Thank you Marc (I am a member). I have been an active photographer for a few years now but decided to take a peak at some of the photography videos you have given us and I am so glad I did. This video has taught me some valuable information about tripods I wasn't aware of such as (1) the functions related to the different tripod heads - accuracy v. speed etc - and (2) the correct way to place the Quick Release plate. Really grateful for this information plus sensible suggestion to take one's camera along when buying one.
Just tried out my new budget priced pan and shoot tripod and I'm not too crazy about it yet. However, I did find that using a minimum 2 second (or more) delay in the shutter taking the picture greatly helped in giving the camera and tripod time to stabilize and stop any moving which they did a lot when using them together outdoors.
Tripod reviewers always fail to demonstrate product performance with cameras attached. Consumers need to know how different cameras with different (i.e., heavy) lenses perform. Is the rig steady? Does the head hold firmly when the camera is released by the photographer yet allow smooth and confidant movement when desired? Thank you for your reviews.
If a person is unfortunate enough to struggle with the Manfrotto RC2 quick release system (instead of the Arca Compatible system) I recommend using the Manfrotto Architectural (anti twist) plate which ensures that a camera will not rotate around the tripod screw due to the torque of a long lens...
Thank you MARC. IVE LEANT SO MUCH FROM YOUR YOU TUBE AND YOUR BOOK, which the best book I’ve ever brought. I just wished I saw it before I brought other ones. That are rubbish
I love my Manfrottos, that are converted to Archa Swiss heads except a very old 055C which has my pan and tilt head on it and I use solely with my Bronica camera with a waist level viewer, I somehow find it easier to use. The problem is the tripod is over twenty years old and I can’t get the head off any more so I have to keep the tripod. I normally use the 190PRO with a ball head and I also have a 055PRO that has a gimbal head. I also often put my ball head on the 055PRO when there’s bad weather around. Because I have mobility issues and use a mobility scooter weight isn’t a factor for me so I can take full advantage of the heavier aluminium pods. I’ve heard Manfrotto are stopping producing the 055.
As I'm already a satisfied user of the Manfrotto Element tripod , and was looking for a table top /mini tripod capable of supporting my DSLR and a 18-140 or close-up lens , I recently went shopping for a model that I could literally slip into my back pocket , or flash gun pouch . My research lead me to this little gem - the Neewer 50cm Portable Compact Desktop Mini Tripod .Essentially , the tripod is for vloggers , but can easily be utilised by folk using APS-C and bridge cameras .At around £45 , it isn't cheap , but hopefully , it will be able to pay its way , by enabling me to get low level shots without camera shake . If the advertising is to be believed , then the smallest height for storage is about the "size" of an I-phone , yet carrying capacity is 5kg !! .
What about Carbon Fiber VS Aluminium? I am not made of money but everyone (on RU-vid) seems to be going for the carbon just for the lightweight even though it is twice as expensive.
What do you think about travel tripods? Are they sturdy enough? I am considering to buy manfrotto befree live but Im not sure.Btw your videos are very instructive thank you
Hi Serhat, I think travel tripods can be good but remember, it is the weight of the tripod that is going to keep it fixed to the ground and stop it blowing in the wind. But you also want something fairly light to travel with. If you can take something a bit more weighty with you I would recomend that. The rule I give myself is, can I carry this around with me for two hours, if I can then it's heavy enough and portable enough. Go into a shop and try some out to see. Hope that helps - Marc
I purchased a Manfrotto be free for interior use with my 70D with 10-18 lens. Great to carry. Marginal for stability. Just upgraded to the 055 with pan and tilt head. Go big before you need to. Make sure to match the tripod to your camera and you will not regret the purchase.
Different countries have different suppliers. If you're in the UK try Wex Photographic or Calumnet a google search will get you there. All the best - Marc
I bought this tripod from my local store without any mount and the connecter thing looks like a circle with an indent all around the side can u help me find a phone mount for that kind of connecter? Plz reply
Cheap tripods are not good for winter photography because at the temperature below zero their plastic becomes fragile and may crack. But "Monstrotto" is heavily overpriced!
