Tripod on a budget?? (3 Viewers)

[Richard G]

My original tripod that I bought many, many years ago with my scope has finally bitten the dust.

I have no idea which would be best suited for me, as there appears to be a huge variety at vastly different prices. I don't want to spend a fortune, as I don't go out on specific birding trips, but when I do it would be nice to have a tripod for the scope.

My scope is an old, trusty Mirador straight bodied scope that I've had for about 15 years, and I'm 5' 10".

Any recommendations??

Cheers,

Richard

 

[narawood]

Hi Richard,

I bought the following tripod (my thanks to Digiscoper62, the BF forum member who recommended it to me).

Calumet CK6100 Small Tripod http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/CK6100/

I use this tripod with a Manfrfotto 701RC2 head to support my Nikon ED82A complete with Fuji F31 and homemade digiscoping adapters, I was sceptical about buying it (because it was so cheap).

I have since compared\tried several other tripods in the £85.00 - £175.00 price range, these included manfrotto, slik, swarovski and velbon, all were lighter in weight, some were a little more stable (mostly only noticable at full height); I found some were actually less stable.

I have yet to find a tripod that would offer (for me) a significant improvement relative to the extra cost.

The CK6100 benefits from a minor DIY modification re the 2 part clamp head, if you buy it I will happily share the modification with you, total cost of parts for the modification is less than 50p.

I mostly use my tripod with the centre column fully lowered and the legs well below maximum extension (I prefer to be seated when digiscoping).

Cost of the tripod: £14.99, includes carry case and 3 year warranty.

I have put my hard hat on in expectation of the howls of derision and disbelief, whatever, I won't be changing my tripod in the near future; would rather spend my money on a third MC wide eyepiece.

John

P.S. If the CK6100 is not tall enough for you with a straight scope then there is the CK6200 Medium Tripod at £25.99, but I have not tried it, you could always test it in-store.

 

[Harlequinduck]

Sounds like a great tip was give to you by John. I got my tripod head off Ebay so I would recomend you search there. I found a 700 RC2 used for a great deal.

 

[Richard G]

Thanks for the advice, guys, but in the end I bought this from Argos - reduced from £29.99 to £19.99.

It will be ideal for what little birding trips I do each year.

Richard

 

[zombietoon]

Think this is the same as the ones now in Aldi for £10.99. Seem fine to me.

 

[redeyedvideo]

Each to their own but I know at least 3 people who don't believe in cheap tripods anymore.

They're great if you only want to mount cheap equipment on them but if you're thinking of using it for your new Canon camera & lens or your Leica 'scope I would recommend thinking about your insurance excess as a minimum starting point on cost and go up from there.


Dave J

 

[SteveClifton]

That Calumet jobby looks the business-at least in the picture anyway. Obviously you can't tell the quality of the components from a picture, and that's what really counts afterall.
I think I've yet to see a remotely sturdy cheap tripod with inner leg braces like the Argos one, which is what they are presumably there for (to add to rigidity & stability).

John, perhaps you could give a little more info on the build quality. Does it feel as though it is built to last? Perhaps price isn't always a reflection of quality, and it is still possible to find a true bargain.

 

[narawood]

That Calumet jobby looks the business-at least in the picture anyway. Obviously you can't tell the quality of the components from a picture, and that's what really counts afterall.
I think I've yet to see a remotely sturdy cheap tripod with inner leg braces like the Argos one, which is what they are presumably there for (to add to rigidity & stability).

John, perhaps you could give a little more info on the build quality. Does it feel as though it is built to last? Perhaps price isn't always a reflection of quality, and it is still possible to find a true bargain.

Steve,

If you can, just look at it in a Calumet store, I am "prodding" at every tripod I meet (sad sod), but I have yet to meet something I would change for.

You will not be disapointed with the buld qualiy, its gooood.

Pm me if you buy, and I will be happy to share simple modifications.


John

 

[SteveClifton]

Thanks John. I don't really 'need' a new tripod, already having at least 4 of various sizes, but I always still have an eye for a bargain. Also, at 15 quid, it's almost worth buying for the case alone and throw the tripod away (only kidding!)

Thanks for the info, I will bear that in mind if anyone I know is looking for a new one on a budget.

By the way, I presume Calumet is a Scottish brand. Never seen their stores this side of the border.

Steve.

 

[narawood]

Thanks John. I don't really 'need' a new tripod, already having at least 4 of various sizes, but I always still have an eye for a bargain. Also, at 15 quid, it's almost worth buying for the case alone and throw the tripod away (only kidding!)

Thanks for the info, I will bear that in mind if anyone I know is looking for a new one on a budget.

By the way, I presume Calumet is a Scottish brand. Never seen their stores this side of the border.

Steve.

Steve,

I think Calumet is an American company, they have outlets in several countries ( http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/?a=CA02&t=CA02 ), nearest branches I can see for you are Nottingham Manchester and Liverpool.

The Calumet price is for tripod only, unlike the Argos kits you will need to purchase a head also, a decent Manfrotto can be had for £28.00 quid or so if you shop around. I bought a cheap Argos tripod, 'Hama Star 42' (reduced to £7.50), this sort of kit is OK for indoor use with a lightweight SLR or compact, I would not contemplate using it outdoors or for supporting valuable equipment.

I used the pan and tilt head from the Hama to attach to a trekking pole to create a monopod, I use this setup sometimes with the ED50, I would not put anything heavier on it though, the pan and tilt head can still be used with it's original tripod. Same pan and tilt head is to be attached to a home made car window mount, again for a lightweight setup such as the ED50.

The Calumet tripod comes out when I want to use the ED82.

Regards,

John