<p>I'd normally go to a shop for hands on advise, however there are no camera shops near me. I took a look at this post, http://www.photo.net/filters-bags-tripods-accessories-forum/00coj0 and it had some answers - but I have more specific questions, it's long, but that means at least I get the right advice :)<br /><br />I am looking for advice on a replacement for my 30 year old 3-section with centre column aluminium Miranda (from Dixons) tripod, it's been OK with zero wind and if a fly lands on it then it wobbles; you get the idea it is a little rattly.<br>
Some constraints/things I am bothered about<br />1. I am looking to spend around £200, but will stretch to £250<br />2. I will be using it for landscape/long exposure and will not be taking macro shots, currently a Nikon D5300 with 18-200<br />3. I am 5'8" (172cm) tall, I don't want to crouch to take the shot but really don't want a centre column (due to extra shake - I assume that adding a moving part increases the risk of shake), surely better to just buy a tripod with longer legs?<br />4. I think I only need a 2-way head with quick release plate ... or do I really need 3 way?<br /> 5. I think I want carbon (low weight), I know I sacrifice some quality as £200 is probably not enough, this goes against my normal view of buying the best quality you can afford - but I do have a budget and am doing this as a hobby so definitely don't need durability that a professional would need<br /><br />I did some maths ... my eye level is approx 5'3" ~63", my Nikon D5300 is 3" from base to eye piece, a head is approx ~4" ... so if I don't want to crouch then I assume I need a tripod that is 63 - 3 - 4 = 57"?<br /><br />I've looked at the Feisol CT3301 (<a href="http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/feisol-ct-3301-carbon-fibre-tripod-initial-review.520125/" target="_blank">http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/feisol-ct-3301-carbon-fibre-tripod-initial-review.520125/</a>) but it seems a little too short at 54" - won't I be crouching by 3"?<br /><br />Maybe I'm far too concerned on the detail, if you're the same sort of height and have a tripod ~£200 then maybe you could let me know if it fit's my requirements. I suspect I have to spend more cash to get everything I want, so one thing for sure I'll lower my standards if I need to :)<br /><br /></p>
