JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

There is always much discussion about people wanting better cameras/lenses etc to "improve their photography"

Remember that depending on "what" you shoot it could be the fact that you really need to use a tripod.

I shoot power boat racing, it always amazes me to see people shooting with long lenses and heavy gear unsupported.

Rarely will you see PROs at football/sport or other events without support for gear.

However a poor tripod no matter what it costs is about as useless as not having one.

Like everything else buy the best you can.

I prefer Gimbals for the freedom they offer, way more practical than ball and socket and pan/tilts for sports.

The three pods I use are

Giottos MTL9271B
Manfrotto 055XPROb
Manfrotto 475B

The last being my latest.

I bought the Giottos and 055 new, in fact the 055 is a backup to my Giottos legs.

However with a DSLR, grip and 150-500 and a heavy gimbal even the Giottos can feel under weight on occasions.

When I saw the Manfrotto 475B pre owned at London Camera Exchange this week for just £130 including postage (well postage was (£10) but if you don't ask you don't get do you :)

Seen side by side you can see the difference.

Two of the best features are the self levelling legs and the bracing, but also the centre column wind.

If you are looking to buy a tripod get the best you can, preferably pre owned as that is where the bargains are.

On occasion I people have posted here asking about "professional" tripods they have seen for £40, research before wasting your money

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

Dang Jr, that tripod really looks stout!

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Good legs, good post JR. ;)

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

The purpose of this was simply to remind people that (a) buy the best you can for the need you have and especially and most importantly (b) where possible buy pre owned for massive savings

LLucas Loc: Upstate South Carolina, USA

I lucked out BIG TIME by finding a wonderful tripod at the local thrift store for $5! I didn't know what I was buying, really, just took a chance. Well, this tripod turned out to be just what I needed. Thank you, dear person who donated it.

Sylvias Loc: North Yorkshire England

Jeremy, that looks like something out of Star Trek in the third photo :lol:

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Really that I what photography is about to me, rather than spending big time, bagging that bargain.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

And it looks OLD but it is a pod still available, just has so many features.

I note that tripods don't retain their value, biggest regret is buying the Giottos and other Manfrotto new, never again, pre owned all the way

LLucas Loc: Upstate South Carolina, USA

I feel that way about most things, actually. :-)

mariak Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico USA

Wow! That tripod looks really sturdy. May I ask please, what are self leveling legs? How do they work?
thank you,
mariak

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/475-digital-pro-geared-trripod-black

When I figure it out I will let you know, this is all the manual says

The revolutionary centre brace system can be operated in a symmetric or asymmetric way. This allows you to achieve two important results: fast positioning by locking the braces so that all of the legs will spread to the same angle and open instantly, or individual setting of the angle of each leg for the ultimate in tripod flexibility.

Personally I don't think that is levelling

It weighs 4.3k, the gimbal weighs 1.21k so total 5.4kilos, not light

georgevedwards Loc: Essex, Maryland.

I have been just wondering if a better tripod will improve my photos. But so far you have only indicated that "expensive is better" Can you elaborate on why cheaper tripods are not as good? I look to this site to learn knowledge from those who know more than I do. A heavier weight to anchor it better from movement? Less or more what? I would have to know what specifically I am looking for and why before I blindly lay down a wad. When I hear somebody lament about a product they were given because it wasn't the right brand or was inexpensive, and I know they are dumb people with no knowledge of the product, I just shake my head. I know some people just have a lot of money and have to show off, that is why they have expensive stuff, not because of any particular feature that is better. When I get some bucks together and get rid of my Walmart tripod, I want to know what to look for and why it is more expensive.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

There are three main areas to look for when getting a tripod.

1. Legs, yes it must have them..... but more important is the size of the legs, or to the layman how thick they are. Thin legs especially the bottom ones are thin as they fit in the others, being thin they can be flimsy. most tripods have three sections (not all) the thicker the more stable.

2. Joins. NOT leg clips, actual joins/joints. Cheap pods have rivets better ones are all nut/bolt

3. Centre posts, cheap tripods make up for a lack of height with centre posts, tripod at full height, raise the centre post and immediately you have instability. Most tripods have centre posts, there is a difference between good ones and ebay specials

GOOD firm tripod legs that reach a decent height without need to use the centre post are best, unless you have a studio type tripod.

Good quality legs will/may also have a geared centre column, as does the large Manfrotto, the difference is they are there for flexibility NOT to add height, and unlike cheap geared columbs they are manufactured to take the full weight of any camera/lens without the need to be locked in place

I have never to this day found a need for the teeny spiked feet on tripods even in the field :)

I would not buy any legs that were less than £100 new, and for rigidity and stability I prefer Alloy, I have five tripods and none are CF, mainly because I want a mount that will carry heavy gear when needed and will stay sway free in use.

In one photo I hope you can see the difference in leg diameters the manfrotto 475B could be kicked and not move.

Finally centre leg bracing is used on cheap pods because the legs are rubbish and the only way the makers can get them at all stable is to fit centre braces, whereas braces on good legs are there to re enforce already stable legs to the point that flex is all but eliminated.

Are people who fall for these really than dumb

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Professional-Camera-Tripod-Stand-for-Canon-Nikon-Sony-Kodak-silver-/121108320162?pt=UK_Tripods_Monopods&hash=item1c329e4fa2

wow a "Professional" tripod for £30, duh

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Professional-Aluminium-Tripod-with-3-Way-Pan-Tilt-Head-plus-Carry-Case-/180970049395?pt=UK_Tripods_Monopods&hash=item2a22a7cf73

cthahn

Very good article. Too many photographers complain about their photos, and blame t he camera. Then they go out and buy a new camera and have the same results. Using a tripod lets you shoot at slower speed, composing the pictures is easier, and takes the strain of the camera when using a long lens.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Thanks. Good info. I'm very, very strong, so I don't need a tripod. :D