Giottos Vitruvian VGR9265-M2N - Decent tripod?

Model # VGR9265-M2N

http://www.adorama.com​/GTVGR9265M2N.html

As some of you know, I just pre-ordered the EOS-70D and moved up to the "big boy" arena.

I can't really find any reviews on this tripod with accompanying ball head...

Does anyone have anything to offer/suggest as far as this? I'm on the fence about purchasing it and need that pat on the back to either dismiss it, or buy it...

Any help is appreciated.

For that price why wouldnt you go with the tried and true Manfrotto 055XPROB / 498RC2 combo? LINK

Thanks ben. I know the Giottos and Manfrotto are good but I'm still a n00b when it comes to which model.

I'll look that one up in the morning. Thanks for the link!

at that price you can also look at a carbon fiber benro (C1682TB0). look on ebay from chinese sellers.

its a pound lighter, its CF instead of aluminum, it has 4 sections instead of 5 , it has a higher load capacity, and it converts into a monopod.

however, its about 5.5 inches shorter than the giottos without using the center column. so, it depends on your height.

LINK

if you plan on traveling with this setup, i would get the benro. if you plan on using in the studio or at home, the manfrotto is tried and true.

How is the benro quality?

Does it do the low angle shots like the manfrotto

I'll check the link later today. Thanks!

benro is nice quality, not the best but certainly not bad. i did a lot of research on benro last year when i was looking for a new setup. lots of positive feedback for the price.

it has 3 leg angles to get lower, but the center column prevents you from going below 17 inches. you can always use the center column reversed and hang the camera between the legs if you want to try and get lower.

Well... My friend shoots for Universal Studios and told me to get an Oconnor.... I'm like...Ok.

$6,000... I'll pass.

He said the next best is Manfrotto and he shoots REAL movies so I'm not arguing with him. I'm going with a Manfrotto 055XPROB.

I just am not sure what kind of head yet. Obviously I want a fluid head but unless it's $300 or less it's going to be a "lower quality" one as he calls it.

I appreciate your feedback!

the 055xprob is a great set of legs, rock solid for the price.

if you decide against a fluid head, i used a 498rc2 with it and was happy with the combo. if you are willing to spend a little more, photoclam makes some great ball heads for the money (www.reallybigcameras.c​om)

All good info.

I don't think a fluid head is in my budget. Aren't they well into the thousands?

What's the "friction preset" on the photo clams?

These are looking impressive for the weight load they can handle. I just don't know how well they would do with gear on them (in person)....

I don't have that model, but I do have one of Giottos' bigger tripods. I really like it, however their ballheads realy are lacking. They sag terribly.

That's the term I was looking for. That sag!

I've seen that on the cheap Best Buy crap I have.

I'm going with the http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …PROB_Tripod_Leg​s_Kit.html

Seems to be a decent step up from the $50 one I used for years.

Just makes me reluctant to buy something I can't see/use in a store so going off others reviews is still not my favorite way.

Are you panning with video? If so, a head that has a handle built in will give you better (and more fluid) control. Otherwise the 498rc2 will allow you to pan as well.

Josh, I will be using it for short video if any...Nothing really worthy of a tripod for that.. But for night photography I might...

I think this is looking like my better option.... Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared head. For the cost it looks to be more precise and better suited. As long as I can freely pan/tilt/whatever with it.... Should be fine right?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …0_Junior_Geared​_Head.html

It looks like the movements are ratcheted. If so, then you won't be able to pan at all without it jiggling as it jumps through the gears.

The 498 Head should be just fine for what you're doing then.

Josh Young wrote in post #16203420
It looks like the movements are ratcheted. If so, then you won't be able to pan at all without it jiggling as it jumps through the gears.

The 498 Head should be just fine for what you're doing then.

Thanks!

I'll go to Manfrottos website and check the gear heads specs. I have a month until my EOS-70d arrives so I have some time before I get this.