Best Tripod on budget?

[madisonofriel]

Best quality tripod I can get for say... under $100? Its for a Nikon D3000

 

[table1349]

The best tripod for under $100 for a Nikon D3000 is the one you buy a couple of months or so from now. Cheap tripods are a waste of money. I'm not saying you have to spend thousands but something decent with a head is going to run you around $250.00 at least. For $250-$350 you can get a tripod that will support just about anything most photographers will ever need.

The thing is, if you save your money and buy a good quality tripod now you conceivably use it for the rest of your life. Tripods should never be bought based on cost first.

Some things to look for in a tripod.

Any tripod and head should be rated to support at least 2X's the weight of your heaviest gear combination ether what you own now or anticipate owning in the future. 3X's is even better.

Stability comes from build and materials. Aluminum has good stability and is of a medium weight to carry around and is usually the cheapest. Composite fiber has better stability, is lighter than aluminum but is generally more expensive. Solid Hardwood has the best stability, is the heaviest to carry around and is usually priced between aluminum and Composite fiber.

Buy a tripod that is tall enough to use with out raising the center column. Raising the center column reduces stability.

As for leg locks, both twist and lever locks have their advantages and disadvantages. I have owned both and both have always done exactly what they are intended to do with no issues.

One way to save on money and get a good tripod is to look for used instead of new tripods.

 

[madisonofriel]

Thanks. I know that what I'll end up doing... I just don't have that kind of money at the moment, I will look into used though good tip.

 

[CAP]

Get a Manfrotto !

 

[Steve5D]

A friend of mine wanted a tripod, but couldn't sink hundreds into one. She ended up with Vanguard, and she's pretty happy with it. I don't know anything about it other than she's happy with it, but she's what I would classify as a serious hobbyist...

 

[Derrel]

Adorama's website shows 56 tripod and head combos available for between $75 and $100. A couple have hefty markdowns; as much as on a used tripod. Brands I might trust would be Vanguard, Slik, Velbon, and Davis & Sanford. Those companies have made tripods for a very long time.

Not everybody needs the same things from a tripod; some people just want the tripod to hold the camera in one place while they take the occasional selfie, or group shot with self timer. Not everybody needs, wants, or can afford a $900 Gitzo and a $700 Really Right Stuff head with $75 adapter plates. JUst as not everybody needs, wants, or can afford a $149,000 Italian two-seater sports car, or a $60,000 jacked up 4-wheel-drive pickup. The fact that there are 56 separate tripod and head combos between $75 and $100 shows just how large the economy tripod segment is.

 

[CAP]

Or you could keep a eye out for used deal on pro tripod like Oben or Manfrotto.

 

[Steve5D]

Adorama's website shows 56 tripod and head combos available for between $75 and $100. A couple have hefty markdowns; as much as on a used tripod. Brands I might trust would be Vanguard, Slik, Velbon, and Davis & Sanford. Those companies have made tripods for a very long time.

Huh. I'd never heard of Vanguard, and assumed it was a newer brand.

I use a Slik myself...

 

[PropilotBW]

I Bought a MeFoto a little over a year ago, and it has been really good for my d5100. The ball head has been very secure, and I don't have any complaints about it.

 

[coastalconn]

I have one of these clunkers.. It is big heavy and solid. I've had it for 2 years and have stuck my big lenses on it several times.. I've left it outside in snow, sleet and anything else mother nature threw at it... http://www.amazon.com/Ravelli-APGL4...&qid=1402541405&sr=8-1&keywords=ravelli+apgl4
Amazon rebranded them and sells them cheaper now here.. http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-70-inch-Adjustable-Pistol-Tripod/dp/B00CF1LS94
It's cheap, solid and of course YMMV...

 

[snerd]

I just want to give kudos to the kid. I read your thread in another forum asking about pricing, and I want to tell you that you have a bright future ahead of you. Congrats and have fun!!

 

[molested_cow]

http://www.amazon.com/Slik-330DX-Tr...4?ie=UTF8&qid=1402544656&sr=8-4&keywords=slik

I have something like this one, and has served me well. I think it's more than enough for a D3000.

 

[Monday]

I have a slik and it is a great tripod for the price. It doesnt tighten enough in certain positions, but with my now d800 and 70-200 tamron it may be asking too much of it. Amazon.com : SLIK PRO 700DX Professional Tripod with Panhead (615-315) : Dslr Tripod : Camera & Photo

With that said it is a great tripod but also very bulky so I am currently looking for a more compact manfroto for lighter travel. However will still continue to use this slick for around the house/studio

 

[snerd]

Oh! I use the Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with the Manfrotto 496RC2 Ball Head. Been very happy with it! It will run over your budget by about $200, though.

 

[madisonofriel]

I have one of these clunkers.. It is big heavy and solid. I've had it for 2 years and have stuck my big lenses on it several times.. I've left it outside in snow, sleet and anything else mother nature threw at it... Amazon.com : Ravelli APGL4 New Professional 70" Tripod with Adjustable Pistol Grip Head and Heavy Duty Carry Bag : Camera Tripod : Camera & Photo
Amazon rebranded them and sells them cheaper now here.. Amazon.com : AmazonBasics 70-inch Adjustable Pistol Grip Head Tripod : Camera Tripods : Camera & Photo
It's cheap, solid and of course YMMV...

Thanks I'm really liking the looks of this one...