Looking to buy a tripod - advice needed

TijmenDal wrote in post #12045152
That's really helpful, thanks! So, if I'm understanding correctly: the mtl 9251 does only extend 'normally'. Would you know if it allows you to put the center column upside down though?

Yes, the mtl 9251 does allow you to put the center column upside down.

TijmenDal wrote in post #12045152
How did you like the 9251 the time you had it? How was the build, quality, locking system? I just checked youtube where there's a vid for both the 9251b and 9351b.

I never took a picture with it. I just pulled it out of the box and fooled around with it for about 20 minutes. I thought it was all good, except I wanted the lateral arm.

TijmenDal wrote in post #12045152
The 9351b DOES have a lateral arm, a feature I think I would really like (no experience with this whatsoever). If anyone can give me some information about the lateral arm, that'd be great. Like, how does it function, what are the best uses for it, and how sturdy are the locks.

The lateral arm is really useful whenever you want to look down on things.. very often used for macro work.

Here is an example of a shot that I took, that made me realize that I wanted the lateral arm (I plan to retake this soon). Because I had to balance the rings on the bible, I could not simply change the angle of the bible to get the look I wanted; the bible had to lay flat on the table or the ring would not stand up. So I could not get the camera more above the bible without the arm (I suppose I could have if I had put the bible on the floor, but I was working on a table).

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/44350103@N05/5​453945230/

Thorrulz wrote in post #12045241
I believe you can order the 700DX legs and head separately in which case you can buy the black legs, but it will cost an additional $20 so it would be $160 vs $140 from B & H Photo.

Staszek wrote in post #12045426
I was not stoked on the pan and tilt head nor the quick release mechanism with my 500dx. Manfrottos setup is much nicer IMO.

And more expensive
At B&H they have the following prices:
055xprob - 140$
700dx black - 90$
700dx silver - 100$
They say on their site it's possible to order from Europe, but is it even allowed to order 'big' items like tripods and the like? Or would it just be really expensive and not worth it?

Would you know the difference between a 500dx and 700dx? I reckon the 700 would be much nicer, no?

I'm really torn here. The 700dx from America looks very nice, though I'd have to pay shipping +import probably and I have NO idea how much that would be! (I'll go check with my customs).

EDIT: Ok, I just looked up how much tax and stuff I have to pay for importing and I found out that I have to pay 19% tax for items under 150€ (which is well over 200$). The 90$ listed on B&H for the 700dx, is that with or without taxes? Becaus here (in Eu) it's normal all prices listed are INCLUDING taxes and isn't it that in the US all prices are always without taxes? The 700dx for 75€ seems like a pretty solid deal...

TijmenDal wrote in post #12045787
And more expensive
At B&H they have the following prices:
055xprob - 140$
700dx black - 90$
700dx silver - 100$
They say on their site it's possible to order from Europe, but is it even allowed to order 'big' items like tripods and the like? Or would it just be really expensive and not worth it?

Would you know the difference between a 500dx and 700dx? I reckon the 700 would be much nicer, no?

I'm really torn here. The 700dx from America looks very nice, though I'd have to pay shipping +import probably and I have NO idea how much that would be! (I'll go check with my customs).

EDIT: Ok, I just looked up how much tax and stuff I have to pay for importing and I found out that I have to pay 19% tax for items under 150€ (which is well over 200$). The 90$ listed on B&H for the 700dx, is that with or without taxes? Becaus here (in Eu) it's normal all prices listed are INCLUDING taxes and isn't it that in the US all prices are always without taxes? The 700dx for 75€ seems like a pretty solid deal...

I would not say that the 700 is nicer than the 500. They are comparable legs with the 700 being heavier and larger.

I also like the horizontal column with the 055. It was time consuming to flip the center column with the Slik. Also the Manfrottos leg locks are easier to work. They really LOCK into place rather than just smoosh tight. A little more money will get you better build quality. It all depends on your tastes.

The prices on BH are usually without tax and shipping. Add to cart and enter your location for a better estimate.

Skip the 700, if you can afford it get the 055 X Pro B
I have owned both but found that the 700 was too cumbersome to use especially leg angles

Staszek wrote in post #12046544
I would not say that the 700 is nicer than the 500. They are comparable legs with the 700 being heavier and larger.

I also like the horizontal column with the 055. It was time consuming to flip the center column with the Slik. Also the Manfrottos leg locks are easier to work. They really LOCK into place rather than just smoosh tight. A little more money will get you better build quality. It all depends on your tastes.

