small tripod choice...

[creampuff]

P3ntx please don't just look at specs alone (if the specs are indeed what they claim to be ). Go and actually try out the tripods at a shop.

One thing to note is that not all carbon fiber tripods are the same in terms of construction and weight. That is why some CF tripods aren't significantly lighter than something similar made from aluminium.

 

[ilario]

hehe i'm going down tomorrow to the shops, and perhaps i will upgrade my budget up to 150~180. Any suggestions or models to look out for? One more question, the PPCP stetige looks very good, wonder why seem like its not very popular? thanks!

 

[knyghtfall81]

hehe i'm going down tomorrow to the shops, and perhaps i will upgrade my budget up to 150~180.

For manfrotto, at that price range you prob can get the attitude series, i.e. 724, 725,728 etc. the head's affixed to the tripod (non inter changeable) and the load capacity's at 2.5 - 3.5kg.

 

[night86mare]

hehe i'm going down tomorrow to the shops, and perhaps i will upgrade my budget up to 150~180. Any suggestions or models to look out for? One more question, the PPCP stetige looks very good, wonder why seem like its not very popular? thanks!

most of the cheaper tripods, like i have used

e.g. the slik sprint pro 3 way, and now the ppcp v2 tripod

they do have this problem of not lasting - maybe it's just me though, i punish my tripods pretty badly in terms of bringing it around and usage.

some sort of poor man's economics, i suppose, if you can buy something that might last you a longer time, but costs more, it may turn out to be cheaper in the long run than buying something cheap that doesn't last too long

the slik sprint pro 3 way's head just crumbled on me one time in labrador during one of the best sunsets i ever saw, which was quite infuriating and frustrating, and soon after the legs started to have problems at the joints.

the ppcp is serving fine actually, but i do not give it long, the screw on the ballhead seems to be the same as benro's cheaper ballhead (haven't used the more expensive ones).. with every passing day i seem to be able to go further with the knob, which doesn't spell good.

as a point to note - the cheaper benro ballheads seem to need some form of correction/customisation with the quick release plate. does not "bite" into the camera base properly, because of some sort of miscalculation. solution is to add some washer to the screw.

unfortunately i do not feel inclined at this point in time to "invest" due to other priorities (like the k20d) so i guess, if your budget is limited, really - go for the steige. i think for the price (and comments i've seen) the quality should be markedly, if not marginally better than the slik sprint pro.

 

[creampuff]

For manfrotto, at that price range you prob can get the attitude series, i.e. 724, 725,728 etc. the head's affixed to the tripod (non inter changeable) and the load capacity's at 2.5 - 3.5kg.

I was given a 728 a while back and I have to say it is OK for compacts and maybe prosumers/bridge type of cameras or light video cams but definitely cannot make it when used with DSLR even with a kit lens. The tripod isn't sturdy enough, doesn't extend high enough and the head isn't up to scratch.

 

[ExplorerZ]

I don use a pentax, but i guess it depends very much on choice between "get the best" or "get a little better than adequate and save the rest".
personally i would go for the latter due to limit fund. :cry:
but on 2nd thought, even if i have the $ to go for the best tripod, i probably give it a miss as i doubt i be able to utilize it fully, its just like putting a 2kg load on a tripod system that can withstand 20kg of load steadily. the $ can always go somewhere else like lenses or accessories.

 

[knyghtfall81]

I was given a 728 a while back and I have to say it is OK for compacts and maybe prosumers/bridge type of cameras or light video cams but definitely cannot make it when used with DSLR even with a kit lens. The tripod isn't sturdy enough, doesn't extend high enough and the head isn't up to scratch.

I knew there was a good reason why I upgraded!

Yeah, found that it was quite insufficient for my camera, esp film ones which require more stability than DSLRs. The ballhead couldn't take my vt 125/2.5 for macro shots either. But that's the range of tripods i know that cost abt ~$180, for manfrotto. Didn't do market research for the other brands, not sure which good ones you can get at that price.

 

[P3ntx]

Went to take a look yesterday, CP has split their office into Tripods and Cameras, but their Tripod had place on the shelves instead of on the floor, make customers who want to access them awkward ...Mainly Giztos, the feel is very light...has other tripod even further up the selves. Dislikes the sales person there ...not really easy going experience.. gave me the impression like, telling me are you going to buy...I only wnat to sell. Kinda like going into goldsmith shops. I think it is the most expensive place to buy anything from them ..

AP don't have much range. Benro hardly exist only one model.. at AL. SLS

So where are the place for Tripods ?

 

[NoMoney]

Orient Photo had a range of Benro tripod on display.

 

[sbc]

At Cp, it depends on whom you know. Look for the one ppl normally call Uncle Joo. He is friendly and patience, but sometimes u hv to excuse him cos he can get quite busy with the many regulars that calls on him.
I hv window shopped there many times for tripod. Once the other staff knows that u know uncle joo, they will leave u alone. Just remember to put back all the tripods after u played with them.

 

[fengwei]

So where are the place for Tripods ?

Try TK Foto at the SHAW TOWERS, S(189702), 100 Beach Road #02-45
Tel: 62924533/62928167

Look for James. It's the best place to buy Gitzo Tripod and Markins Ballhead.

As far as I know, Shriro (the agent for Gitzo tripods ) send Gitzo products directly to TK Foto, that's where you can get the best price (and service too).

Good luck.

 

[ilario]

Hello peeps, i bought a SLIK PRO 400DX. The salesman at CP recommended me a manfrotto with a ballhead and this slik that was inclusive of a panhead, so i got it. Its quite bulky but feel very solid with it. Very happy purchase, and kudos to CP service!