Need advice on tripod selection (on budget)

[CmazzJK]

I have $150 to spend on a tripod/ball head. Its main usage will be outdoors in all weather types. It is going to accompany me on several backpacking trips/year as well so it needs to be fairly durable. I know this isn't much money but its all I can afford after a vacation and we just found out last week my dog needs a malignant tumor removed... I am looking towards the Induro Adventure AKB it seems to fit my needs and gets good reviews. Any personal experience would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Big Mike]

I'd suggest looking for a used tripod. Your selection will obviously be 'whatever you can find'....but your money will go a lot further toward a good solid piece of gear.

 

[ronlane]

Big Mike is right. Here is an option to consider. I got a Vanguard Alta+ 263AP for $150 new. I used it with the head that came with it for a while but then got me a SBH-250 later that was another $99.

 

[D-B-J]

I love my Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB, with the 100 ball head. It's nice, cost effective, stable, and is very versatile. And I scored it for $150.

Best,
Jake


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[D-B-J]

It is very versatile, as you can see.

Best,
Jake

 

[CmazzJK]

Any reputable places that anyone would suggest that sells used equipment?

 

[CmazzJK]

Yeah that's pretty sweet, seems pretty minimalistic too, that's what I need for where I go.

 

[D-B-J]

Yeah that's pretty sweet, seems pretty minimalistic too, that's what I need for where I go.

I got mine off of B&H.

 

[CmazzJK]

My local camera store sells them I am gonna go check it out tonight. They are on sale for 139, so that's cool

 

[minicoop1985]

B&H, Adorama, and KEH are the three I've used in the past. Not for tripods, but I have had good experience with all three.

 

[bribrius]

I love my Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB, with the 100 ball head. It's nice, cost effective, stable, and is very versatile. And I scored it for $150.

Best,
Jake


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That is a nice tripod. better than what I use..

Amazon.com: Targus 60" Pro Series Tripod 3-Way Panhead Bubble Level - Black (TG-NI200): Camera & Photo

 

[NancyMoranG]

It is very versatile, as you can see.

Best,
Jake

Ok, really dumb question....if I want to use this as portrait ' angle' , at 4-5' height, does the weight of the camera throw the tripod off balance?
newbie here...
i was on Adorama yesterday and this does look like it is along the lines and $$ I would like.
thanks,
Nancy

 

[Big Mike]

In this image, it looks like you haven't extended the legs fully, and used the column to reach the height you wanted.
FYI, the more/higher you raise the centre column, the less stable your camera will be. Best practice is to use the centre column as little as possible.

And while I do agree that it's very versatile (and cool) to be able to mount the column horizontally, that is certainly less then ideal when it comes to maximum support and sharpness.
Better than hand holding though.

 

[GlennT]

Just as note on that Vanguard 263AT in regards to hiking and attaching to a backup, consider that it is 4.41lbs and 24.75" tall when folded up (without a head attached.) My Induro AT213 and Photo Clam Pro-42NS combined weigh about 5.1lbs and is a similar height when folded up. I've only put it on my backpack once, and it was a bear. It does have a shoulder strap that can be used with the bag or just the tripod. It's fine for trekking out into the woods a bit, but I'd hesitate to hike for miles with it.

That said, the only thing that made me nervous about the Vanguard was the head attachment screw and some reports of it snapping. If you're well under the weight rating, I wouldn't worry about it. My Canon 7D, with my 70-200mm f/2.8L and Canon 430EX II flash is about 5.4lbs without mounting plates and such. That was too close to the 11lbs rating for my comfort. The Induro AT213 is a little lighter, yet rated for 22lbs, has a 10 year warranty (after registration) and I felt the simpler column would be more stable. The bag it came with is very nice. It is around $140 just for the legs though.

The Vanguard 264AT or Induro AT214 folds up a little smaller thanks to having 4 leg sections, but they also weigh slightly more and more sections generally means less stable; a fair compromise if you need it to pack smaller.

I think those are reasonable general purpose tripods (i.e. OK to take into the woods once in a while), but hiking/packing I think I'd look more at that Induro Adventure series, the Benro Travel Angel series or maybe something from Sirui. I haven't looked at a lot of these myself, but the Sirui T-005X Aluminum Tripod with C-10 Ball Head looks promising, weighing 2.2lbs with a 8.8lbs capacity and $140. The ballhead supports arca swiss plates and that's a huge plus IMO. Any mounting plates you buy for that *should* fit higher end ball heads and you have FAR more options for plates ('though, they are expensive.)

Ok, really dumb question....if I want to use this as portrait ' angle' , at 4-5' height, does the weight of the camera throw the tripod off balance?
newbie here...
i was on Adorama yesterday and this does look like it is along the lines and $$ I would like.
thanks,
Nancy

The rated carrying capacity is reduced in the articulated/tilted positions. If I recall, that tripod is rated for 15lbs normally, and 11lbs when the column is not vertical. There is a hook on the bottom of the column that can be used to stabilize/balance the tripod.

 

[lambertpix]

And while I do agree that it's very versatile (and cool) to be able to mount the column horizontally, that is certainly less then ideal when it comes to maximum support and sharpness.
Better than hand holding though.

I love-love-love the horizontal column on my Manfrotto, but you're right -- use it only when you need to (and consider a remote shutter, etc.), because the camera will be prone to bouncing around out there.