Inexpensive light-weight tripod for macro work?

[Matthew]

Im looking for a tripod for my new 450D. Iv been looking at the Giottos MTL9351B

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/prod...px?sku=1025871

It rolls in at nearly £90 without the head but it looks a good tripod for Macro work. Basically I want a relativity light weight easy to carry tripod with a lower price tag if possible. I'm not one for buying cheap rubbish but I love a bargain and if anyone knows of a bargain to be had please let me know

Happy Snapping!

Mat

[dendrophile]

Mat,

I have the Manfrotto 190XPROB, http://www.warehouseexpress.com/prod...px?sku=1017664. It's a little lighter and cheaper than the Giottos you mentioned. I bought this one because the centre shaft can bit mounted horizontally (rather than vertically) which helps me get in closer to some of the macro shots I've taken outdoors. I also have the Manfrotto 322RC2 head, http://www.warehouseexpress.com/prod...aspx?sku=10912. I can't recommend this head enough. Very easy to adjust where the camera is pointing, and I find making fine adjustments to macro shots simple and quick.

I can't comment on the Giottos, never owned one. Am sure at the end of the day it's personal preference.

HTH,
Graham

[Matthew]

Mat,

I have the Manfrotto 190XPROB, http://www.warehouseexpress.com/prod...px?sku=1017664. It's a little lighter and cheaper than the Giottos you mentioned. I bought this one because the centre shaft can bit mounted horizontally (rather than vertically) which helps me get in closer to some of the macro shots I've taken outdoors. I also have the Manfrotto 322RC2 head, http://www.warehouseexpress.com/prod...aspx?sku=10912. I can't recommend this head enough. Very easy to adjust where the camera is pointing, and I find making fine adjustments to macro shots simple and quick.

I can't comment on the Giottos, never owned one. Am sure at the end of the day it's personal preference.

HTH,
Graham

That looks a good setup and I suppose im better off investing in a good tripod now rather than regretting it later.

[CambridgeBlue]

Not a big user of the tripod personally but did purchase one last year for Macro.
Went for the Slik 300 DX Pro model and it does everything I want.
Just had a look on Warehouse Express and it looks like it/or very similar is still available.
Is sturdy enough, has reversible centre column for low level, it comes with a pan & tilt head as standard, this is ok for macro but not so sure if you intend trying for birds in flight etc.
Found it good value for less than £75.
Try http://www.warehouseexpress.com/prod...px?sku=1000351

HTH

Peter

[Geoff F]

Depends what you want to do really. For lightweight, portable and cheap I use a Velbon CX mini which weighs under 1 kg and folds up to 12 ins. But with a maximum extended height of 24 ins it is very limited. OK if you are going on a 5 mile hike to photograph flowers but rather limited for anything else.

For serious work I use a Manfrotto with a ball head. Neither cheap nor lightweight, until you compare it with top pro equipment when it works out at good value.

You could think about carbon fibre to save weight but that will substantially add to the price.

Shop around for the best deal. You might find something secondhand.

[Matthew]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I have looked at your suggestions in great detail but i keep coming back to my original selection the Giottos MTL9351B. I like the idea of the 180 degree adjustable centre column and iv read a few reviews that say its great for macro work and normal use. I wont be doing any serious macro work just yet though but I wanted something of an all rounder and this one seems to fit the bill.