Is the VANGUARD MAK233 a decent enough tripod (buying second hand)

[Raj_55555]

I recommend avoiding any tripod (except for super heavy-duty units) that have that 'brace' going from the centre column to the legs. One reason is because it means that you can't adjust the leg spacing independantly, and two, because it's usually a sign that the trpod is cheaply made, and requires that extra support. I know that it's a LOT more money, but this one is where I think you need to be looking; this looks like a Manfrotto 055 clone, and seems to a much better build quality. Is buying used off of eBay an option for you? There are certainly some good deals to be had there.

Yikes! That's way out of my budget for now. I think I'll save a little for later rather than getting a cheap one. I'll have to invest in a good glass and a good camera as well. I'm sure I can get by without a tripod for a few more months. Thanks John

I'd let it pass, Raj. I've been the whole cheap tripod route--you really, truly are better off to do without one until you can afford at least a mid-range option. Those really inexpensive ones like this just NEVER end up being truly sturdy with any weight on them at all.

Now that you've said it, how can I not listen to you
I hate the new smileys too!! I still keep using the old symbols

 

[Raj_55555]

FYI, I'm using a Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 now, but I'll occasionally still reach for the Dolica if I need a spare. The Velbon? Seriously - I haul it out when I talk to people about tripods to show them what to skip. If your choices come down to the used MAK233 or no tripod at all, I suspect the MAK233 is better than nothing, but I think for just a little more investment, you could do a lot better.

Thanks a lot David, I read the entire thing and then the entire page twice. I think I'll stay away from the tripod thingy for a while. I don't really use them too often anyway. Thanks a lot for taking the time to explain this to me.

Oh! And the dolica one is way too overpriced in India for some reason, being sold at over 150 US $ here.

 

[lambertpix]

Thanks a lot David, I read the entire thing and then the entire page twice. I think I'll stay away from the tripod thingy for a while. I don't really use them too often anyway. Thanks a lot for taking the time to explain this to me.

Oh! And the dolica one is way too overpriced in India for some reason, being sold at over 150 US $ here.

Yeah, that's overpriced. It should be more in the $60-70 range. For $150, you should be able to get one of Vanguard's mid-range tripods, which seem to be pretty decent (I haven't used one myself) or something like a Benro or even an Induro.

For now, it probably wouldn't hurt for you to just read up on features and (if possible) go play with a couple tripods so you know what you like and what you don't -- that way, when you see a "deal", you'll be better-equipped to know if it's really the right tripod for you. I always use "flip locks" vs "twist locks" as an example of this -- people usually prefer one or the other, and if you can figure out which one you like, you'll cut about half the tripods out of your shopping list. It sounds like you might also want to look at heads -- ball vs. pan-tilt, and maybe even pistol grip heads. All that little stuff winds up making a tripod much more pleasant to use (if you choose correctly) or really annoying (if you don't), and IMO, those ergonomic properties contribute as much to your success as the actual load-bearing capacity of the tripod. Since most of these boil down to personal preference, *I* can't tell you which you're going to prefer -- only *you* can do that.

 

[Raj_55555]

Hmm.. a lot to think about, the velbon cx686 (the second deal) had a pan/tilt head, but I think I'll hold off on the purchase and save up a little to get a decent one. I don't see that happening any time soon though, camera and a couple of lens will be my first priority. Damn, I'm gonna be broke!