Tripod questions

[Youngun]

I'm looking for a to buy a tripod, and I really have no idea what to look for. It will hold an F100 and small lenses, and will hopefully not be a beast, since I will probably be taking it places. Brands? Features? Thanks in advance...

 

[Big Mike]

Try a search, there must be some Tripod threads here somewhere.

What's your budget? You can't go wrong with something like Manfrotto but they can be pricey.

 

[usayit]

Gitzo and Manfrotto ( Bogen is the same company ) for higher end stuff. I have a couple Manfrotto/Bogen tripods and they are built like tanks so don't be afraid to purchase used. I've seen them go over $500 for a carbon lightweight high tech tripod ( I only wish i had one ) and as little as 35 bucks for my 3011 w/ tripan head at a camera swap. Its heavy but extremely stable with even my heaviest lenses.

For less expensive, I like velbon's offerings.

 

[Don Simon]

I'd like to put in some free advertising for Velbon. Having said that, my budget is pretty limited. Like everyone else I'd probably go for Gitzo or Manfrotto if I could afford them. Once you've tried quick-release you may wonder how you ever got on without it (saves on constant screwing and unscrewing of camera to tripod). Portability is clearly an issue, but if I had an F100 then the tripod's sturdiness would be more important to me since I'd be terrified of even the slightest chance of it ever falling over.