Looking for first tripod?

[Flyfrod]

I'm just getting into photography and would like to get a tripod for shooting at night and macro shots. I don't have a large budget and right now it's just a hobby thing. Where should I start and what should I stay away from?

 

[ph0enix]

What exactly is your budget? You want to stay away from cheap tripods.

 

[jwbryson1]

What exactly is your budget? You want to stay away from cheap tripods.

^^^ Yep. Check out Manfrotto tripods from B&H or Adorama (both in NYC). Great websites. You'll need both tripod legs and a head to go with the legs.

I use the following and love it:

Legs: Manfrotto 190XPROB Pro Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black) - 190XPROB


Head: Manfrotto 327RC2 Joystick Head 327RC2 B&H Photo Video

 

[Flyfrod]

I'd like to stay around $100.

 

[Big Mike]

Look for a used tripod.

If you spend less than $200 or $300 for a new tripod, it may not last longer than a few years. If you spend more than that, you'll likely get something that could last a lifetime.
So if your budget won't stretch that high, look for a good quality used tripod. As mentioned, Manfrotto is a very popular brand that is usually a very good quality.

Heck, if you plan to get (and stay) serious about photography, it might be well worth it to invest in something better. There are many, many brands and models to choose from. For example, carbon fiber legs are a great choice because they tend to be stable but also much lighter than metal....very expensive though.
There are many types of tripod heads as well; pan & tilt (best for video), 3-way, ball heads, gimbal heads etc. It's really a matter of personal choice and need (and of course, budget). If macro is a serious consideration for you, you might look into a macro focusing rail head. It gives you precise adjustment forward and back, to help you focus very precisely when very close to your subject.