Lens vs Tripod

Hey!!
As a college student, I don't have that much money, so I want to make the right decision...that's why I am asking for your wisdom!!

I am going to buy myself a Xmas gift...!!

I am torn between a 50mm 1.4 and a tripod!

The tripod I was looking for is the Giottos MT8246B with the ball head Giottos MH1302-652.
I wanted to know if this is a good tripod set!

Another thing, I am on a budget but I can stretch for the 50mm 1.4!

I can get that tripod and ball head for around 240€, and the lens for around 360€!

What should I do?

I have some projects and ideas that I wanted to do which need the tripod, but I really wanted the lens as well....!!

If you need a tripod for a project you're going to work on in the near future and you don't necessarily need to have the 50 f/1.4 yet, then the choice is pretty obvious to me. Get the tripod.

Get the tripod; for the difference between the two you can pick up the 50 f/1.8 if you really need the lens speed; it's only about 2/3 stop slower than the f/1.4. And if you don't need the fast lens real soon, maybe you'll be able to afford the 50 f/1.4 by the time you do need it.

Lens and cheap tripod

No - whatever you do, don't get a cheap tripod.

I can't comment very much about those particular legs and that particular head, except to advise avoiding twist-lock legs unless you have tried them and liked them (clip releases are quicker and easier), but I really rate Giotto's kit in general. I have two sets of legs (aluminium and carbon fibre) and two heads (one ball and one pan/tilt). Check the Giotto's website (and that of your local importer) before you decide which, if any, to buy. Try to budget for a tripod bag and strap as well, because you're likely to want those.

Jon wrote in post #9081979
Get the tripod; for the difference between the two you can pick up the 50 f/1.8 if you really need the lens speed; it's only about 2/3 stop slower than the f/1.4. And if you don't need the fast lens real soon, maybe you'll be able to afford the 50 f/1.4 by the time you do need it.

I think I am gonna do this! Thanks

What do you guys think of the tripod?
I did a bit of search and I wanted a light yet somewhat stable tripod for my trips around the country...I even tested the tripod in the store and it seemed nice!

I have a $20 Velbon tripod that I've always been using, may not be the highest quality but gets the job done perfectly fine.

On an image improvement against cost basis, my vote would be for a decent tripod.

Always get a good tripod especially since you know you will use it all the time. A lense can come later in time when you can afford what you want.

Definately, go for the tripod, don't skimp on a tripod. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why my pics were not comming out sharp, they were on a tripod afterall. Then my $40 tripod broke and I sprung for a manfrotto imagine my suprise when my photos started comming up sharp!

I use a Giottos

A tripod is a valuable addition to a photographer's kit.

I cannot speak for the model Giottos you are contemplating but, I have a carbon fiber Giottos MT-8180 tripod (since discontinued) which I really like.

However, I blow hot and cold regarding the Giottos head because on my MH-1300 head, I cannot slide a non-Giottos plate on and off the QR clamp. There is a safety tab which prevents a non-Giottos plate from sliding on and off. The Giottos plates are no problem because they have a grove to allow the plate to slid past the tab. When I attach and remove my Really Right Stuff L Plate from my Giottos clamp, I need to open the clamp all the way and drop the plate in from the top. No real big problem but, that is a bit slower.

I could modify the plate by cutting a grove into it but, I hesitate to do so.

I'd get a 50 1.4 and a Benro tripod

I'm very happy selling off my Manfrotto 55proB in favor for a Benro.

Thank you, guys for all your opinions!!

I decided that I am gonna get the giottos set and then save for the 50mm since I'll use the lens more in the summer for some outdoor portraits!!

Happy boy here with a bit of waiting til Xmas!!