Hey guys
I'm after a cheap and sturdy tripod for my Olympus OMD camera setup. Hopefully one that will serve me if I switch to DSLR too. Maybe up to 4kg?
Has anyone got a recommendation? Preferably up to the $150 mark as I'm not sure how often it will get used.
Cheers
opt for second hand manfrotto, double check on the website about the load rating (the head can take 4kg).
Have a look at the Leofoto stuff. Looks to punch well above its weight in stiffness, which is of the most importance.
That is if you can step up to carbon.
Note that the Leofoto model numbers designate thickness of the largest tube, and number of leg sections, with greater thickness and less sections generally offering higher stiffness and weight capacity.
If you don't want to stump up for carbon, check out the Sirui range of tripods (they do carbon also, but have some great aluminium tripods). Very well made with excellent fittings, and you'll probably get better bang for buck than the likes of Manfrotto, where there is a premium paid just for the name (though they have some decent tripods). These can also be found on the used market (though not as commonly as Manfrotto).
If you're budget is very limited, then just a tubular aluminium Chinese tripod like these… https://hobbyking.com/en_us/cambofoto-fas285-tripod.html?que… …not as nice as the better tripods, but seriously good band for buck. You will see the same thing with various brand names.
Lastly, if you get serious about your photography, check out some of the articles at https://thecentercolumn.com …not much around in terms of serious tripod reviews and testing on the web, but this guy has the right idea. I wish he'd the resources to do more testings, but there's still a good range of reviews there.
I brought a Leofoto based off the center column reviews. No complaints.
Probably the best advice for the OP is to find a tripod with 4 (or less) leg sections for the sake of maintaining stiffness.
Cheers mate,
The Chinese tripod would probably be fine. As I shoot on the beach alot. So a cheaper option wouldn't matter so much if it got wet and sandy.
Can you buy the cambofoto ones in Oz?
You used to be able to get those ones from the Oz Hobbyking warehouse. Not sure if you'll find it with the Cambofoto brand on it elsewhere, but likely the very same tripod comes in other brand names.
I actually picked one up a few years back (a 20kg capacity model). It wasn't as nice as my Sirui 'pods, but quite good for the money. Feels quite solid.
I've found Vanguard tripods to be decent and usually well priced
You'll probably get a low end Manfrotto for that price range but it'll have a very basic head but it'll still be at least as good as a generic brand. If you're not in a hurry and can wait check B&H, especially if they do a black friday sale.