Suggestions Please!

[kirbym2]

Hi All,

Have a small budget to pick up something new. As much as I'd like something more glamorous, a new lens just isn't in the budget. I'm thinking tripod. My tripod sucks... I mean $29.99 special, sucks.

I have $150. I'd like to buy new. I'm heading to the states this weekend, and wanted to pick something up.

Suggestions for a tripod that will serve me well for landscapes, portraits, and will support a decent sized lens (I often borrow a friend's Nikon 70-200 2.8).

Thanks!!

Mike

 

[sm4him]

I started a similar thread about a week ago, after coming across a tripod that seemed too good to be true; got some very good responses and possibilities to consider.
You might check out some of the possibilities mentioned there: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/photography-equipment-products/270399-tripod-worth.html

I'm currently thinking a budget-level Giotti or Manfrotto is what I'm going to look for.

 

[KenC]

You can't go wrong with anything from Manfrotto or Giotto. I have a Manfrotto that runs a little more than that even without the head and it's as solid as could be, so I'm sure the lower models are as well - just be sure they are high enough without extending the center column. I had a couple of Slik tripods in the past on which various parts broke within a few years of not very heavy use. On the other hand I know someone who has used an old Slik tripod for probably 20 years and he says it still works, so who knows?

 

[KmH]

$150 is just a bit short for a decent tripod and a good head.

This Giottos tripod has a bulit-in 3 way head, is quite versatile, plus includes a very nice carry bag and a tool kit. - Giottos MT9360 Aluminum 4-Section Tripod Series III Professional

Visit www.giottos.com and look at the images that show what the MT line of Giottos tripods can do.

 

[Jeremy Z]

Slik U8000, unless you abuse your gear or will be shooting from the sides of mountains.

http://www.amazon.com/Slik-U8000-Tripod-Fluid-Head/dp/B0001PNLIW

Get a quick-detach shoe for each of your cameras or lenses.

This is the second-best $50 I've spent in photography.

This Manfrotto tabletop tripod was the best, as it always comes with me on a photo outing:
Amazon.com: Manfrotto 709B Digi Table Top Tripod with Ball Head (Black): Electronics