Tripod Suggestions

[blueguy20]

Im looking to purchase a first tripod, im unsure as to what's a good height. Im looking for a standard everyday tripod, nothing too large. Is there any height that's a normal standard? Or any standout tripods out there?

 

[cnutco]

Tripods HERE

 

[tirediron]

The ideal height for a tripod should be one which places the camera's viewfinder at a comfortable viewing level for you without having the center-column extended. When you're looking for a tripod, remember there are two aspects. The legs and the head. The legs are the actual support mechanism. Look for either aluminum or carbon-fibre, NOT plastic. Aluminum is heavier but cheaper. Carbon fibre is light, but can be VERY pricey. Legs normally come in either three or four section. Three section are stronger, but four section are more compact (better for travelling).

There are a huge variety of heads, but they break down into two general categories: Ball and three-way or tilt/pan. Ball are by far the more versatile, and better suited to most general photography while three-way give you superior control and rigidity. They're well suited for macro and video work.

When buying a tripod things to look for are: A load capacity of at least twice what your heaviest body/lens combination weigh, a reversable/tiltable center-column (handy for macro) and and large, easy to use locks on the legs.

Tripods are a great thing to buy used, and I would suggest checking our your local Craig's List for something like Manfrotto 190 Pro legs and a 488 ball head or 027 3-way head. DON'T buy cheap here - it doesn't make sense to support thousands of dollars worth of gear on a $20 Wal-mart plastic tripod! Manfrotto, Benbo and Giottos are good names, the higher end Velbon and Sunpak are decent.

 

[KmH]

I would just add that the fewer the leg sections the more stable the tripod, and you want one that has a weight hook you can hang your gear bag from to help stabilize the tripod on windy days. That added weight is part of why you want the tripod weight capacity to be x2 (or even x3) your heaviest body/lens combination.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

Since I have not purchased any extremely high-end lenses yet, I would have to say that my Manfrotto tripod is the best investment I have made in my hobby so far. The difference between in the cheap Wal-Mart tripod I was using before is unbelievable. It makes enough of a differnece that I recently hauled it with me on a commercial air flight, which I never thought I would do. I'm giving some thought to getting a 2nd tripod just to keep in my truck. I think my Manfrotto was money well spent.
Gonzo

 

[480sparky67 66]

Manfrotto 055XB and 390RC2 head here. I think the head is now discontinued and replaced with a similar model.

 

[EckoZero]

My photographer friends have all at some point or other banged on about Manfrotto tripods for long enough that I punched the word "manfrotto" into my phone and mumbled "sounds good. I'll be sure to look it up" to get them to stop talking!

Sounds like they really are top notch tripods and having looked at some of them I would definitely invest if I had the money to do so

 

[g-fi]

Don't go cheap on your tripod. It's tempting to go middle of the road because heads and 'pods can get expensive, but take it from someone who's been there, watching your camera and lens crash to the ground due to mechanical failure of a cheap tripod is NOT WORTH IT. If you can't afford to lay out $200 (or whatever your quality tripod of choice costs), save up. Haunt Craigslist/pawn shops/whatever if saving money is really that important, but while there are some areas in gear that you can skimp on, this is NOT one of them. A good tripod is worth the investment over and over again.

 

[rambler]

"Don't go cheap"....wow. Tripods are a key, but they can be pricey! Follow some links here: Check out "ball heads"

Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan

I like this "L plate", too, from RRS

Really Right Stuff -

 

[480sparky67 66]

One thing about tripods.... they never get obsolete or need updating. Buy a good one, the best you can afford. They're not like cameras & lenses, where you will want a new one in two years.

Unless you end up busting it up or lose it, you'll probably still have it when you die. That makes it one of the lowest-cost expenses you'll ever incur.

 

[Stryker]

The ideal height for a tripod should be one which places the camera's viewfinder at a comfortable viewing level for you without having the center-column extended.

I agree with tirediron here. Attach your camera, extend the legs, stand straight, and if the viewfinder is at your eye level or a bit higher without extending the center column, that is the right one for you. I extend the center column only when I do moon shots.

 

[teewong]

I just purchased a used Velbon cx-686 tripod yesterday for about $50 cdn. I'm surprised at the quality of the oil fluid head. Although I know this is made of plastic and cannot hold too much weight, I think it serves my casual beginner photography purpose well. I've seen Velbon 500s for about $70 canadian too.

 

[Jace]

I'm going to wait until after this sunday, (going to something called 'photoforum' to check out some used gear), but if I don't find a tripod there, is this worth it? It seems cheap, as it's a manfrotto AND a bag.

Manfrotto 732YB,482K - M-Y Compact Tripod Kit - eBay (item 130496236355 end time Apr-09-11 21:21:12 PDT)

 

[480sparky67 66]

Then there's this.