Buy Manfrotto Tripod?

[-Garfield-]

Hi everybody,

I have a cheap tripod and I recieved an offer to buy a new tripod for Xmas. I don't know if it is worth it. I watch DtownTV from Scott and Matt from Kelby Media and in episode 58 they told that you should buy a tripod about $250.

But the tripod that I like is Manfrotto 190XPROB and it's a bit cheaper. The thing is that I don't know if it is a good tripod for my "photography". I'm interested in shooting landscapes, nature and people. The heaviest combination of gear I have is Canon Rebel XSi(450D) + Canon 70-200 f/4 NON IS. According to supported weight it will be fine, but I'm not so sure about the overall support.

Could you give me some hints about this topic?

P.S. in future I'd like to upgrade to 5D mark II (III).

[OsmosisStudios]

What head?

When you buy a good proper tripod (like a manfrotto) they come as a two-piece system: legs and a head. The 190XPROB is a fantastic leg set for a light camera combo, but the head can make or break it. And you have to factor the weight of the head on top of the tripod in the support calculations.

[inkista]

As OS says, with a head, the 190XPROB is the $250 tripod they're probably talking about. You picked the right one.

[Glenn72]

I picked up a Manfrotto 190XPROB with a 496RC2 head and the Manfrotto bag a few months ago and I really have enjoyed it over my cheap $30 previous tripod.
The 190XPROB is a good choice unless you are very tall, then you may want to consider the 055XPROB.
I'm 5'8 and the 190XPROB is perfect for me, when I was doing my research I heard that people who were 6'2 or taller had to squat down when the tripod was fully extended.

[-Garfield-]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

What head?

When you buy a good proper tripod (like a manfrotto) they come as a two-piece system: legs and a head. The 190XPROB is a fantastic leg set for a light camera combo, but the head can make or break it. And you have to factor the weight of the head on top of the tripod in the support calculations.

It's combined with 496RC2 also from Manfrotto. Today I took a look on it at the store and they also offered me another tripod - Vanguard. Don't know the exact model but I think it is TRACKER B-100.

Both tripods look very good and are able to hold my gear. The rep also told me that I should take the supported weight and make a half from it. To be really sure about getting steady and sharp shot, my gear should be in the half of the possible weight supported.

Now I really don't know what to buy. Yeah Manfrotto is great brand and they produce perfect tripods. But Vanguard is able to hold more weight, is higher and has almost all functions. Price is about the same range.

New idea about the choise?

[inkista]

Half might be overkill, but you definitely don't want to be exactly at the weight limit, you do want some "safety" margin.

Just a personal taste thing, but I like a tripod that's fast and easy to set up. For me, that means, I'll always get legs with flip levers, not twist locks, to release/lock the leg extension. One reason I like my Manfrotto and my Velbon is those flip levers.

Also, take a look at the other features that are available. If you plan on doing macro work, how low to the ground can the tripod get? Do you have the ability to make the head go horizontal in a boom-like manner? How many sections are the legs? Stability is always the key feature you're looking for here.

I'd also highly recommend reading the Roger Cicala (lensrental.com) take on how to buy a tripod and ballhead.

[-Garfield-]

Yeah, stability is the one thing I'm going for. To be honest, I really don't want my gear to fall on ground and I want to take crisp and sharp shots from tripod using my 70-200 non IS lens. With the tripod I have, cost me about 30$, I don't have that support.

So what do you think? Vanguard or Manfrotto?

[Biomech]

Originally Posted by -Garfield-

But the tripod that I like is Manfrotto 190XPROB and it's a bit cheaper. The thing is that I

I used to use a Sony R640 tripod - which was plastic and weak, lots of vibration through it even from the shutter/mirror.

I bought the Manfrotto 190XPROB with the 804RC2 head about 6 months ago and it's MUCH better. Plus if you're in the EU and register with them you get a 5yr warranty. It's heavier, but has some great features, smooth movement and very solid.

[-Garfield-]

Originally Posted by Biomech

I used to use a Sony R640 tripod - which was plastic and weak, lots of vibration through it even from the shutter/mirror.

I bought the Manfrotto 190XPROB with the 804RC2 head about 6 months ago and it's MUCH better. Plus if you're in the EU and register with them you get a 5yr warranty. It's heavier, but has some great features, smooth movement and very solid.

Yeah, I do suffer with my cheap Hama Star 62 (cost me about $30-40) even from mirror flipping. Especially with the 70-200 lens on it. I thing I'll go with Manfrotto instead Vanguard. From many review I've learned the 190XPROB is great, but I'm 180cm high and I'm also thinking about the 055XPROB for it's hight and bigger support

Do you think 190XPROB will be fine for my height? I'm not planning to go over the maximal supported weight even with the 5D Mark II + grip.

[Glenn72]

I'm about 173 cm and its more then high enough for me. Just remember that the tripod head will add another 30 cm to the max height. You'll have to raise the center bar which will reduce some stability but it is nothing to worry about even with a good wind.