Choosing a Tripod\Monopod

[M5MAN]

Well Ive got a few bits of kit and the next thing is a Tripod and Monopod.

Not really bothered about the price as I like to buy good stuff that lasts.

My main issues are:-

It must be lightweight.
Legs easy to lock in position (the tripod not my wifes ;)
Consider I'm 6' 2" tall so must extend enough
Will clip on to a rucksack

Advice from you guys do go for I pan & tilt or ball & socket head fors and against for each.

All feed back appreciated. :D

Also I want to a clear filter(for lens protection) for when on safari which do I go as so many different makes etc with different accronyms. :o

[TheWengler]

Not a very helpful link. :confused: Here's (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35116&highlight=tripod) a thread that covers some general tripod stuff.

I don't know a ton about this stuff but for the heads, if you want to pan or track objects then a get a panning head, geared 3 way head for macro and a ball head for general use. The tripod I use is in my sig. The 055 series from Manfrotto is taller. I'm 6'4 and still have to bend over a little but i wouldn't say it's uncomfortable. This tripod is heavy though. I would say you'll probably have to give something up. Your requirements for size and weight kind of conflict. Something with more sections might collapse to a smaller size.

[T06]

Hows your budget? The Gitzo GT 2540 is the "mountaineer" model. Light & strong.

[M5MAN]

Hi T06 - thanks for your reply thats what I'd been looking at just wanted to see if any one had used it and what there veiws were on it??

The Wengler
"I don't know a ton about this stuff but for the heads, if you want to pan or track objects then a get a panning head, geared 3 way head for macro and a ball head for general use. The tripod I use is in my sig. The 055 series from Manfrotto is taller. I'm 6'4 and still have to bend over a little but i wouldn't say it's uncomfortable. This tripod is heavy though. I would say you'll probably have to give something up. Your requirements for size and weight kind of conflict. Something with more sections might collapse to a smaller size. "

By the sounds of it you need a ball and socket for general and a panning head tracking (safari etc in my case)

Do you guys not bother with Monopods?


Again any veiws what you guys have or have used would be appreciated.:D

[T06]

You won't get a better pic than by using a mono or tri. At the mo I use a Manfrotto 675B mono, can't wait for someone to try & steal my gear when I've got that in my hand:D:D:D. For your tramping you'll find proper tramping equipped mono's out there. Have a gander here http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showcat.php?cat=all&si=Gitzo%203540&page=10&sort=8&perpage=12&stype=1
;)

[Glasstream15]

This is the tripod I got.

http://www.amazon.com/Velbon-Carmagne-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod/dp/B0001Z99SS/ref=pd_bbs_9?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1205826729&sr=8-9

With the gear you have, you really don't want a junk tripod and the Carbon Fiber/Magnesium construction of that tripod and head are very sturdy and very light. Light is important if you are going to be trekking around much and it sounds as if you are.

A good ball head would be another worthwhile accessory. There are several great ones. I am happy with the Velbon ball head I have.

http://www.amazon.com/Large-Ball-Head-Quick-release-Plate/dp/B000F1Z6KI/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1205827096&sr=8-2

There are better quality brands out there, but they are twice as expensive for about 10% better quality. Diminishing returns.

[kgosden]

I think that you will find that ball heads are nicer for general landscape use. They also are more compact and make it easier to pack the tripod in a suitcase for travel. I tend to leave my camera attached to the head when I am working an area with the tripod over my shoulder while moving. In this situation a pan head with levers sticking out tends to snag on trees, brush and rocks.

One thing to consider with your height is 4 section tripods over 3 section. 3 section ones tend to be a tiny bit sturdier, but 4 section ones pack a bit shorter and stand taller without extending the center column. I have a Velbon CF640 that I am very happy with since adding a Manfrotto ball head.

[M5MAN]

Glassstream15

Thanks for the feedback after reading the reveiws

http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B0001Z99SS/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?%5Fencoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

and the spec

Lightweight, durable tripod with rigid carbon fiber legs and magnesium body
3-way quick-release pan head; effortless lever-lock system for quick adjustments
Split center column enables low-angle and semi-low-angle positions
Scratch-resistant neoprene grips and rubber feet; includes tripod case
Adjusts from 10.2 to 64.7 inches; supports 25 pounds; weighs 3.8 pounds

It looks like it ticking all the boxes and coming in a lot cheaper that the Gitzo 2540.

TO6

Thanks for the link -

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/s...age=12&stype=1
Just added it to favs..

Kgosden

Thanks for the section tip think I'll be going with the Velbon 640 :D

[T06]

No worries mate, it's actually nice to see someone on here that isn't whingeing & also says thanks to people for help ;)

[M5MAN]

Birthday tomorrow so money off my mum will buy the tripod, well happy ....
Just off to Galway ,Ireland for the wkd with the wife-camera all packed hopefully will get some of pics on here next wkd to be critisised and advised on...:)