Camera Labs

This combination looks quite good for a good price / weight / quality combination. Any opinions on this combination?

_________________
Canon 40D, EF-S 17-85mm IS USM, EF 70-300 IS USM, EF 50mm f/1.4, Speedlite 430EX II, EF 70-200 f/4L IS USM, EFS 10-22mm.

Depends what you're primarily using them for & what camera/lens you want to attach.

If you're getting it especially for travel, it should be fine, but if you're getting it primarily for everyday use, check it's tall enough for you without having to extend the centre column (especially with it being a lighter tripod)
Also, IF you can afford, have a look at the ball-heads, instead of 3-ways, ....+ quick release plate.

I'm quite impressed with Giotto tbh, I got the MTL9361B Pro Tripod & MH1300-652 Series II Ball Head, not the lightest, but more than tall enough for me & quite solid & stable.


.

_________________

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/

My main requirement is lightness and rigidity. This would normally mean carbon fibre, but not always and you then come up against price as well. I would only get carbon fibre if it were significantly lighter and rigid than the aluminium model and not a lot more expensive.

At present I have a Velbon D-700 which is heavy and bulky and completely unsuitable to carry around. It also has a broken leg locking clip. So I need a new tripod.

The heaviest load I would have on the tripod would be a Canon 40D and the Canon 70-200 f/4L IS lens, which is still less than 2Kgs. More importantly would be the rigidity of the tripod.

I am not familiar with the various head types but the MH 5011 is lightweight and seems to be good. It is also reasonably cheap. I am not really looking to have the camera at multiple angles but just essentially horizontal or at ninety degrees. I doubt if I would use a ball head properly. I have not used a tripod much but that may change with a good one.

_________________
Canon 40D, EF-S 17-85mm IS USM, EF 70-300 IS USM, EF 50mm f/1.4, Speedlite 430EX II, EF 70-200 f/4L IS USM, EFS 10-22mm.

4 section legs tend to be a little less stable than 3, but do tend to collapse smaller for ease of transport.

Giotto make a few heads, the MH7002-652 Series 1 Ball Head, holds up to 4kg & can be bought for £35 or less, (inc quick release too) but it's up to you if you prefer `handles`.

_________________

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/

Thanks. Your input is helpful. I am certainly not set in my opinions on this - which is why I ask the question.

_________________
Canon 40D, EF-S 17-85mm IS USM, EF 70-300 IS USM, EF 50mm f/1.4, Speedlite 430EX II, EF 70-200 f/4L IS USM, EFS 10-22mm.

Wow, a moment of recognition. I have an old Velbon D-500, and it too has a broken leg locking clip. Mine also has a fluid panhead which leaks lubrication oil which is extremely sticky....

Replaced it with a Hama Omega II Carbon, but that doesn't seem to fit your bill (not very light).

_________________
I take pictures so quickly, my highschool was "Continuous High".

The 700 is massive and really meant for commercial video use, which is what it was used for. I aquired it from my brother who was in the business. It has been okay for non portable use as it can normally hold quite a weight. A dslr with lens is lightweight for it's usual use, so a broken leg clip was no big deal. However I am getting some more expensive equipment now and also need portability. The problem is there is a lot of choice and very few reviews on tripods when you google for them, especially Giottos.

_________________
Canon 40D, EF-S 17-85mm IS USM, EF 70-300 IS USM, EF 50mm f/1.4, Speedlite 430EX II, EF 70-200 f/4L IS USM, EFS 10-22mm.

I seem to be leaning toward the Giottos 8350b or the 8360b and the MH1311-652 or 1302-652 head. Probably the 8360b if I can justify the extra size and weight against the portability factor.

_________________
Canon 40D, EF-S 17-85mm IS USM, EF 70-300 IS USM, EF 50mm f/1.4, Speedlite 430EX II, EF 70-200 f/4L IS USM, EFS 10-22mm.