The most stable tripod for £100?

[mikenco]

I guess I should have asked this before going ahead and ordering a new tripod.. but, my question is this:

What sort of features should I look for when looking for a tripod that is REALLY solid and stable, especially when considering that I'll probably be using it with a huge old legacy f/8 500mm?

Some of my research to this point has pointed at carbon fibre being better than alloy and the lesser amount of leg sections being better.

Due to my limited budget, I looked at systems on ebay and amazon and decided on this Giotto's MTL9351 B. It seemed to claim the best stability whilst offering an excellent array of features (for it's price range).

What do you think? Are there better tripods out there for £100?

[Attila]

I bought Amvona carbon fiber tripod legs with huge rock solid ball head from China. Total cost (include registered air-mail shipping) was 80 GBP

[mikenco]

I did an eBay and Amazon search for that and got no hits

[Himself]

I have a feisol, both tripod and ballhead.
Very happy with.

[visualopsins]

Someplace on internet (still looking for link, sorry) is test showing even most expensive tripod and head is not solid. Test was shine laser dot 100 feet away, take photo, look at 100% to see dot moves in lines or circles.

I take bag with me, fill with rocks, tie to center post; helps stability a lot! Also with long lens, drape towel over front of barrel to dampen 'swing'.

best tripod under 100? Metal pipe cemented at least 0.5 meter deep into ground! Does not work if earthquake, however.

Seriously, I think tripod for telescope is most solid. I know for big telescope people take much care with mount, often make massive concrete pad.

Wood produces more stable than fibre or alloy. You didn't mention any concern for weight. Wood tripod also used by surveyors and with large format cameras.

edit: found link! see here

[nemesis101]

Try this.. the brand was actually DynaTran..

http://photography.shop.ebay.com/Tripods-/30093/i.html?_nkw=dynatran



Doug

(I know these are not the exact model but searching DynaTran is usually productive)

[mikenco]

That Laser test is very interesting!.. noted also, the tips like the towel and the hanging weight.

There is a full moon on the 21st of this month and I hope to get some better shots. The last ones were on a 2-sec delay, triggered with a remote trigger and all done whilst holding my breath!

[Attila]

http://www.richardlovison.com/?p=675

This is mine with different head, article say they are no longer in business.

[Lloydy]

http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/GitzoScrappageScheme/tabid/520/language/en-GB/Default.aspx

This is a good promotion by Gitzo, just buy a crappy tripod from a junk shop and get the discount.

[visualopsins]

[56 DIN]

carbon is good, but expensive. You get the same dampening reaction of the system with timber - tripods made by Berlebach.
There is an interesting review about the kinetics of tripod camera systems, have it as pdf, if you want it send me a pm

[Sevo]

Gitzo (and imitators) aluminium tripods have fallen from fashion, and are often quite cheap now.

[goombles]

Good spot Lloydy. But the important words with that promotion is up to £100. So I imagine they will give you the same amount you paid for the junk shop tripod

[mikenco]

[Lloydy]

http://www.fotosense.co.uk/gitzo_trade_in

Different dealer, different wording. No "up to"

The Gitzo web site isn't that clear either.

[visualopsins]

Stellarvue Heavy Duty Surveyor's Tripod TA FREE S&H US$175 (has 5/8" telescope mount, need inexpensive 5/8" to 1/4" adapter to use with cameras.

[mikenco]

That looks like a seriously stable video tripod!

I ended up buying a Giottos MTL 9351B-5011 with the 3-way head. I am really pleased with it. It is rock-solid compared to the budget tripod I was using before.