Hi James,

Do you want a 'full size' tripod or a mini tripod. I have both.

I use a Joby gorillapod for some things. Its all plastic, light and flexible. I can even use it underwater.

http://www.joby.com/

Alternatively a full size tripod comes in umpteen different variations depending on spec and price. Key issues are tripod (or even monopod) construction - aluminium, carbon fibre etc and the tilt/pan head. Fluid heads, ball heads, friction heads and quick release heads etc etc etc.

Quick release is very useful.

Mine is just a basic lightweight aluminium tripod with a friction tilt/pan head. If its properly greased and set up its nearly as good as a fluid head for smoothness so I've never bothered getting anything better.

Tripod weighs 1.3 kg, head 500grms.

Cheers
Adrian
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. (see below)
Confucius
AMD Phenom IIX6 1055T, win10, 5 internal drives, 7 usb drives, struggling power supply.

Well I have a lump of a tripod I adore but it is far too heavy for hiking and such like. It's a Manfrotto with a fluid head, quick release and as smooth as you'd wish for.

I'd be interested to see what's suggested here.

Dafydd

PS Blinking heck Adrian you've beat me again like a "bus load of comfits"

Thanks Adrian,

I was looking at this one. It's not overly expensive and think will provide the fluidity I need once I learn how to properly use it. There are cheaper ones out there, but I'm afraid that the head will be so rough that I could do a better job without a tripod at all.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/427320-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_785B_785B_Modo_Maxi_Tripod.html

Ardrian, can you tell make and model of your full size tripod? You said that it pans smoothly which is what makes me interested. Q9300 2.5 GHz
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Nvidia 9800 GT

Thanks Dafydd. Q9300 2.5 GHz
4 GB Ram
Nvidia 9800 GT

Hi James,

Sorry no - its too old - a bit like me really.

Cheers
Adrian Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. (see below)
Confucius
AMD Phenom IIX6 1055T, win10, 5 internal drives, 7 usb drives, struggling power supply.

Adrian - that gorillapod looks great for what James is after. I saw one in a store just the other day... cheap as chips, too. Check it out James.

http://www.sunnysports.com/prod/SNSGP.html?srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=20-16676283-2

and, James, while I was writing that, you were leaning the other way. Forget what I said.

Cheers -

Tony
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James' URL: This looks like a very cheap entry level tripod which many of the reviews have knocked as being not man enough for the task, even though it is a branded name.

I look closely at the head, catches and positional capability of the tripod, I think this one hit's the failure spot to early.

Be careful of user reviews which "praise their own purchase" and don't give analytical appraisal that pick out the faults as well as the good points.

Just my 4 penny worth.

Dafydd
PS I'm very sceptical of reviews

Thanks everyone.

Those gorillapods look great for photo cameras, but I don't think they will work well for video.

The basic dilemma I have is that I don't know how much I will actually use it and hence I'm reluctant to spend a lot of money on something I may not use often. A $20 tripod is just as good as a $1000 tripod if all it does is sit in the closet. At the same time I hate buying junk that will have to be replaced after the second time I use it. I know that If I invest in a good tripod then it may outlast the camera.

Can anyone suggest a starting point for what I should looking at?

Thanks

Q9300 2.5 GHz
4 GB Ram
Nvidia 9800 GT

Hi James,

You're right about the gorillapod - it's fine for my camera for some purposes. I actually transfer my pan and tilt head onto it but my Sanyo HD1010 only weighs 311 grms.

You could start here and work your way down.

Sachtler 18 / PROKIT HD package
Sachtler 18SB fluid head with Heavy Duty Carbon Fibre Speedlock tripod, above ground spreader and soft case.Price Exc VAT: £4,150.00.

Perhaps not.

Cheers
Adrian Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. (see below)
Confucius
AMD Phenom IIX6 1055T, win10, 5 internal drives, 7 usb drives, struggling power supply.

Adrian,

I have some seaside property in Arizona if you are interested. Q9300 2.5 GHz
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Nvidia 9800 GT

Ha James,

I have some town property in York and a country property in Ireland to sell. If I could sell them both I might get that tripod!

Cheers
Adrian

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. (see below)
Confucius
AMD Phenom IIX6 1055T, win10, 5 internal drives, 7 usb drives, struggling power supply.

Hi James,

I have just invested in a new tripod recently. The centre mounting pole can be completely removed and is a telescoping mono-pod (correct use of hyphen Tony?) which is useful for walking as it is very compact and light.

pjc -

That has to beeeeee the most seductively placed hyphen I've seen for days!!!

That tripod sounds very adaptable. I would think a telesopic rod might be pretty useful in some circumstances... and probably more affordable than the Sachtler!

Hey - all you guys with property - I started out with nothing and I still have most of it left.

Cheers -

Tony
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Hi pjc, thanks for the info.

Can you provide the make and model for that one? That type sounds useful for travel purposes.

Thanks Q9300 2.5 GHz
4 GB Ram
Nvidia 9800 GT

Quote:
That has to beeeeee the most seductively placed hyphen I've seen for days!!!

Quote: Can you provide the make and model for that one? That type sounds useful for travel purposes.
Thanks

No problem James,
Optex OPM2595. Retailed for AUD120 but at a specialist camera shop whose prices are a bit expensive.
A bit cheaply made but not too bad so far.

Thanks pjc. I did a quick search on google and I think I would have trouble getting that tripod in the US, but I did find it on a Australian website. Q9300 2.5 GHz
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