tripod recommendation

[kentwong81]

Hi Sinned79,

Where did you get your Sirui T1204? How much is it?

 

[Ghostfit]

Hi daredevil123,

Is Sirui R1204 good for backpacking? Just checked that its price is around SGD290. Is it worth the price?

Sorry for buttin in on your question, daredevil :sweat:


I've got 2 close shooting buddies with Sirui R1204 and they're completely happy and satisfied with their tripods, the R1204 is really light and tall for the price but as it doesn't fold in reverse, the folded length is abit longer compared to the travel series.
I feel its still accepable for travelling.

 

[mackie8]

im also looking for those tripods with quick release legs... easier to setup... i found this manfrotto 7301YB...
Quite heavy 1.8Kg .. panhead included... max weight is 3.5kg... do you think it is a good choice than surui T1004x?

 

[daredevil123]

im also looking for those tripods with quick release legs... easier to setup... i found this manfrotto 7301YB...
Quite heavy 1.8Kg .. panhead included... max weight is 3.5kg... do you think it is a good choice than surui T1004x?

This is Sirui's website where you can find all the specs and pictures:
http://www.zssirui.com/en/index.html

This is the price list for Sirui tripods at TK Foto:
http://www.facebook.com/tkfoto?v=app_6009294086&ref=ts

You have to find out yourself which is better for you. Since everyone has different preferences and needs.

 

[spree86]

im also looking for those tripods with quick release legs... easier to setup... i found this manfrotto 7301YB...
Quite heavy 1.8Kg .. panhead included... max weight is 3.5kg... do you think it is a good choice than surui T1004x?

For such a heavy tripod to take only a maximum of 3.5kg is a bit erm.... Is it significantly taller thus justifying the extra weight? T1004X can take 10kg so gives you leeway just in case u moving to heavier lenses. How much does the manfrotto cost anyway?

 

[daredevil123]

For such a heavy tripod to take only a maximum of 3.5kg is a bit erm.... Is it significantly taller thus justifying the extra weight? T1004X can take 10kg so gives you leeway just in case u moving to heavier lenses. How much does the manfrotto cost anyway?

Different companies state max weight differently.

For manfrotto, they seem to understate their max weight. When they say 3.5 kg, you can really put 3.5 kg on it without any problems.

Some companies tend to over state.

 

[Jeremy1]

im also looking for those tripods with quick release legs... easier to setup... i found this manfrotto 7301YB...
Quite heavy 1.8Kg .. panhead included... max weight is 3.5kg... do you think it is a good choice than surui T1004x?

FYI, Sirui leg releasing is the same as Gitzo.

 

[mackie8]

for manfrotto it is $190 from cathay... i liked the quick release legs like that one... any other good model having same legs?

 

[ZerocoolAstra]

for manfrotto it is $190 from cathay... i liked the quick release legs like that one... any other good model having same legs?

errr... Benro? :embrass:

they tend to copy Manfrotto designs, right down to the clips. Whether it's same quality or not.... lemme tell you in due course...

 

[daredevil123]

for manfrotto it is $190 from cathay... i liked the quick release legs like that one... any other good model having same legs?

They are all quick release legs.

Just that the manfrotto you mentioed has flip locks.

The ones on sirui and gitzo are twist lock.

Personally I think twist lock is faster, all you need is to give it a 1/4 twist, and you can twist all 3 legs at once and extend them all at once.

 

[Anson]

This thread caught my attention, as I am going to buy a tripod this week. But as a newbie, I will most probably be buying the Fancier 6662A first. At the price it is selling, even if regret also no heart pain. How come no one looking at this model?? Is it a lousy model?

I was shopping for a new tripod recently, my requirement was the following:

Folded Height: Not more than 510mm ( Able to fit into my traveling compartment)
Max. Operating Height: At least 1.65m (Freq use my tripod as a light stand)
Net Weight: Less than 2kg (I am not getting any younger)
Max. Operating Load: Able to hold a 5DM2 + Grip ( 2 batteries) + 580ex2 + 70-200F2.8IS vertically.
Center Hook: Must (Able to put counterweight in the event of windy condition)


After paying a visit to a few shops I found that the average cost that fulfill my requirement would cost around $350 ~ $600 (depending the on brand and material). :think:

After some research and recommendation from friends, I found a much cheaper yet sturdy option:Fancier FT-592 (aka Bumblebee) -> http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6623652&postcount=2

Weighting around 1.6kg, the tripod is relatively compact and light during my travels. And the max height does serve well as an alternative light stand ( I never can get my normal light stand to fill into my traveling luggage). :bsmilie:

Overall this is something that I would recommend to my friends who is looking for a more economical but perform as advertise. :thumbsup:

Anyway, i like the Sirui cause of the folding options. It can be folded until pretty compact. Any other tripod with this function as well?

The Fancier FT-592 also reversed folding capability too.

 

[ZerocoolAstra]

They are all quick release legs.

Just that the manfrotto you mentioed has flip locks.

The ones on sirui and gitzo are twist lock.

Personally I think twist lock is faster, all you need is to give it a 1/4 twist, and you can twist all 3 legs at once and extend them all at once.

i intentionally switched from twist locks to clip locks :angel:

preference I guess....

 

[mackie8]

what are the models using flip locks?

 

[jopel]

This workshop might help you - WPAS and Cathay join talk: What tripod to use.

 

[ZerocoolAstra]

what are the models using flip locks?

it would be a P.I.T.A to list them all out for you.
Generally, it seems like Manfrotto favours clip locks, whilst Sirui favours twist locks (copy Gitzo). Benro tries to accomodate both camps, by having products with clip locks, as well as products with twist locks.

best you go down and check them out yourself.

 

[mackie8]

ok i think i will check out cathay then

they are having promo for Manfrotto 7302YB @ 140... lighter than 7301YB.. 1.41kg only...

 

[ZerocoolAstra]

ok i think i will check out cathay then

they are having promo for Manfrotto 7302YB @ 140... lighter than 7301YB.. 1.41kg only...

bring your heaviest set-up and test. But be gentle with the stuff. Once broken/damaged, considered sold!

 

[mackie8]

just got my tripod last night....
manfrotto 7302YB... good price from cathay @ SGD140..
solid built... 5yrs warranty..

 

[SamTac]

just got my tripod last night....
manfrotto 7302YB... good price from cathay @ SGD140..
solid built... 5yrs warranty..

How about the ball head?

 

[mackie8]

ballhead included..