What's the best light but sturdy tripod for MFT?

mfj197 · Jul 31, 2012

Anders W said:
Michael: The Sirui looks like a very interesting alternative from my point of view. Like you I appreciate the conventional (free, reversible) center column, not just for stability but also flexibility. And the other specifications look very convincing as well. Sirui is a brand I have never heard of before and they don't seem to be represented here in Sweden. But I see that I can find them on ebay.co.uk (delivery from Poland) so that shouldn't be a problem. One question about the head: I am used to working with a three-way head and it seems Sirui only offers ball-heads. Now I am willing to rethink what kind of head I'd like to have. But I need you (or someone else) explain the pros and cons of a three-way head compared to a modern and pretty advanced ball head like for example the G-10. I see no less than four screws on that head. What do each of them do? I guess I should mention here that I haven't yet tried my hand at panorama stitching and haven't shot any video either. But this might change and I think I might appreciate the opportunity to pan with the head fixed in all but one dimension.

I've only ever used three-way heads previously but have found the ballhead very easy to use. Obviously with just one knob you lock the camera in place in all axes so I've found it far quicker to frame and shoot, just as you would when handholding. They are also lighter. However if you then wish to move and correct in just one axis they aren't as good. Panoramas are fine though, as follows.

The G-10 has three control knobs (the fourth, up on the top, simply releases the quick-release plate). One knob locks the ball, one adjusts the friction felt on the ball when it is unlocked, and the third knob allows the head to pan by locking / unlocking the base. Panoramas work perfectly well then, as long as you have the top of the tripod level, as you just lock off the ball and release the pan adjustment. However for video I'd imagine you might want the main control arm of a pan/tilt head to give you fine adjustment and control whilst panning. My head, the C-10, does without the friction control knob (as the main locking knob does fulfil this role to an extent).

I bought the T-1205X from Poland too, having previously bought the T-025 from Amazon here in the UK. The delivery from Poland was swift.

Hope that all helps!

Michael

Jonas B · Jul 31, 2012

Anders W said:
(...)

One question about the head: I am used to working with a three-way head and it seems Sirui only offers ball-heads. Now I am willing to rethink what kind of head I'd like to have. But I need you (or someone else) explain the pros and cons of a three-way head compared to a modern and pretty advanced ball head like for example the G-10. I see no less than four screws on that head. (...)

I certainly prefer a ball-head. I'm shooting still images only (or nearly only). For video a three-way, or whatever, head with levers and knobs and semi lock functions and all that is needed.

A ball-head makes for fast framing and is easier to work with. Earlier I had a sort of hydraulic dampened Manfrotto head with a knob for dampening and one for locking the head. Now I use an Arca-Swiss p0 head with one ring only for these functions. You see how I think here...

It's true it's easier to adjust a three-way head when you want to adjust one axis only, at least if it is the axis freed up by the locking mechanism. But by adjusting the friction on a good ball-head this can be done, sometimes a little more hassle but nothing major in my opinion.

Contrary to Bob and Jim and.. I prefer to work with a QR system. Screwing and unscrewing is annoying and everything making it easier to work with a tripod also make you use the tripod more often.

Oh well, there are a lot of things to consider!

good luck with your decision,

Jonas

Anders W · Jul 31, 2012

mfj197 said:
Anders W said:

Michael: The Sirui looks like a very interesting alternative from my point of view. Like you I appreciate the conventional (free, reversible) center column, not just for stability but also flexibility. And the other specifications look very convincing as well. Sirui is a brand I have never heard of before and they don't seem to be represented here in Sweden. But I see that I can find them on ebay.co.uk (delivery from Poland) so that shouldn't be a problem. One question about the head: I am used to working with a three-way head and it seems Sirui only offers ball-heads. Now I am willing to rethink what kind of head I'd like to have. But I need you (or someone else) explain the pros and cons of a three-way head compared to a modern and pretty advanced ball head like for example the G-10. I see no less than four screws on that head. What do each of them do? I guess I should mention here that I haven't yet tried my hand at panorama stitching and haven't shot any video either. But this might change and I think I might appreciate the opportunity to pan with the head fixed in all but one dimension.

Click to expand...

I've only ever used three-way heads previously but have found the ballhead very easy to use. Obviously with just one knob you lock the camera in place in all axes so I've found it far quicker to frame and shoot, just as you would when handholding. They are also lighter. However if you then wish to move and correct in just one axis they aren't as good. Panoramas are fine though, as follows.

