MattCollins

I have a couple of heavyweight Gitzo tripods with a load of RRS hardware hanging off them. They'll support about 20kg in half a gale without a shake. Money? Don't ask!

I also have something a bit more sensible in a Manfrotto 055 3 section carbon tripod with a Markins head which is a good solid platform and light enough that it will actually be used. The 055 in aluminium (got one of those too) is a bit of a bear to carry any distance so sits neglected in the back of the cupboard but it is a reasonable tripod although not to the standards of the others.

I suggest not getting suckered by heights with columns. The column is unstable stick on a pod configuration. My Gitzos have a bare base plate and no column and the Manfrottos have had the columns cut off about 4" below the base - no point in carrying dead weight. Choose something that will give you the required height without the column up.

My usual recommendation for a quality general purpose kit that is not too hard on the pocket is a carbon 055 with spikes, Markins M20 and an L-bracket from RRS (or others) so that the head does not have to be flopped into the notch (unstable configuration) for portraits.
That kit will set you back a little more than £25 but it is a keeper.


Cheers