient to use a tripod when you're in a crowded area (which is why I use a monopod), I find it much easier to take photos with a tripod when I am able to use it. I would really have to disagree with Rockwell - IS or VR will increase the price of the lens quite dramatically (Canon 70-200 L IS anyone?) and I would much rather just buy a decent tripod. Besides, if you're gonna have a tripod anyways, might as well make it a keeper and something that you won't be dissatisfied with later and eventually replace. It's not exactly rapidly evolving technology.

But I would buy (instead of borrow) IS lenses as well if I could afford it :rolleyes:

Welcome to the forums :)

[tygersclaw]

I trust Manfrotto. As a Professional DJ, I often use a Manfrotto Crank-up stand for my lighting. I have 2 of them and they have been rock solid performers for me for the last 15 years. Sometimes I ask these stands to support more than there rated capacity and no problem.

I would recommend Manfrotto for the above stated reasons alone.