The prices on BH are usually without tax and shipping. Add to cart and enter your location for a better estimate.

drama wrote in post #12046677
Skip the 700, if you can afford it get the 055 X Pro B
I have owned both but found that the 700 was too cumbersome to use especially leg angles

We're looking at a ~40-45€ price difference here. I'm sure I'd be very happy with the xprob, but then I'd also have to buy a good ballhead to go with it. When I'll buy a cheaper tripod I can justify having a ****ty ballhead

But seriously: jokes aside, what about the Giottos tripods? The 9351b looks nice? The only thing I see that's not on par is the 5kg support instead of 7.

On Amazon in the states, the Benro 358M8 is priced at $229.00 which is about 65% off the $690 "list" price. Even at your height the tripod is tall enough to use it with the middle column all the way down, creating the stability of a no-center-column tripod.

cacawcacaw wrote in post #12047974
On Amazon in the states, the Benro 358M8 is priced at $229.00 which is about 65% off the $690 "list" price. Even at your height the tripod is tall enough to use it with the middle column all the way down, creating the stability of a no-center-column tripod.

But then again it's 229$... Not having or paying that much. I don't really care for carbon.
Hmm... Looks like I'm gonna have to save up a 'lil bit more for the xprob... Everyone seems to be so fond of it...

What about ballheads? Manfrotto 496, 498? Other good suggestions?

I just purchased a used 055xprob with leg covers and a tamarac bag for $120 off craigslist. I was really close on pulling the trigger on a new one on Amazon but really happy on saving a few bucks and getting the extra accessories.

Since you in the UK, I'd have a look at the Vanguard Alta Pro range, the have the similiar horizontal column to the manfrottos.

http://www.vanguardwor​ld.co.uk …to-video/list-1-4-15.html

lannes wrote in post #12049246
Since you in the UK, I'd have a look at the Vanguard Alta Pro range, the have the similiar horizontal column to the manfrottos.

http://www.vanguardwor​ld.co.uk …to-video/list-1-4-15.html

I can't seem to find any reviews on those on Amazon. What's your experience with them?


Still need a good ballhead suggestion!

I have a Gitzo tripod (RRS ballhead) and monopod; they are solid performers..

I had the 055xprob w/ 498rc2 ballhead..... great combo.... although I had to trade it with the gitzo 1541t and markins q3t combo just because I would love to have a more compact tripod/ballhead combo... but trust me, if i could keep the 055xprob, i would've... but at this point, it's not practical for me...

TijmenDal wrote in post #12048834
But then again it's 229$...

True. But when I was recently shopping, the Manfrotto 055xprob and 498rc2 ballhead turned out to be about the same price as the Benro 358M8 with a Vanguard SBH-300 ballhead. There is a significant difference in stability with the larger Benro tripod and heavier Vanguard ballhead.

If you're trying to save some money and aren't using long lenses, the Dolica CX620B104 with ballhead for $131 is a lot less money, and not that far inferior to the Manfrotto combination. (When I wanted to replace my Dolica with something better for longer lenses, I used the two side-by-side.)

I hear what you're saying about carbon fiber but keep in mind that it's biggest (only?) disadvantage is the cost. There's not much sense in paying more for a less stable aluminum tripod.

cacawcacaw wrote in post #12050929
True. But when I was recently shopping, the Manfrotto 055xprob and 498rc2 ballhead turned out to be about the same price as the Benro 358M8 with a Vanguard SBH-300 ballhead. There is a significant difference in stability with the larger Benro tripod and heavier Vanguard ballhead.

If you're trying to save some money and aren't using long lenses, the Dolica CX620B104 with ballhead for $131 is a lot less money, and not that far inferior to the Manfrotto combination. (When I wanted to replace my Dolica with something better for longer lenses, I used the two side-by-side.)

I hear what you're saying about carbon fiber but keep in mind that it's biggest (only?) disadvantage is the cost. There's not much sense in paying more for a less stable aluminum tripod.

Could you maybe link me to this? It's probably US only, but it'd be nice to see I guess!

EDIT: Just tried ordering the Slik 700dx, but they don't even ship those to the Netherlands (hooray for that!). So that's a good choice made for me right there (Really happy about that!)
Now, I just need to decide:
055xprob or 055xdb
496rc2 or 498rc2

Thing is (as I was just realising), I don't even HAVE a tripod right now, I'm just an amateur starting of and I reckon I could do with a 50€ setup as well. Anything would be an improvement over what I have now. That's something to think about later anyway. First I'll need to decide what combo to get.

EDIT2: The 055xdb doesn't ship to Holland either. Looks like it's going to be the 055xprob after all. In the end it's about 50€ tops anyway, looks like a lot of money, but I'll survive. At least I'll have a kick-ass tripod; that's for sure!

I was thumbing through a UK magazine the other day and spotted a company in the UK. Their name is 3 Legged Thing. I have no experience with them but they look very similar to the Korean tripods. They had a tripod on their "specials" page where you wouldn't have to pay VAT.