The G-10 has three control knobs (the fourth, up on the top, simply releases the quick-release plate). One knob locks the ball, one adjusts the friction felt on the ball when it is unlocked, and the third knob allows the head to pan by locking / unlocking the base. Panoramas work perfectly well then, as long as you have the top of the tripod level, as you just lock off the ball and release the pan adjustment. However for video I'd imagine you might want the main control arm of a pan/tilt head to give you fine adjustment and control whilst panning. My head, the C-10, does without the friction control knob (as the main locking knob does fulfil this role to an extent).

I bought the T-1205X from Poland too, having previously bought the T-025 from Amazon here in the UK. The delivery from Poland was swift.

Hope that all helps!

It sure does!

One further question: I see that Sirui has several other somewhat similar models, for example the T-1005X which seems quite similar to the T-1205X in all but one regard: made of alu-mag alloy and thus slightly heavier (1000 g rather than 800). At the same time, it is also significantly cheaper: less than half the price. What made you settle for the T-1205X over the T-1005X? Just the lower weight or other considerations as well?

Kuppenbender · Jul 31, 2012

Very solid. Tall enough not to need a centre column (optional extra).

I thought it might be overkill for m43, but the smaller traveller-style tripods don't over much if any weight advantage and only give you a couple of inches less in folded length.

Build quality is excellent.

Timur Born · Jul 31, 2012

The Sirui ballheads got some good reviews at http://www.traumflieger.de/desktop/ballhead/ballheads.php

I like how their tripods can extend quite high if needed while still being relatively light. Also take a look at the "N" series instead of "T" or "TX". The "N" allow to screw of one tripod leg to turn it into a monopod.

Got one of these from my mother in law, folds down to 25 cm (less than 1 feet).

Anders W · Jul 31, 2012

Jonas B said:
Anders W said:

(...)

One question about the head: I am used to working with a three-way head and it seems Sirui only offers ball-heads. Now I am willing to rethink what kind of head I'd like to have. But I need you (or someone else) explain the pros and cons of a three-way head compared to a modern and pretty advanced ball head like for example the G-10. I see no less than four screws on that head. (...)

Click to expand...

I certainly prefer a ball-head. I'm shooting still images only (or nearly only). For video a three-way, or whatever, head with levers and knobs and semi lock functions and all that is needed.

Like you, I have so far shot still images only, which isn't so surprising in view of the fact that my new E-M5 is the first video-capable machine I have ever owned apart from my iPhone 4 whose video function I have yet to try.

I expect that things will stay pretty much the way they were but who knows ...

Jonas B said:
A ball-head makes for fast framing and is easier to work with. Earlier I had a sort of hydraulic dampened Manfrotto head with a knob for dampening and one for locking the head. Now I use an Arca-Swiss p0 head with one ring only for these functions. You see how I think here...

It's true it's easier to adjust a three-way head when you want to adjust one axis only, at least if it is the axis freed up by the locking mechanism. But by adjusting the friction on a good ball-head this can be done, sometimes a little more hassle but nothing major in my opinion.

Contrary to Bob and Jim and.. I prefer to work with a QR system. Screwing and unscrewing is annoying and everything making it easier to work with a tripod also make you use the tripod more often.

Oh well, there are a lot of things to consider!

Yes I notice that.

As already indicated, I haven't given the tripod market much attention since I bought my old Velbon back in the late 70s. It worked well back then and kept working well enough for my modest requirements in the digital age. Now I notice I have some learning to do in order to understand what has happened over the last 30 years or so. As far as I can recall, there weren't any ballheads except primitive, one-screw versions available back then. If you wanted something more serious, you got a three-way head, as I did. Am I remembering correctly or am I just misinformed. I have never pretended to be much of a tripod connoisseur.

Thanks for your take on the matter. I do appreciate getting a better grip on the pros and cons, including the QR consideration. Nothing like that back in the 70s, was there?

Anders W · Jul 31, 2012

Kuppenbender said:
Very solid. Tall enough not to need a centre column (optional extra).

I thought it might be overkill for m43, but the smaller traveller-style tripods don't over much if any weight advantage and only give you a couple of inches less in folded length.

Build quality is excellent.

Thanks! I'll have a look.

ginsbu · Jul 31, 2012

Anders W said:
One further question: I see that Sirui has several other somewhat similar models, for example the T-1005X which seems quite similar to the T-1205X in all but one regard: made of alu-mag alloy and thus slightly heavier (1000 g rather than 800). At the same time, it is also significantly cheaper: less than half the price. What made you settle for the T-1205X over the T-1005X? Just the lower weight or other considerations as well?

Carbon has much better vibration damping properties than metal: try "plucking" the legs of each and you'll see. For long exposures, long lenses, windy conditions, etc., this is advantageous. IMO, this is a bigger selling point for carbon than weight.

Anders W · Jul 31, 2012

Timur Born said:
The Sirui ballheads got some good reviews at http://www.traumflieger.de/desktop/ballhead/ballheads.php

Thanks for the link. I think that's the same test that Michael refers to in his review of the T-1205X.

