How to pick a tripod?

siumaibb

There are so many in the market, from $25 to $250, which one is good??
(I am a new DSLR user)

lerico

I just got a set of Benro carbon fiber tripod / head, it's inexpensive, around $200CDN, but its quality is so great. Way better than my old Manfrotto 190CL with the small 486 head, which costed me more than $200.

I think the most important part is the head. You need to get one with friction adjustment, and a reliable and tight quick release system. With friction adjustment, you can make better tiny adjustment while framing. Manfrotto RC2 quick release is a joke, my camera can move a little when it's sitting on the head.

Benro is a Chinese brand, but its quality surprises a lot of professional in the States. I am extremely happy with it.

shutterbug

I recommend Benro carbon fiber too.  It's cheap and good.  For that much money, nothing can compare.

When buying a tripod, look for height, weight (physical/supported), macro ability (how low can it go on the ground, angle, etc), optional accessories (like spike legs, castors, etc)

shutterbug

I've been using Manfrotto's RC2 for awhile...seems fine, nothing moving wor...why is yours moving?

siumaibb

Where can I get them?

lerico

I got mine 3 weeks ago from Shanghai Benro flagship store during my trip to China. You can get them from eBay or from BenPhoto.ca. BenPhoto is the Canadian distributor. I got their M series tripod, and KJ-1 head.

M-series has 6 layers of carbon fiber, C-series has 8 layers. Otherwise their design is basically the same. They are almost the same weight. All tripods come with a really nice padded carrying bag.

Benro is trying to get into the North America market now, don't be surprise to see the price going up soon. They had started selling their tripod under a new brand call Induro at Vistek.ca, and charging almost the same price as Gitzo's

lerico

原帖由 shutterbug 於 2008-5-29 07:41 發表
I've been using Manfrotto's RC2 for awhile...seems fine, nothing moving wor...why is yours moving?

My RC2 quick release doesn't secure the plate tightly. It moves very slightly while it is locked in place. So when i thought i had everything adjusted, correctly framed, I take my hand off the camera, the whole thing shift slightly. You know, even a slight shift can throw everything off in macro or telephoto shot.

siumaibb

thanks for your reply, but are there any local shop carry this brand so that I can actually see and feel the tripod.

shutterbug

Wah...Benphoto is way overprice bor, almost 2x the price in HK or China!

lerico

原帖由 shutterbug 於 2008-5-29 14:55 發表
Wah...Benphoto is way overprice bor, almost 2x the price in HK or China!

Yeah... i think they have increased the price lately. My set cost $1350 only.

siumaibb, I don't know a store here carries Benro. But so far, I haven't seen anybody complaining about their tripod.