Camera Labs

There are so many out there, I do not know which one to get.

I mainly photograph in a landscape orientation.

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Canon EOS 500D
Lenses: EFS 18-55mm IS, EF 50mm F/1.8 II

You need to give us more information, or think more about how you're going to use it...

What's the heaviest lens / camera combo you'll be using?

Does it need to be super-light?

Will it be used for video?

Do you want seperate controls / locks for each axis or prefer a joystick style?

Do you need to make very quick adjustments?

Do you want a ball and socket or again, seperate axes?

There's lots to consider, and before going ay further I'd suggest going to your nearest camera shop and trying some out as some will immediately feel right or wrong to you - then we can take it from there...

It will be for landscapes using the 500D.

I may be using it for video, if I can get a reasonably priced head.


I can not decide whether to go for a tripod, monopod though, or both.


Regardless, I will need a suitable head, so lets assume it is just for stills using the 500D for basic landscapes/portraits. I do not need any fancy axis movements either.

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Canon EOS 500D
Lenses: EFS 18-55mm IS, EF 50mm F/1.8 II

You still need to calculate your maximum load / weight...

Either way, please do check some out in person first as you'll find some feel better to you in operson than others, and no amount of discussion will get you to that step!

You may find it useful tos ee what are the best selling models from a company like Manfrotto - go to Amazon UK and search for manfrotto head to see which are the most popular....

Yes, I was planning to get a Manfrotto, but they look so similar in the pictures. I can not really tell the difference between them.

It is hard to differentiate.

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Canon EOS 500D
Lenses: EFS 18-55mm IS, EF 50mm F/1.8 II

Yes, I was planning to get a Manfrotto, but they look so similar in the pictures. I can not really tell the difference between them.

It is hard to differentiate.



I think I would get away with the minimum as my home tripod will take the weight of the 500D (with standard lenses) if I secure the screw tight enough.

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Canon EOS 500D
Lenses: EFS 18-55mm IS, EF 50mm F/1.8 II

Ive got a Manfrotto 496RC2 and recommend it.

I prefer ball heads.

In terms of load capacity, it has been fine with a D300 and 70-200, which by the sounds of things is more than you will use on it.

Although a quick amazon search reveals a few for "Manfrotto ball head" and Im sure they're all pretty good.

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Nikon D5000 and D300 with 12-24mm, 35mm f1.8, 50mm f1.4, 60mm f2.8 Macro, 18-200mm, 17-55mm f2.8 (all Nikon)

I bought a Giottos MH1300 652 Series II Ball Head with quick release plates. It's rated up to 20KG, but they do others.

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Nikon D800E & D700 bodies + Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR, 50mm F1.4G, 16-35mm f/4G VR, 105 F2.8 VR macro, 70-300mm lenses. A couple of filters, Giotto tripod & ballhead. Lowepro Slingshot 302 AW

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldcarlos/

I think any head will do. It is the tripod that I can not seem to be able to choose.

Manfrotto alone have so many and although they are different prices, I can not seem to see what is different from the pictures.

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Canon EOS 500D
Lenses: EFS 18-55mm IS, EF 50mm F/1.8 II

I wouldnt get too confused by it all.

They have two main tripod ranges in this price range, the 190 series, and the 055 series.

I wouldnt bother with anything smaller or larger than these for your use.

The 055 is sturdier and heavier than the 190, but they do more or less the same thing other than that.

Then within each range they have carbon fibre models, 3 or 4 section models etc.

I ended up with the 055XPROB I think its called. I went 055 instead of 190 as even though it is a bit heavier, I appreciate the extra stability when it is windy up a hillside somewhere. I went for the XPROB version, as it just felt better made than the others I tried. I wasnt particularly fussed about carbon so didnt spend the extra money.

Go into a Jessops is my advice. They normally stock the most popular versions.

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Nikon D5000 and D300 with 12-24mm, 35mm f1.8, 50mm f1.4, 60mm f2.8 Macro, 18-200mm, 17-55mm f2.8 (all Nikon)

Ok, if it's the legs you're confused about, please read my review here:

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Manfr ... OB_tripod/

If you will be walking up and down hills, to get your landscape shots, carbon fiber will be a true joy, especially if you have any physical infirmities. Carbon fiber also damps vibrations best, all else being equal, as shown in Gordon's reviews.

A 190CX3 is sufficient for a 7D, with up to a 100mm 2.8L macro lens, in my experience. If you are tall, about six feet or more, the 055CX would be better. I own both, and am six feet tall. I opted not to get the ones with the "PRO" suffix in the model designation, as I use joystick heads, and also have a Magic Arm set-up.

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Canon 7D/5D/40D/1D2N; Nikon F6, FM3A, & Coolpix A; Canon 40mm Pancake, 135L, 50L, 35L, pre-II 50mm 1.8, 100mm 2.8L Macro, 10-22mm EF-S, 28-135 EF, 400mm 5.6L; Nikkor 50mm 1.2 AI-S, 50mm 1.4G, 50mm 1.8D, 16mm 2.8D Fisheye, 180mm 2.8D, 100-300mm 5.6 AI-S; Tokina 17mm & 100mm 2.8 Macro

I am tall, and I don't think that the weight will really be a concern, as I currently mainly shoot hand held.

Manfrotto don't help though with all their somewhat confusing model numbers.

Gordon,
I will check out your link now.

If I buy "legs only", does it come with the centre pole?

I think the tall carbon fibre model is about right for me.

Will these tripods take the weight of 1D/5D (for future use)?

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Canon EOS 500D
Lenses: EFS 18-55mm IS, EF 50mm F/1.8 II

Yes, the center column is included. A 7D weighs a bit more than a 5D Mark II, and my 055CX3 has been able to handle a 7D, a quite hefty 100mm 2.8L Macro IS lens, a 580EX flashgun, and a Manfrotto 222 joystick-style head. If you are tall, you will not regret the 055 size tripod. My 055CX3 is still wonderfully light in weight, and has stiffer legs than my 190CX3.

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Canon 7D/5D/40D/1D2N; Nikon F6, FM3A, & Coolpix A; Canon 40mm Pancake, 135L, 50L, 35L, pre-II 50mm 1.8, 100mm 2.8L Macro, 10-22mm EF-S, 28-135 EF, 400mm 5.6L; Nikkor 50mm 1.2 AI-S, 50mm 1.4G, 50mm 1.8D, 16mm 2.8D Fisheye, 180mm 2.8D, 100-300mm 5.6 AI-S; Tokina 17mm & 100mm 2.8 Macro

I am looking to spend around the £100 mark.

The carbon fibres are well out of budget.

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Canon EOS 500D
Lenses: EFS 18-55mm IS, EF 50mm F/1.8 II