Birthday Present?

[Rob MacKillop]

I have a birthday at the end of this month, and am thinking of heavily hinting for a decent light, durable tripod. Suggestions please. The one I own at the moment cost me £8 - and I feel I was overcharged

I'll be using it with the Merrills.

 

[Davie Hudson]

the new manfrotto compacts look cool

 

[Julian de'Courcy]

Cannot recommend anything as I've not looked into tripods of late. Though I purchased a small Manfrotto ball head the other day to replace one acquired about five years ago. I was very disappointed in the direction Manfrotto have gone of late. It was a small head and therefore not overly expensive, about £50 maybe, yet the quality since my past purchases of their gear is dire. Cheap and not great to operate. . So maybe I am suggesting to look at another make , but others may disagree and know a particular tripod of theirs which is ok.

 

[Julian de'Courcy]

Knew someone would recommend Manfrotto

 

[Rob MacKillop]

LOL

 

[Pete Askew]

I have used Gitzo tripods for years but they are pricey, even secondhand. I also have some Giottos ball heads and they are quite nice. Their tripods are supposed to be good as well.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I might add a bag to the wish list, something that will keep the three Merrills snug and happy.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I'm not sure if I'm worth a Gitzo, Pete

 

[Davie Hudson]

Knew someone would recommend Manfrotto

I don't have one lol I walked into curry's for one ... I rarely use it, most of what I do is hand held

 

[Rob MacKillop]

How does this look? Not very high...

http://www.cliftoncameras.co.uk/Hahnel_Triad_C4_Compact_Tripod

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Or this?

http://www.cliftoncameras.co.uk/Vanguard_Alta_Pro_263AT_Tripod_Legs

 

[Pete Askew]

Tricky. The more joints the less stable. I wouldn't worry too much about the height as I rarely extend my tripods above that but that is the height with the column at the maximum, which would also reduce stability.

 

[Pete Askew]

How about this? In budget?

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Link?

 

[Pete Askew]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Giottos-Ser...L5A1OLE&s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1404244573&sr=1-2

 

[Pete Askew]

Or, if you have been especially good!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gitzo-GT154...8&qid=1404246304&sr=1-3&keywords=gitzo+carbon

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I've never been THAT good...

The first one - looks good, but wouldn't I need an additional head, such as this?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Giottos-MH1...l-Release/dp/B004DCAPL0/ref=pd_bxgy_ph_text_y

...which pumps up the price.

 

[Pete Askew]

Yes, but you might be able to pick up S/H ball head or even use your current one for now. You'd need a head with the others as well.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Ok. Thanks for the links. Not sure what the budget is, of course...

 

[Pete Askew]

The Giottos ball heads are pretty good though. The Gitzo magnesium ones are just amazing. And you sometimes find a battered one on eBay. They are indestructible!