Buying a tripod

vk1115 · Jan 7, 2011

I am planning on buying an inexpensive and sturdy tripod and need some suggestions. I have a canon 500D and will use it with a 55-250mm IS.

reznap · Jan 7, 2011

You can get a super cheap one if you just want to mess around with it.. like 30 bucks will get you one.

But if you want something that's going to work well and last, well... this (Slik Sprint Pro 2) is unbelievably nice for the price: Amazon.com: Slik Sprint Pro II Tripod in Gun Metal With Quick Release Ball Head & Case: Electronics

Undo · Jan 7, 2011

In my experience when it comes to tripods, you get what you pay for (usually). But you can still get an okay one for under $100 though I would personally recomend paying a higher price for tough, sturdy one that will last you a long time.

Krissy · Jan 7, 2011

If you're looking for something you can easily carry around then I'd suggest browsing ebay for aluminum tripods. There are a bunch on there for around $10.

John Mc · Jan 7, 2011

Helps us a little more Op, What do you like to/want to shoot? and why do you want a Tripod? My experience has told me that cheap tripods are okay for beginners but are a waist of cash and are useless in extremly windy conditions,and i know personally of this,the meain reason i bought a heavy weight Gioto's.

Trever1t · Jan 7, 2011

Tripods are an investment, like lenses in my opinion. Sure you can buy cheaper but will it do what you want? Will it last as long as you need?

I searched high and low and opted for a Manfrotto 055XPROB and Manfrotto 498rc2 Ballhead. Total cost just over $300 from Amazon and I think a good deal. Sturdy, not too heavy and very versatile for high, horizontal or prone shots.

Cheap is cheap no matter how you look at it.

reznap · Jan 7, 2011

Trever1t said:
Tripods are an investment, like lenses in my opinion. Sure you can buy cheaper but will it do what you want? Will it last as long as you need?

I searched high and low and opted for a Manfrotto 055XPROB and Manfrotto 498rc2 Ballhead. Total cost just over $300 from Amazon and I think a good deal. Sturdy, not too heavy and very versatile for high, horizontal or prone shots.

Cheap is cheap no matter how you look at it.

I honestly don't think that's worth over 3x as much as the $90 Slik tripod I suggested. Sure it's a great piece of equipment but I think it's more geared toward a professional who is a little less concerned with taking care of his gear and more concerned with heavy use and a higher level of reliability than the average person needs. It's like weather-sealed bodies... sure they're nice - but the average Joe really doesn't need that in a camera (especially when we're going to baby the large investment anyway).

Trever1t · Jan 7, 2011

I think it's geared more for the average enthusiast that demands stability from a tripod

To each his own and nobody's right or wrong, just my point of view. :cheers:

Bram · Jan 7, 2011

You get what you pay for.

reznap · Jan 7, 2011

Trever1t said:
I think it's geared more for the average enthusiast that demands stability from a tripod

To each his own and nobody's right or wrong, just my point of view. :cheers:

Touché

KmH · Jan 7, 2011

The fewer leg sections a tripod has the more stable a tripod will be.

4 leg sections is the least stable and because the bottom 4th section has to be so small, load capacity is also compromised.

3 leg sections is more stable and usually allows a larger max load, because the smallest leg section is larger than 4 leg sections for the same tripod.

2 leg sections is more stable still but versatility begins to suffer.

So 3 leg sections usually makes a good compromise.

Manfrotto and their triangluar, non-rotatable center column, only having 2 padded legs, loose my business.

I recommend Giottos tripods like this one Giottos MTL9251B Classic 3-Section Aluminum Tripod with Flip Leg Locks

reznap · Jan 7, 2011

KmH said:
I recommend Giottos tripods like this one Giottos MTL9251B Classic 3-Section Aluminum Tripod with Flip Leg Locks

That looks pretty nice.

Worth mentioning to OP though, that if he buys that tripod, he's going to need to purchase a head separately.

(another $120 for the Giottos ball head)

table1349 · Jan 7, 2011

To the OP. Read this first: Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan

You do not have to spend the kind of money Thom does unless you are using the or plan to get the kind of gear Thom uses. However his point is a good one. If you spend a bit of money now you can get a tripod that with a little bit of care can last a life time.

table1349 · Jan 7, 2011

KmH said:
The fewer leg sections a tripod has the more stable a tripod will be.

4 leg sections is the least stable and because the bottom 4th section has to be so small, load capacity is also compromised.

3 leg sections is more stable and usually allows a larger max load, because the smallest leg section is larger than 4 leg sections for the same tripod.

2 leg sections is more stable still but versatility begins to suffer.

So 3 leg sections usually makes a good compromise.

Manfrotto and their triangluar, non-rotatable center column, only having 2 padded legs, loose my business.

I recommend Giottos tripods like this one Giottos MTL9251B Classic 3-Section Aluminum Tripod with Flip Leg Locks

Why would you want a center column that rotates and how big is that hump on you shoulder that it requires more than two padded legs to sit comfortably on your shoulder?:mrgreen: