Anyone had any experience with Calumet tripods?

I had a crappy tripod from a couploe of years ago. I only spent a few quid as I wanted to make sure I got enough use out of one before buying something better. A couple of years on and I definately need something better now but still not mega money.

I noticed the Calumet own brand 7300 that has a 3-way pan and tilt heat, quick release, split shaft for low down work, etc etc all for £70. Seems like it could do the trick.

I'm meeting the missus after work and am playing with the idea of picking something up tonight.

I'm convinced I dont need anything as good as a £100+ Manfrotto/Giottos/Gitzo but dont have any experience of the Calumet gear.

Anyone have an opinion?

I must confess I went along the Giottos route, after recommendations from others here. I can't see why Calumet would be a bad thing.

The only thing I can add is that a good tripod lasts you for ever, and you get what you pay for.

One thing I have always read is that when it comes to tripods buy the most expensive one you can afford.

If you don't you will find you have to "upgrade" parts of it or buy a whole new one at some point.

I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for too, I suppose what I'm wondering is if this lower priced item will meet my requirements. I would just normally spend on the best I could afford (realistically right now on a tripod/head would be around £150) but if the £70 one will do everything i need it to do then I dont want to waste money.

I'll have a look in the shop after work and see what I think. I have heard they're a bit up themselves in there.

I finally got to the shop today (lunch break). The 7300 just doesnt look good enough. Feature-wise it sounds spot on but looking at it I couldnt help get the feeling its not quite sturdy enough.

They have on the website a Giottos MTL 9361B + MH5001 kit for £119.99. They had one left in the shop and it looked like a far better option that the 7300. I got them down to £110.00 which meant the £40 extra over the cheaper one could be money well spent.

I'll set it up tonight and have a play.

So I had the tripod out at the weekend for the first time. Overall I'm impressed. It was fairly quick to setup, the head held the camera nice and steady and although not light it wasnt a problem carrying it around for a few hours. I dropped it twice too. Nothing is broken so I guess it passes that test but it could do with a strap.

+
padded legs
sturdy legs/head
quick to setup
quick release plate with safety catch
tools provided in a little bag
goes nice and low and centre shaft can be removed
price

-
not the lightest
needs a strap, would be nice if one was included
when tilting head to portrait the QR catch got in the way a bit

Oh, I got one with mine.
The carry case has a strap and the tripod itself has a separate strap for when you don't want to use the carrying case.

Mark

I got a strap, too.

*shrug*

What tripods did you both buy and how much? I presume that other manufacturers / kits / deals have different bits included.

I got the same one Mark has. MT 9242.

Bloody good it is, too. I just got the ball head for it, and I already have the 3-way head.

I paid about £90 for the 'pod, £40 for the 3-way and about the same for the ball head.

I bought it all through Warehouse Express.

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/Home/default.aspx

They seem to have the best selection and the most competitive prices.