Tripod help.

[Ballistics]

I have a junk tripod. It was free, but I would like to buy a better one. Is a $150 tripod worthless?

 

[SCraig]

No, a $150 tripod is not junk. They are not as good as a $500 tripod but certainly not junk. I have a Manfrotto 190 with a Giottos head that probably cost somewhere in the $175 range (been a while and I don't really remember). It's not a Sachtler or RRS but it certainly does what I want quite well.

 

[Ballistics]

MK293A3-A3RC1 Manfrotto 293 Aluminum 3 Section Tripod with Quick Release 3 Way Head, Max Height 61", Supports 8 lbs.ows this?

 

[EIngerson]

I just got the Manfrotto 055XPROB for about that price and I couldn't be happier. stable, strong, a little heavy but a great tripod.

 

[Ballistics]

I just got the Manfrotto 055XPROB for about that price and I couldn't be happier. stable, strong, a little heavy but a great tripod.

Where is a good place that I can research tripods?

 

[tirediron]

Not aware of any particularily good spots for research, but Craig's List and other used sales 'sites are great spots to buy. Tripods can be an outstanding deal on the used market. Giottos, Manfrotto, Benbo, and Really Right Stuff are names that won't let you down and the higher end Sunpak and Velbon units can be decent as well.

 

[ConradM]

I'm planning on getting the SunPak pistol grip ball head tripod. I like the idea of quick adjustment in any direction. Anyone have one of those? It's only $50 and honestly I can't imagine why you'd need anything more.

 

[tirediron]

...I can't imagine why you'd need anything more.

Use that for a week and then borrow a higher end unit and compare. You'll see what it's all about. Not saying that the Sunpak won't suffice for your needs, but at the end of the day, do you really want to trust hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of gear to a $50 tripod?

 

[ConradM]

...I can't imagine why you'd need anything more.

Use that for a week and then borrow a higher end unit and compare. You'll see what it's all about. Not saying that the Sunpak won't suffice for your needs, but at the end of the day, do you really want to trust hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of gear to a $50 tripod?

I didn't know people bought tripods with security in mind. I've been using a $30 no name brand tripod I bought from a BX 10 years ago and I've never even considered that it might tip over or something.

 

[Ballistics]

What constitutes the extra $$$ when buying a tripod? I want to use it for not only shooting photos (sports and studio) but for video as well. How do I know what I want or what I should be looking for?

 

[EIngerson]

B&H is the best I've seen.

Photo Camera Tripods & Supports

I compare all of the specifications, read all the reviews and then see if I can get it at a better deal at Amazon. (Sometimes yes, sometimes no)

High dollar tripods do have a purpose, but unless you are making money off your photography it's hard to justify spending that much. (for me anyway)

 

[ConradM]

What constitutes the extra $$$ when buying a tripod? I want to use it for not only shooting photos (sports and studio) but for video as well. How do I know what I want or what I should be looking for?

I'm far from an expert but I've been comparing modern tripods to my ancient tripod. I think one of the biggest changes and something I want is the ball head adjustment... Especially with a pistol grip. You just pull the trigger and it unlocks the head and you can swivel the camera in any direction. Then you just let go of the trigger and it locks in place.

Compared to my tripod where you have to loosen like 15 knobs just to tilt the thing. :lmao:

 

[billyboybad]

well, i am using a cheap but good SILK F740 for my Nikon D7000 & D40X, no complaints so far

 

[Ballistics]

What constitutes the extra $$$ when buying a tripod? I want to use it for not only shooting photos (sports and studio) but for video as well. How do I know what I want or what I should be looking for?

I'm far from an expert but I've been comparing modern tripods to my ancient tripod. I think one of the biggest changes and something I want is the ball head adjustment... Especially with a pistol grip. You just pull the trigger and it unlocks the head and you can swivel the camera in any direction. Then you just let go of the trigger and it locks in place.

Compared to my tripod where you have to loosen like 15 knobs just to tilt the thing. :lmao:

I am under the impression that pan and tilt has it's benefits as well. You can't tilt the camera to portrait orientation on a ball head I believe.

 

[Ballistics]

I want a tripod for both stills and video but I don't want to really spend over $200. The search continues.