Can you recommend me a good tripod and monopod?

Hi.
I thought I'd made up my mind on getting a Velbon Sherpa 750 R tripod and a Manfrotto 679B monopod, but before I make any purchases, can you recommend any other ones, or are these OK? The tripod should be able to go quite low (macro work) and to about ~160cm high. Also, it shouldn't be longer than 50-60cm retracted. Monopod should also be able to extend to ~160cm and be 50-60cm retracted.
I'm on a limited budget, so the two together shouldn't cost more than ~$150-200.

Thanks for all replies!


Brewster

BUMPage

well i know this tripod will come up so i'll say it first... the manfrotto 3021bpro/488rc2 tripod/ballhead combination. i don't have one myself (plan on ordering it in the next couple days) but many people here love it, and i have played with one and it's extremely solid. can go very low to the ground (8.6 inches, so about 22cm)... a tad bit over your budget but will be very well worth it

here's the link: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EG&addedTroughT​ype=search

edit: i'm not sure about the monopod...

BrewsterPilot wrote in post #2479640
Hi.
I thought I'd made up my mind on getting a Velbon Sherpa 750 R tripod and a Manfrotto 679B monopod, but before I make any purchases, can you recommend any other ones, or are these OK? The tripod should be able to go quite low (macro work) and to about ~160cm high. Also, it shouldn't be longer than 50-60cm retracted. Monopod should also be able to extend to ~160cm and be 50-60cm retracted.
I'm on a limited budget, so the two together shouldn't cost more than ~$150-200.

Brewster, if you want quality equipment - suitable for your quality cameras and lenses - you will probably want to extend your budget a bit. The price range you quoted will possibly get you a decent tripod (in the used market), but probably not both a monopod and a tripod.

I also recommend the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro (055ProB outside the U.S.) with their 488RC2 ball head on top.

For a monopod, my recommendation is the Bogen/Manfrotto 680B topped off with their 486RC2 ball head.

OK *SIGH*.
Seems I never learn my lesson, camera gear is ALWAYS more expensive than you think!
I've read some reviews, and seems that those you recommended are excellent choices.
The tripod & ballhead will cost me some 204€.
A bit pricey, but OK.
The monopod will have to wait for now. Don't have that much £€$ ATM.

Later on, I'll get the monopod, 116€ for the whole package.


Thanks for your help!

Brewster

I can only go off of what I am familiar with, but I have been very happy with Giottos. Giottos has good prices compared to others for a similar weight rated item. I have the following:

MM 9170 monopod
MH-1001-652 Ballhead
MT 9180 Tripod (Wanted the 9170, ordered the 9170, but the 9180 came in a 9170 box!)

I have been very happy with all of this and all of these items are rated for much heavier equipement than I currently have so it should last me a long time!