Tripods!

[Sprocket-]

Well I want to do some proper night photography, and want to get me a tripod! What should I look for? Ebay okay?

Want a decent size, waist height minmum. Going on my Canon 450D.

Cheers for advice!

[Nemesis_22]

One rule. Don't get an Inca model. And I'd also recommend going into a store. Get a visual feel for height, weight, portability, and stability. Manfrotto is a good brand to go with, but expensive. Decide on the model you like first, but buy it from wherever is cheapest.

[Squeezer]

For long expsoure Night stuff you NEED a really sturdy tripod. 2nd the Manfrotto suggestion. You also need a very lockable Tripod head so the camera doesnt "droop". Dont expect them to be cheap but with tripods get something decent first up rather than buying cheap ebay rubbish. Manfrotto 190 series or 055 XProB is you are taller are good tripods

[ozhaggis]

I bought my first tripod recently. While researching, I found there is a saying: "If you buy a cheap tripod, you'll end up owning two tripods."

But I ignored the advice and bought a cheap one. $80. At Target.

Now I own two. That one, which I don't use anymore, and a Manfrotto 190.

If you can afford it, get something like a Manfrotto. And if you can't afford it, save up until you can.

[Blocker]

Manfrotto should be a first choice for a solid tripod with easy accessible spare parts. Carbon fibre models are obviously lighter, but they are also more expensive, if you are planing on using a long tele or zoom lens, then be sure the centre of balance will not tip your kit over when assembled.

I have a sturdy Manfrotto 055XPRO
http://www.manfrotto.com/product/8374.5 ... pod_(Black)

With a ball grip head giving me many options on angles for the camera
http://www.manfrotto.com/product/8374.3 ... _Ball_Head

[shime]

If you can afford it, Manfrotto is the way to go like others have said.
I purchased a Manfrotto 190 series about 10 years ago and it is still going strong. If you have the money go for the Manfrotto 055 (slightly larger and more stable). We have used Medium format cameras and the largest of DSLR's on the 055 and have never had a problem. IMHO the Manfrotto tripods are more robust and easier to use than the more expensive Gitzo alternative.

As for heads? just get a good ball head. Not sure how you find it blocker but we purchased one of those Grip ball heads and now it just sits in the draw. It was very limited in its use and in general they are not very smooth. (when compared to a standard ball or 3d head).

[Blocker]

As for heads? just get a good ball head. Not sure how you find it blocker but we purchased one of those Grip ball heads and now it just sits in the draw. It was very limited in its use and in general they are not very smooth. (when compared to a standard ball or 3d head).

I used to own the manfrotto 'joystick' grip when they first came out about 15 years ago. The limitation was the extra height they put on the mount.

I sprayed my ball with graphite and it is very smooth now. I agree out of the box it was not very smooth at all.