Tripod/head (1 Viewer)

[Moosebird]

Hello all,
I'm in the market for a new tripod & head and would like your advice. I use an Opticron ES 80 (old model) with a Hama Gamma 74 camera tripod. Although this has given sterling service so far I feel the need for something more substantial. A trip to "In Focus" at Rutland is planned but I wonder if you could recommend a decent combo up to £200? Many thanks.

 

[postcardcv]

look at the Manfrotto 'View' series - depending on your height you might want 190 or 055 legs, I'd recommend the 701 head over the 700 (it handles a big scope much better). A 190v & 701rc2 kit should be about £149, if you need the taller 055 legs it would cost £20 more.

 

[Moosebird]

look at the Manfrotto 'View' series - depending on your height you might want 190 or 055 legs, I'd recommend the 701 head over the 700 (it handles a big scope much better). A 190v & 701rc2 kit should be about £149, if you need the taller 055 legs it would cost £20 more.

Thanks postcardcv, I shall go to Rutland slightly wiser.

 

[KorHaan]

Hi Moosebird,

Just bought a new head myself today; the new Gitzo 2180 Fluid Head. It is small, lightweight and very sturdy ( max. load 4 kgs ) and it's a rare pleasure to use. Fluid means FLUID here, very easy, very smooth. I've owned Manfrotto heads before but never ever experienced such ease of viewing. It also has built-in counterbalance weight so your scope doesn't droop and slams against the legs. You just point it and it stays without any screws being tightened.
I paid 179 euros for it. With non-CarbonFibre legs I think you have a set-up within the limits of your budget.

Greetings, Ronald Sinoo

 

[Moosebird]

Hi Moosebird,

Just bought a new head myself today; the new Gitzo 2180 Fluid Head. It is small, lightweight and very sturdy ( max. load 4 kgs ) and it's a rare pleasure to use. Fluid means FLUID here, very easy, very smooth. I've owned Manfrotto heads before but never ever experienced such ease of viewing. It also has built-in counterbalance weight so your scope doesn't droop and slams against the legs. You just point it and it stays without any screws being tightened.
I paid 179 euros for it. With non-CarbonFibre legs I think you have a set-up within the limits of your budget.

Greetings, Ronald Sinoo

Thanks for the info KorHaan - you make the new Gitzo head sound quite tempting. I'll let you know if I end up with one.