Timur Born said:
I like how their tripods can extend quite high if needed while still being relatively light. Also take a look at the "N" series instead of "T" or "TX". The "N" allow to screw of one tripod leg to turn it into a monopod.

Yes I am looking at those too. The advantage is the monopod functionality, which might be nice for hiking if they work well as a walking stick (does anyone know whether they do?). The disadvantage seems to be that they are a bit heavier and a bit longer when folded.

Timur Born said:
Got one of these from my mother in law, folds down to 25 cm (less than 1 feet).

Nice. Reminds me a little of the thing my father used to support his Rolleiflex when I was five or so years.

Anders W · Jul 31, 2012

ginsbu said:
Anders W said:

One further question: I see that Sirui has several other somewhat similar models, for example the T-1005X which seems quite similar to the T-1205X in all but one regard: made of alu-mag alloy and thus slightly heavier (1000 g rather than 800). At the same time, it is also significantly cheaper: less than half the price. What made you settle for the T-1205X over the T-1005X? Just the lower weight or other considerations as well?

Click to expand...

Carbon has much better vibration damping properties than metal: try "plucking" the legs of each and you'll see. For long exposures, long lenses, windy conditions, etc., this is advantageous. IMO, this is a bigger selling point for carbon than weight.

Thanks. I kind of thought there must be more to it than just the weight advantage. And the 100-300 is indeed long at the long end (600 mm EFL). It is very instructive to look at just how vibration-sensitive it is in magnified live view.

peppermonkey · Jul 31, 2012

tedolf said:
I think they make Goittos tripods.

Actually they manufactured Gitzo tripods. Not sure if they still do but they did in the past. Which is why a lot of their tripods have similar look and feel.

tedolf said:
The only thing I don't like about it is that it has five section legs.

That depends on the model. Benro do make many 4 section legs. My A0680 Travel Angel tripod with a BH00 head has 4 section legs. With the same 2.5lbs and folds to 15.75".

In any case I also recommend Benro tripods. Specially their Travel Angel series of tripods. They are sturdy and well made. And because of their experiences with Gitzo's tripods, there are those that says that the Benro's are the cheap mans Gitzo's. Mine is an aluminum tripod but they do make carbon fiber ones which are of course more expensive. Still...mine although sturdy is only 2.5lbs and folds to 15.75" so I really can't complain.

They have newer ones (and the carbon fiber ones are of course better) but this is the particular model that I have

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/738020-REG/Benro_A0680TBH00_A_0680_Travel_Angel_Aluminum.html

--
Hubert

My non-digital gear: Agfa Isolette, Fed 2, Konica Auto S2, K1000, Yashica Electro 35 GX, Recesky, Olympus 35 RD

http://www.flickr.com/photos/peppermonkey/

sderdiarian · Jul 31, 2012

I had the same question a few months back, but also factoring affordability into the equation since I planned to use it with my E-PM1:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1041&message=41560031

In this "economy" class, the Dolica GX600 had the most favorable reviews by users on Amazon and elsewhere, with the Benro A-150EXU not too far behind. For the price, tough to go wrong.
--
Sailin' Steve

Rupert Bottomsworth · Aug 1, 2012

Anders W said:
My trusty old Velbon tripod broke down during vacation after more than thirty years of faithful service. So now I need to find something to replace it. My knowledge about the development on the tripod market is next to nil so I hope for some good suggestions here to ease my search.

My requirements are that it should be as small (when folded) and light as possible but at the same time sturdy enough to manage my E-M5 with 100-300 and above all robust enough to handle some wear and tear without falling to pieces.

What would be your recommendation?

How about this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/602430-REG/Manfrotto_7302YB_7302YB_4_Section_Aluminum_Tripod.html

mfj197 · Aug 1, 2012

Anders W said:
ginsbu said:

Anders W said:

One further question: I see that Sirui has several other somewhat similar models, for example the T-1005X which seems quite similar to the T-1205X in all but one regard: made of alu-mag alloy and thus slightly heavier (1000 g rather than 800). At the same time, it is also significantly cheaper: less than half the price. What made you settle for the T-1205X over the T-1005X? Just the lower weight or other considerations as well?

Click to expand...

Carbon has much better vibration damping properties than metal: try "plucking" the legs of each and you'll see. For long exposures, long lenses, windy conditions, etc., this is advantageous. IMO, this is a bigger selling point for carbon than weight.

Click to expand...

Thanks. I kind of thought there must be more to it than just the weight advantage. And the 100-300 is indeed long at the long end (600 mm EFL). It is very instructive to look at just how vibration-sensitive it is in magnified live view.

