Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 carbonfibre tripod, Price: £314.95, www.bogenimaging.co.uk
Once you’ve tried a professional-quality tripod you’ll never go near a cheap one again, and this model from Manfrotto could easily convert you. Thanks to its carbonfibre and magnesium construction it’s both light and exceptionally rigid, while legs that can be independently set at different angles and an integrated levelling bubble in the top plate (pictured here with a Manfrotto 486RC2 ballhead fitted) will help you get your camera in the perfect position