Tripod and ballhead for travel for under $250 CAD?

epp_b · May 18, 2009

I'm currently borrowing some piece-of-crap Velbon from a relative. It's not terribly sturdy and the three-way head is annoying.

I'd like to buy myself a new tripod for outdoor and travel before I go on vacation in about six weeks. I definitely want a ballhead with quick-release to go with it.

I don't know where to start with tripods, but what I want is:

Sturdy, of course
Reasonably light (carbon fibre would sure be nice, but it's no doubt out of my price range)
At least five feet maximum extension (60")
Good leg locking system
No more than $250 Canadian, including the price of the ball-head

I was thinking of a Manfrotto 484RC2 or 486RC2 for the head. I think a 4-6 KG load maximum should be enough for me for quite a while.

Is there a "D40 of tripods"?

As in, pretty cheap but very good bang for the buck...

Big Mike · May 19, 2009

Manfrotto 190X ProB/486RC2 Kit | TheCameraStore.com

epp_b · May 19, 2009

Hmmm ... that's right on my price point! I'll have to see if there's a store I can check that one out in person. Thanks!

It looks as though that ballhead doesn't have a quick-release, though.

bigtwinky · May 19, 2009

Looks like it does..I think the picture of the kit was of only the tripod

tripods, heads, monopods, light stands, camera supports, lighting supports, professional tripod 486RC2 - COMPACT BALL HEAD W/RC2 R.C.SY

epp_b · May 19, 2009

Ah! My bad then. I thought the 486RC2 was just the head, but I didn't realize that the "RC2" stood for the quick release model number.

Yay!

250Gimp · May 19, 2009

Check out the line of Induro tripods. They sell them at Vistek.

I bought mine and a bal head for about $300 taxes in, but you can do better if you choose the lighter ones, and 3 section.

I am really happy with mine.

Cheers

epp_b · May 19, 2009

Those look not bad. What model did you get?

Phranquey · May 19, 2009

250Gimp said:
Check out the line of Induro tripods. They sell them at Vistek.

I bought mine and a bal head for about $300 taxes in, but you can do better if you choose the lighter ones, and 3 section.

I am really happy with mine.

Cheers

:thumbup:

I've got the Induro AX214 with a 486RC2 head, and I absolutely love it. It's plenty stout enough to handle my 500mm f/4 with full confidence, the vibration is almost nil, and while it's not carbon, the weight isn't bad at all.