Hi Michael, you got a couple of answers already and I am essentially in line. Forget about Jessops own range.
It depends on your subject matter, type of camera and length of lens what to recommend. My tripod is a Manfrotto 190, slightly lighter in weight and size than Frantisek's 055. I used it up to 200mm focal lenght and found it ok, but this one is clearly not up for a 400mm. I bought the 190 for bike trips or when walking. I played with the 055 but it was definitely to heavy. In strong wind however I have to compromise and to add stability by not extending the legs. The 055 will do better in such situations. I have no knowledge on the Gitzo or Berleback, other than that they have a good reputation. Also Benbo has a good reputation, particularly for makro work. For GBP 100 the Manfrotto 055 and 190 would be the first things I look at. Unless you are a user of long lenses (> 300mm), I would not choose anything heavier to start with. Forget about anything with plastic in the supporting structure. It will show with a 50mm lens. Take your camera and your longest lens into the shop. Mount the camera with the lens on the tripod/head combo and tip on the prism while looking through the finder. The differences in quality will show. All the best Joachim - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
