Tripods, again!

[digiman]

Sorry to open yet another tripod thread, but, I have trawled through existing threads, and I haven't been able to satisfy my questions.

I am looking for a good sturdy tripod, that I can mount my 1dsii on. I have a Hahnell triad 60 lite, which I have been delighted with, but, the head just won't tighten enough to keep the camera solid. I find it a little flimsy too with my heavy camera. The 500 isn't so much of an issue.

I like the look of the Manfrotto with the ability to make the centre bar into a horizontal beam. I doubt that would be able to hold my body at any great length though. Is it just a case of ballast to gain stability? What do you do to maintain stability?

Input welcome,

Cheers,

Garry

[Parsen66]

Re: Tripods, again!

I've got the carbon Manfrotto you talk about and never had need yet to have the central column horizontal. I have to say though that it's never given me any reasons to doubt it's stability whe used normally. The Beeleigh locks shots from yesterday was in soft mud (I didn't bring my mud feet for the tripod, oops) and it still held sturdy for the long exposures.

It's relatively lightweight to lug around too. The ballhead certainly adds most of the weight

[Cyberman]

Re: Tripods, again!

I use a Manfrotto 190 with my 5DIII. The horizontal bar can be used, but it does need to be braced or ballasted if using the horizontal at full extension.

[Swanny48]

Re: Tripods, again!

I have a manfrotto 055 cf and don't like the non-removeable horizontal bar. If I was in the market now for a new tripod I would seriously consider Sirui tripods.

John