Bargains *do* exist - New tripod

[iwatkins]

Hi All,

Not too sure where to post this, so here will do :)

Went into town at lunchtime to pick up my Big-Ed grip that ordered a while back (and very good it is too). While I was there I was chatting to the LowePro rep. who was in as I'm looking for another bag to replace my aging Stealth reporter 300AW. In fact, I'll probably replace it with the same bag.

Anyway, was chatting to him about tripods as I'm in the market for a more sturdy one as my cheapo 12 year old Cobra is too light for the 10D, especially when windy.

It turns out that LowePro UK are now distributors for the Giottos range of tripods/heads. I looked blankly, looked him in the eye and said "Never heard of them" :)

So, he goes through the blurb pointing out this and that. The shop I was in, (excellent guys, London Camera Exchange, Worcester, England) was thinking about stocking this range to go with the more regular tripods, Manfrotto, Slik etc.

So, this guy has one with him that he has been using for demonstration purposes but was selling it off to the shop. After having a good look over it and playing with the adjustments, I said I'll have it so got the tripod and the head for a grand sum of £129. The tripod is new+ condition.

So, I'm a happy chappy, so I don't want anyone coming on this thread posting that Giottos are crap or anything like that, because I'm happy :)

For info, the tripod is the Giottos Profesional MT 1870 (http://www.giottos.com/eng_public/products_variation_detail.asp?ProductID=49&VariationID=290) with the MH1001 head (http://www.giottos.com/eng_public/products_variation_detail.asp?ProductID=15&VariationID=146).

Pictures below, but just to add, bargains *do* exist in the world of photography. :) :) :)

Cheers

Ian

http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~iwatkins/Other/tripod1.jpg

http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~iwatkins/Other/tripod2.jpg

[TimNYC]

Nice looking combo,Ian. Doesn't look like it wants to be backpacked though!

[iwatkins]

Backpacked ? Mmmm, maybe.

It comes with a fairly nice carry bag that you can throw over the shoulder as well as the padded strap that is shown in the picture.

I've weighed it and including the head it comes in at 2.84kg which I guess is around 6 pounds.

I'll let you know how I get on as I'm spending two days in the Brecon Beacons this weekend and that is usually a few good miles walked. :)

Cheers

Ian

[CyberDyneSystems]

My word that looks well built! Puts my Manfrotto to shame :)

[samdring]

Nice one Ian!
Any idea what the full price is?

[iwatkins]

Sam,

Not sure to be honest, I can't actually find anywere in the UK actually listing it on their website. But I have found a couple of places that sell the head alone for £50 - 60.

The guy in the shop mentioned a figure a £300 but I assume that was all in ? I'm not sure to be honest, I was only going to spend £100 - 150 on a good solid alluminium tripod and a nice head on top of that and walked out with a carbon fibre legged tripod and a nice head. Just need to add a quick release plate to it (maybe).

If you are really interested I can give the shop a call for you in the morning and find out exact details for you ?

Cheers

Ian

[NILOLIGIST]

That tripod probably cost more than that. It is Carbon, they cost more...If it were in the US I would say about $450, close to what I paid for mine including the head.

I Have the 1228 carbon Gitzo and it was $482, the head was $133, also Gitzo. Very well made and light.

I would say that it was a very good buy and day for you. Enjoy.

NiL,