Affordable/low-priced tripods?

Blue Cheese · Mar 18, 2009

I'm quite clueless when it comes to things like this, so I'd really appreciate any recommendations you folks could make for me.

I'm looking to purchase a very simple tripod. My main focus is the price; I'm hurting for money at the moment, so I can't be buying Manfrotto or anything like I've seen people recommend here. I'm just looking for the essential bare-bones. It won't be used outdoors, and won't be carried around or transported. Strictly something to set up shots in my living room.

The camera I'll be using is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ series, if that's important.

Again, I know someone just registering and immediately asking for help might not sit quite right, but I'd be very happy to get some suggestions from people who are obviously better-educated about this than I am.

mrodgers · Mar 18, 2009

You don't say where you are located. US? If using just a bridge or superzoom camera, the $30 tripod available at Walmart works perfectly fine. I love mine with my Fuji S5700 superzoom. Using a heavy dSLR and lens combo would be different, but it's a very nice tripod for $30 for use with a superzoom.

CW Jones · Mar 18, 2009

I use one of the cheapest ones out there, it was bought at wal-mart for under $20 haha. no problem what so ever holing my heavy film camera and a large zoom lens. VERY well built and very stable. I want a manfrotto but I too dont have the money. I will get the exact name when I get home from classes today

benhasajeep · Mar 19, 2009

I have an ebay carbon fiber tripod I bought my wife to use. About 1/2 the cost of my Carbon One. I was absolutely suprised, it was better than I thought it would be. I wouldn't think twice about putting anything I have on it. I then ordered an aluminum one from the same place, and agian a very decent tripod. Now have 2 brand names and 2 clones. Unless I am going for a hike where I think there is a possibility of loosing or breaking a tripod. I really don't pay attention to which ones I grab. But the cheap ones get the nod if I am doing something risky.