Best Tripod around $100

[batmura]

I have a D3100 and I'm thinking of buying my first tripod. My price range is around $100. I am looking to shoot pictures of the seaside at sunset, so I'd like to lower the tripod quite a bit. Can you guys share your views please?

 

[HughGuessWho]

I don't think you are going to find a good (sturdy) tripod and the required head for $100. Sorry, they just don't exist. Seascapes, often times, require a rock solid tripod since wind is often a factor. You need to save your money until you can afford a good one. Do yourself a favor and don't buy a cheap one. You won't be satisfied.

 

[jake337]

I agree. I would at least double your budget.

 

[kundalini]

I would at least double your budget.

Nah..... 1.5x would be enough.




But that's just for the legs.


manfrotto 055xprob tripod | B&H Photo Video

 

[haynie90]

Amazon.com: Manfrotto MK293A3-A0RC2 293 Aluminum Tripod Kit with Ball Head and Quick Release: Camera & Photo

Pretty satisfied.

 

[orb9220]

Was surprised by a recent purchase for a ultra-light travel tripod.
Dolica Proline GX Series for $61 picked mine up 2 weeks ago for $52.

And also a die-hard believer in not cheaping out on the more stable,heaver in the $100-$200 range of tripods.
Like the manfrotto 190xprob legs & 496rc2 head is a great start.

But have been totally surprised at the cheapy dolcia.
Doesn't feel cheap and seems pretty damn stable with D90/MB-D80
and Sigma 10-20 or my 55-200vr.


Dolica GX600B200 Proline 1 of 3 by Orbmiser, on Flickr

Dolica GX600B200 Proline 2 of 3 by Orbmiser, on Flickr

Dolica GX600B200 Proline 3 of 3 by Orbmiser, on Flickr

Been putting it thru the paces in-house stability tests and cinching,twisting,banging
check for movable parts weaknesses and failure points.

So far only out on one night shoot. But so far happy with it.
And many experienced tripod reviewers rate it at 2x-3x the price in build feel and functionality.

Tho I am cynical and keep a wary eye on mine through it's testing. It hasn't let me down yet. Another 3-6 months really will tell.
But at rated 15lbs load Highly dubious of the figure probably more like 8lbs. and only 3lbs tho is the one I grab when going out on walkabouts. And paying special attention to using it for any signs of failure or prone to toppling,tipping,etc... So Far So Good!
.

 

[HughGuessWho]

Was surprised by a recent purchase for a ultra-light travel tripod.
Dolica Proline GX Series for $61 picked mine up 2 weeks ago for $52.

And also a die-hard believer in not cheaping out on the more stable,heaver in the $100-$200 range of tripods.
Like the manfrotto 190xprob legs & 496rc2 head is a great start.

But have been totally surprised at the cheapy dolcia.
Doesn't feel cheap and seems pretty damn stable with D90/MB-D80
and Sigma 10-20 or my 55-200vr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/orb9220/8007521459/
Dolica GX600B200 Proline 1 of 3 by Orbmiser, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/orb9220/8007520763/
Dolica GX600B200 Proline 2 of 3 by Orbmiser, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/orb9220/8007519913/
Dolica GX600B200 Proline 3 of 3 by Orbmiser, on Flickr

Been putting it thru the paces in-house stability tests and cinching,twisting,banging
check for movable parts weaknesses and failure points.

So far only out on one night shoot. But so far happy with it.
And many experienced tripod reviewers rate it at 2x-3x the price in build feel and functionality.

Tho I am cynical and keep a wary eye on mine through it's testing. It has let me down yet. Another 3-6 months really will tell.
But at rated 15lbs load Highly dubious of the figure and only 2.5 lbs tho is the one I grab when going out on walkabouts.
And pay special attention to using it for any signs of failure or prone to toppling,tipping,etc... So Far So Good!
.

That tripod as displayed is basically a monopod with 3 legs. I can't imagine how stable that one would be on a windy beach.

 

[batmura]

Amazon.com: Manfrotto MK293A3-A0RC2 293 Aluminum Tripod Kit with Ball Head and Quick Release: Camera & Photo

Pretty satisfied.

Would this one fit in a medium-sized backpack since I do a lot of travelling? What about Manfrotto MKC3 ? I believe this one is smaller and lighter, too.

 

[orb9220]

HughGuessWho

"That tripod as displayed is basically a monopod with 3 legs. I can't imagine how stable that one would be on a windy beach."

Well considering that 80% of tripod work is Indoors,Cityscapes and Woods then not so much concern about windy beaches. And sorry but many of tripod owner reviewing of actual tripod may disagree with you. Some using a D300/D200 setup with no problems. Yes I agree with you that heavier more expensive tripod is the way to go for stability especially in windy conditions.

But monies are very tight and may never reach the $200 savings mark for quite awhile for many of us. Second if too heavy than more likely than not many times leave them at home due to the weight & bulkiness. Not saying it's right just what I have noticed with many tripod users.

Have setup a half a dozen times during cityscape night shooting. Never got that topple over if breathed on feel from it. Also has hook to hang bag on for additional stability. Next test want to give it a good 30 second exposure during windy conditions. Like mentioned I stated this seemed more like a $100-$125 dollar model by inspection feel and use so far.

I'm not expecting miracles of replacing more stable and better built tripods. But one compact & light enough that I will actually take out with me. As don't have a car doing all my gear hauling for me. It's all by feet for me. And the fact to save up $200 would probably take me 6-9 months. And then sit home to heavy & big for me to lug around all day.
.

 

[Sarah_aziz]

Well I recently bought a flexible tripod from here Flexible Joints Camera Tripod | Yellow Point. It can be used in a multitude of ways and I think its pretty good for almost every kind of photography.Highly recommend it to anyone looking for what would otherwise be pretty difficult shots!

