Review: Giottos MT 9371 / MH 1300
Red J
Registered Users Posts: 57 Big grins
Background:
I'm a beginner photographer who found myself in the need for a decent tripod to replace a Quantaray QSX 8001, which is a cheap tripod I picked up a few years back. This tripod was fine for me, because I never really used one. I prefer to shoot handheld when possible.
The Quantaray was fine for a P&S, but I found that it was not ideal for an SLR, unless it was wearing a 50mm fix focal.
I also told a friend I would shoot some product shots for him, of machined parts. I acquired a macro lens for my camera, and found it nearly impossible to shoot the parts handheld. Plus, the lens is heavy, so the old tripod was not up to the task.
I read up on Thom Hogan's tripod guide and was surprised at what the recommendation's bottom line cost was to be. Thom's article spoke to me, as I'm a particularly quality driven person, especially with regard to gadgets and toys. A few times I was ready to throw caution to the wind and buy a RRS BH-55 and a Gitzo leg set, rationale being that I would never have to do it again. But in reality, the amount of use I would get from it was way out of balance with how much I would have spent. I really wanted a solution in the $ 300-400 range.
I had to find a solution.
The search:
Most recommendations pointed toward the Manfrotto 190XProB and the 322RC2 griphead. I went and tried this combo, and while it seemed to work fine, I didn't really like the grip type ballhead ergonomics. I did prefer the RRS ballhead that I tried.
Claudermilk's recent post about his experience with a Giottos tripod sparked my interest in the brand.
After this time, I had spent too much time trying to figure out what to buy, and I was wasting time on my friend's project.
The result:
I placed an order for a Giottos MT 9371 and MH 1300 ballhead with the MH-657 quick release plate.
The legset included a unpadded bag which is just enough oversized in length to accommodate the tripod and ballhead both. Nice. It also comes with short neoprene leg covers on all three legs, and the toolset to work on the tripod with, and a padded carry strap to carry the unit with. I opted for this particular legset, which is aluminum, over the "lava" and carbon ones, because of cost. I also plan to use this in a studio setting, or carry it in the car. I can deal with the weight.
The leg joints are somewhat stiff, but this isn't a big deal for me. They may be adjustable, but I have not pursued it. They may yet break-in, I will probably post back here if I experience anything that changes with the gear. The locks to limit the leg angle work very well for that.
The center post is adjustable for height and also is available to be cantilevered over a range more than the one allowed by the Manfrotto. As I needed the tripod for macro shots, this was a major selling feature for me and I can say that it works as advertised. It takes a little time to set up for a shot, not sure how well this would work for insects or other moving subjects, but for static objects, it's very useful.
The ballhead comes in a protective pouch.
Assembly is easy, and there are three screws on the tripod center post platform to secure the ballhead. The plate which affixes to the bottom of the camera body is pretty good quality and incorporates a security lock which keeps the camera from coming out of the dovetail clamp prematurely.
I have found that the camera plate fits better on my D200 than on the D200's battery pack, there is too much settling of the camera that occurs to use it on the pack. No such problems with the plate mounted directly to the camera.
The ballhead holds the camera firm with my 105mm Micro VR lens (720g) which is currently my heaviest lens. I can't really throw it through any other test than that at the moment (no lenses), and I suspect this is a reasonably good test anyway. It accomplishes the mission here, holding the camera stable for the macro stuff.
Surely not the RRS/Gitzo combo that I originally lusted after...
But all in all, I am so far satisfied and hope that this review helps someone in a similar need. I feel it is a reasonable compromise.
:thumb :thumb
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Comments
Ian
Hopefully this thread will stimulate some discussion on filling the gap between cheap and Hogan.
Wedding Photographer Glasgow | Scotland
SWPP Pet Photographer of the Year 2010
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I also considered an Acratech ballhead and the Manfrotto 055MF3 as an alternative in a different price range (~600). I read a few reviews on here and elsewhere (POTN?, maybe...) which listed this combo showed particularly well against Gitzo and the expensive ballheads. I can see going to this particular legset, or the Giottos equivalent, if I find that this set is too heavy. But I doubt that will happen anytime soon.
One problem I found is that most people don't have experience with different levels of tripods, and if they do, then they currently own Gitzo/RRS (or whatever) and recommend that gear. I mean, if you own that stuff, why would you give it up?
So it's difficult to get an unbiased opinion. Take me, for example... I like my setup, because it's currently the best I've owned.
It's great because we now have several differing opinions on the ideal setup
and that gives the person looking choice.
http://www.chrislaudermilkphoto.com/
I purchased a Giottos MT8180 (no longer produced) tripod to be used as my heavy duty tripod (with long lenses and with the Manfrotto 3421 Gimbal Head). The MT-8180 can also effectively be used for macro and closeup photography since the center column slides up and down easily throughout a 17-inch range, but can also be reversed for using the camera close to the ground or positioned horizontally as is often necessary for macro or nature subjects.
The tripod is solid and easily adjustable throughout all of its contortions. Once set, it will hold its extension. Few things are more frustrating to me in photography than a tripod which will not keep set up after I adjust it.
I often use it with the Manfrotto 3421 gimbal head. This setup is especially good with long lenses (I use it with a Canon 400mm f/5.6L). I can easily follow fast moving subjects (Such as a recent shoot of 150+ MPH unlimited hydroplanes). The tripod is said to support a load of up to 33 pounds (I usually halve the manufacturer's recommendations). Even so, that is plenty. I will never put a 15-17 pound load on this tripod.
I also use a Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head but, I am considering changing to another head.
I will also experiment using the MT-8180 with the Panosaurus Pano head. This is not a particularly heavy device but, it is large and bulky and seems to need a tripod that is as sturdy as the MT-8180.
By the way, the MT-8180 has replaced my Manfrotto 3001P which was a nice set of legs but not tall enough and sturdy enough for my needs. It was also heavy for its size and stability.