Exactly as ginsbu wrote! I haven't tried the aluminium versions of these because there aren't any shops stocking them close by. I would imagine the T-1005X is a very good tripod for the price - it's certainly a lot cheaper. For me though the price of the carbon fibre T-1205X was worth it as a good tripod will last a long time (as you know) and the benefits in vibration reduction and weight will be felt throughout its lifetime.

Are you using the camera tripod mount for the 100-300 or some sort of lens mount? It looks quite a lens - might have to try one at some point!

Michael

Davey1 · Aug 1, 2012

After much reading I bought a s/h Gitzo 1158T. Really pleased, it's a great design and well made.

I have a Markins Q3 ballhead on top with a QR lever direct from a Korean seller at a good price (Markins are made in Korea). For my G3 I have a Kirk PZ-130 plate which fits perfectly.

I would definitely recommend the QR lever, I'm not concerned about security - it's essentially the same system that's held my bike wheels on for years and much as I don't want to drop my camera I REALLY don't want my wheels coming off!

The QR is really quick, the only down side is comparability with different brands of plate. This is covered by the Markins having a screw adjust for tension on the lever.

The ballhead friction can be set so you can move the camera and it will stay put when you let go - very quick and easy compared to a three way although probably a little more difficult for macro type precision.

Timur Born · Aug 1, 2012

On Amazon Germany some people complain about the Sirui K-20 being somewhat sticky, or rather that it is not easy to do very fine adjustments. But that may also depend on the model (ball size). A bit of a pity, because the K-20 would be my choice (unless I'd go with the Vanguard tripod + ballhead combination).

The Sirui are Arca compatible.

Richt2000 · Aug 1, 2012

nikclick said:
We all must have read the same reviews on these things

I did read a review of the combo somewhere. It was this photo on RRS's website that finally sold it to me - just how compact it works with the Gitzo:

(This photo is linked from RRS's website)

--
Landscape portfolio
http://www.pbase.com/richthompson/rich_thompson___landscapes

ELLIOT P STERN · Aug 1, 2012

Be careful. Tripod threads in cameras are not what they used to be for these small mirrorless sweethearts. Screwing in the camera to the head could cause a lot of excessive wear. Just a thought.

At our workshops we loan out a great many tripods to students. RRS quick release lever heads do not work with everyones plates. And the screw in quick release seems to be more secure.

Gitzo is way over priced by today's standards. China has really moved forward with some great heads and tripods. Induro heads are exceptional as are their legs but for travel the Benro Tranfunctional Tripod Benro Transfunctional Travel Angel C2691TB1 with head (arca swiss) comes up high enough for a 5'8 to 6 ft person with camera mounted and has one leg that can screw off and become a monopod. Probably the best bang for the buck. There is also Induro CT214 and CT314.

nikclick said:
That is the EXACT same set up I have. Used the quick release head for a while, but went to the screw head as it is smaller and lighter and doesn't leave an annoying plate on the camera.

We all must have read the same reviews on these things

--
El

Gear. 2 Omd, all the lenses, Ep3, Ep2, Ep1 infrared, Fuji X100, Fuji x pro 1, all the Fuji lenses, Voigtlander 15,21,28,50,75,90,180. Nikon 55 macro, 200 macro and Zeiss 100mm macro, Induro Tripods and heads, etc. Ricoh GXR and modules including Leica M

Anders W · Aug 1, 2012

sderdiarian said:
I had the same question a few months back, but also factoring affordability into the equation since I planned to use it with my E-PM1:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1041&message=41560031

In this "economy" class, the Dolica GX600 had the most favorable reviews by users on Amazon and elsewhere, with the Benro A-150EXU not too far behind. For the price, tough to go wrong.

Many thanks for the tip. However, I think I prefer something slightly less minimalistic than this, with a reversable center column and a really good head, but nevertheless as small and light as possible.

Anders W · Aug 1, 2012

Rupert Bottomsworth said:
Anders W said:

My trusty old Velbon tripod broke down during vacation after more than thirty years of faithful service. So now I need to find something to replace it. My knowledge about the development on the tripod market is next to nil so I hope for some good suggestions here to ease my search.

My requirements are that it should be as small (when folded) and light as possible but at the same time sturdy enough to manage my E-M5 with 100-300 and above all robust enough to handle some wear and tear without falling to pieces.

What would be your recommendation?

Click to expand...

How about this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/602430-REG/Manfrotto_7302YB_7302YB_4_Section_Aluminum_Tripod.html

Thanks but it looks like this model is no longer available (according to what B&H themselves say). Also, it has lever-actuated leg locks, probably made of plastic, and I'd rather stay away from those based on the many reports I have seen about how easily they break.

What's the best light but sturdy tripod for MFT?

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