 

[swiftparkour94]

I have a D3100 and I'm thinking of buying my first tripod. My price range is around $100. I am looking to shoot pictures of the seaside at sunset, so I'd like to lower the tripod quite a bit. Can you guys share your views please?

Amazon search for the Slik Pro 700DX tripod, it's great for $160. I don't use it much but have tested it in the ocean before keeping my hands mere inches next to it just in case it tips. The head is VERY solid steel and I'd rate it an 8/10 on it's panning smoothness, and another 8/10 on the legs (ratings based on price and versatility). If I had a $500 Gitzo or Manfrotto they'd probably be 6/10, it really comes down to how much you'll be using it and what for

 

[batmura]

Was surprised by a recent purchase for a ultra-light travel tripod.
Dolica Proline GX Series for $61 picked mine up 2 weeks ago for $52.

Since I can't see a handle on this item, do you pan right and left using the camera itself? Also, does it come with a quick release? What is that bulky 'thing' under your camera, by the way? How small does it get when you pack it up? I am looking to get a tripod that'd be good for travel and rather than buy something heavy and leave it at home I'll be happy with something light, sturdy and easy to carry around?

Has anyone used the Manfrotto MKC3 series? I just saw it in my local camera place and would love to hear thoughts on it.

 

[HughGuessWho]

orb9220

"That tripod as displayed is basically a monopod with 3 legs. I can't imagine how stable that one would be on a windy beach."

Well considering that 80% of tripod work is Indoors,Cityscapes and Woods then not so much concern about windy beaches. And sorry but many of tripod owner reviewing of actual tripod may disagree with you.
.

I'm pretty sure the OP stated " I am looking to shoot pictures of the seaside at sunset".

I have taken thousands of seascape pictures and can say with certainty that wind is an issue 90% of the time. It takes minimal movement to trash an otherwise perfect picture. The movement can be slight enough that you can't even see it, but your picture will.

I think you will find more experienced photographers will agree with me than will agree with you on this one.

I am not one that thinks you have to buy the greatest and most expensive to get great shots. I have tons of 3rd party and generic gadgets. However, I have purchased many tripods in my time, searching for that "Good" and "Cheap" tripod. I never found it. In the store or in the reviews they seem to be rock solid. And sometimes they are in the beginning, until the plastic and lightweight metal starts wearing.

Lastly, I understand that most of us have a strict budget. Thats why I suggest saving a little longer, until you can buy a better tripod. If you do, it will last you a lifetime. If you decide to go the cheap route, you will be replacing it in a short time. Been there, done that.

 

[slow231]

Was surprised by a recent purchase for a ultra-light travel tripod.
Dolica Proline GX Series for $61 picked mine up 2 weeks ago for $52.

And also a die-hard believer in not cheaping out on the more stable,heaver in the $100-$200 range of tripods.
Like the manfrotto 190xprob legs & 496rc2 head is a great start.

But have been totally surprised at the cheapy dolcia.
Doesn't feel cheap and seems pretty damn stable with D90/MB-D80
and Sigma 10-20 or my 55-200vr.


Dolica GX600B200 Proline 1 of 3 by Orbmiser, on Flickr

Dolica GX600B200 Proline 2 of 3 by Orbmiser, on Flickr

Dolica GX600B200 Proline 3 of 3 by Orbmiser, on Flickr

Been putting it thru the paces in-house stability tests and cinching,twisting,banging
check for movable parts weaknesses and failure points.

So far only out on one night shoot. But so far happy with it.
And many experienced tripod reviewers rate it at 2x-3x the price in build feel and functionality.

Tho I am cynical and keep a wary eye on mine through it's testing. It has let me down yet. Another 3-6 months really will tell.
But at rated 15lbs load Highly dubious of the figure and only 2.5 lbs tho is the one I grab when going out on walkabouts.
And pay special attention to using it for any signs of failure or prone to toppling,tipping,etc... So Far So Good!
.

That tripod as displayed is basically a monopod with 3 legs. I can't imagine how stable that one would be on a windy beach.

forgive my ignorance, but whats the difference between that tripod's arrangement vs the other ones shown previously in the thread?

 

[HughGuessWho]

Was surprised by a recent purchase for a ultra-light travel tripod.
Dolica Proline GX Series for $61 picked mine up 2 weeks ago for $52.

And also a die-hard believer in not cheaping out on the more stable,heaver in the $100-$200 range of tripods.
Like the manfrotto 190xprob legs & 496rc2 head is a great start.

But have been totally surprised at the cheapy dolcia.
Doesn't feel cheap and seems pretty damn stable with D90/MB-D80
and Sigma 10-20 or my 55-200vr.


Dolica GX600B200 Proline 1 of 3 by Orbmiser, on Flickr

Dolica GX600B200 Proline 2 of 3 by Orbmiser, on Flickr

Dolica GX600B200 Proline 3 of 3 by Orbmiser, on Flickr

Been putting it thru the paces in-house stability tests and cinching,twisting,banging
check for movable parts weaknesses and failure points.

So far only out on one night shoot. But so far happy with it.
And many experienced tripod reviewers rate it at 2x-3x the price in build feel and functionality.

Tho I am cynical and keep a wary eye on mine through it's testing. It has let me down yet. Another 3-6 months really will tell.
But at rated 15lbs load Highly dubious of the figure and only 2.5 lbs tho is the one I grab when going out on walkabouts.
And pay special attention to using it for any signs of failure or prone to toppling,tipping,etc... So Far So Good!
.

That tripod as displayed is basically a monopod with 3 legs. I can't imagine how stable that one would be on a windy beach.

forgive my ignorance, but whats the difference between that tripod's arrangement vs the other ones shown previously in the thread?

There is no difference. It is the same post "quoted".