Tripods and ball heads

[JamesGill]

Hi, I am hoping to get a job next year, so I'll be able to save up some money, and this christmas I am likely to get a new camera (Canon EOS 60D), so I would like to know your opinions on a Vanguard Alta Pro 284ct tripod, and a Manfrotto MH054M0-Q2 054 Magnesium Ball Head with a Q2 quick release. Would these two work well together, or is it not recommended. I would like to buy the Vanguard tripod as it has a feature with the centre column which is something I have been looking for in particular, I am going to Iceland next year, so would like some good quality equipment.

Thanks

James

 

[JamesGill]

Just to simplify, do Manfrotto Tripod Heads work well with Vanguard Tripods?

 

[SCraig]

Most Manfrotto heads have 3/8" threads, and most include an adapter for 1/4" x 20 threads. If the tripod has those you should be OK.

I don't know anything about Vanguard tripods but looking at that one there are a couple of things I don't like:

1. It has 4-section legs. Vibrations start at leg joints. The more joints the more susceptible the tripod is to vibration. I personally prefer 3-section legs.

2. It seems pretty short. It's only 63" tall (5'-3") with the center column extended. I never extend the center column unless I absolutely have to, so with the center column down it's probably only going to be about 4'-6" or so tall.

It may be a great tripod but I just really don't know anything about them.

 

[tirediron]

What he said! ^^

 

[JamesGill]

Thanks for the replies, I've never actually seen the height of the tripod before, and thanks again, as it probably wouldn't be suitable for me at that height, (I'm 14 and already about 6'2")
Do you think having the feature in the centre column will be all that useful? If not, should I go with a Manfrotto 190PROB or similar? This has a similar feature, but only goes to 90 degrees, and then it can be reversed, so not quite as versatile.

James

 

[bazooka]

The center column is useful at times, but it's better to have a taller tripod as it's much more stable than extending a center column to the same height.

 

[JamesGill]

The center column is useful at times, but it's better to have a taller tripod as it's much more stable than extending a center column to the same height.

Thanks, much appreciated

Do you have any recommendations on other tripods, some of the other vanguard tripods may be taller, and have less leg sections, or should I go with a Manfrotto, bearing in mind I have around £300 budget.

Thanks

James

 

[ann]

Vanguards are a nice choice, however, I am not a fan of ever using the center column. ALso, if your still growing take that into consideration about the height.

I rarely extended any tripod out to all leg lengths, even a gizto can get dicey at that height.

 

[analog.universe]

I'd recommend you check out this article: Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan

He's a little bit no compromise, so his budget is a little bigger than yours, but it's a really useful article anyway. Tells you exactly what to look for and what an "ideal" tripod should be, and then you can decide which compromises to make to fit your budget.

 

[JamesGill]

I'd recommend you check out this article: Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan

He's a little bit no compromise, so his budget is a little bigger than yours, but it's a really useful article anyway. Tells you exactly what to look for and what an "ideal" tripod should be, and then you can decide which compromises to make to fit your budget.

Thanks to all of the people who replied, and I'll have a read through the article by Thom Hogan, Thanks again, much appreciated :thumbup:

James

 

[JamesGill]

055 Series - Manfrotto » ------ What are your thoughts on this? Maybe a little over budget but I think worth it. Anyway, you all have more experience than me, so I need your advice on it.

James

 

[SCraig]

That would be a good choice. I use the Manfrotto 190XB (aluminum) and love it. It isn't a Sachtler or RRS but then I didn't pay a fortune for it either. They are quite steady, the legs lock solidly, and I've got no complaints at all with mine.

They do not come with a head though so keep in mind that you will still need to get a head.

 

[JamesGill]

That would be a good choice. I use the Manfrotto 190XB (aluminum) and love it. It isn't a Sachtler or RRS but then I didn't pay a fortune for it either. They are quite steady, the legs lock solidly, and I've got no complaints at all with mine.

They do not come with a head though so keep in mind that you will still need to get a head.

Thanks, I think the 055 manfrotto will be my main choice, and the 054 ball head, seems like a great combination

Thanks again and much appreciated, James

 

[ChefCanon]

I went with the Manfrotto 055xdb with their 391rc2 head - Love the combo have have no complaints. I may pick up another head but for now im happy. Its a solid pod and i am confident setting my camera on it.

Links

Tripod - Manfrotto 055XB Tripod and 128RC Micro Fluid Head with 200PL-14 Plate - Kits (They don't ship it with the head I have)
Head - Manfrotto 3-Way Aluminum Photo Video Head with QR 200PL-14 Plate - Three Way

I looked at some fluid movement ones but went for this. The setup cost me ~250 U.S - This was a local camera store. Could have got cheaper but wanted to have a local connection and somewhere to return easily if faulty for any reason.

 

[SCraig]

I'm just a firm believer in Manfrotto. I've had a number of tripods but I've never splurged for one of the top brands. Perhaps my opinion of Manfrotto would drop a little if I had ever owned one of the upper-crust tripods but I haven't. I've had this one 2 or 3 years, it has been used a LOT, and it has never faltered once. It's solid, it's reliable and it does what I want from a tripod. In my opinion, dollar for dollar, they are hard to beat.