Opinion on three (too?) cheap <£240 used tripods for Opticron MM4 77 (1 Viewer)

[KirstenF]

Hi. I've just bought a used Opticron MM4 77 but my camera tripod isn't quite up to the job. I'd like to get a used tripod and head - can I have your thoughts on the three on sale here: Used Tripods :: Product categories :: In Focus:
VELBON D600 TRIPOD
MANFROTTO 190B C/W 128RC
BENRO CARBON 28LBWH4
Any leads on other places for used tripods and heads gratefully received!
Thanks!

 

[KirstenF]

Any comments on this option:
A used Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 3 Section Carbon Fibre Tripod - £290.00
and Manfrotto 128RC Micro Fluid Head - Ex Demo £37.00
?

 

[dwatsonbirder]

I can't really comment on all your options as I'm not that familiar - the Velbon D600 is quite an old and heavy design, and a friend uses the green Benro set up - seems quite decent and light if a little expensive. The Manfrotto 128RC is a great head, though superseded by the 500 series I believe.

Here are a few good options within (or even under) budget:

| Focalpoint Optics

www.focalpointopticsltd.com

London Camera Exchange

The London Camera Exchange supplies second hand cameras, new cameras, digital cameras and other camera equipment and provides a camera part exchange in photographic shops all over England, UK.

www.lcegroup.co.uk

Used Manfrotto Carbon One 440 | 657501| London Camera Exchange -Guildford (with a head of your choice, such as this).

If you are happy to spend a little more, this will be an excellent long term solution, build quality second to none, you'd just need a head.

Keep an eye open for any of the Velbon CF series, or the Benro carbon fibre range, both are excellent value. I also picked up a Slik D3 this year, despite the design being decades old, it is a really great, affordable and stable set up - a classic for a reason!

Good luck.

 

[KirstenF]

Thanks Daniel!

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Thanks Daniel!

Welcome!
I'd personally be tempted by the 128RC and Gitzo legs if I was in your situation, should be ideal (and smooth) with a 77mm scope.

 

[KirstenF]

What do you think of this slik d3 head Slik D3 Head ( Used) - Viking Optical Centres with these Gitzo legs? Used Gitzo Carbon Fibre Series 2 Mountaineer Tripod Legs

 

[Scridifer]

I have the MM4 77 and use the Manfrotto 500 with it. A good match but I would also suggest the Sirui VA-5 as a less bulky option. HTH

Chris

 

[dougan]

What do you think of this slik d3 head Slik D3 Head ( Used) - Viking Optical Centres with these Gitzo legs? Used Gitzo Carbon Fibre Series 2 Mountaineer Tripod Legs

Sorry, I have just bought the Gitzo, seemed a very good price.
Also have a 14 day return policy, so if I am not happy with it, I can return it. It will be interesting to see the condition, hard to tell from the photos

 

[PYRTLE]

The Slik D3 is a very old design, 40 years + and is not a fluid head. A Manfrotto 128 is virtually indestrictsble, smoother, but nowadays a tad bulky as Daniel suggested.

 

[KirstenF]

Sorry, I have just bought the Gitzo, seemed a very good price.
Also have a 14 day return policy, so if I am not happy with it, I can return it. It will be interesting to see the condition, hard to tell from the photos

Ha! I thought this would happen!

 

[dougan]

Ha! I thought this would happen!

It might be in a very sorry state when it arrives, so may have done you a favour