tripod suggestions?

tevo · Sep 10, 2011

i think i need a better tripod, i have 2 small ones that arent very stable, and one slightly better one i got for free, but part of it is cracked. budget is around 200 dollars, unless it isnt reasonable to buy one for that cheap. thanks in advance!

(i HAVE done research, i just don't personally know anyone with a good tripod or what entails a good setup besides the obvious qualities, please dont e-jump me)

tirediron · Sep 10, 2011

$200 is a reasonable budget, especially if you buy used. Check your local Craig's List and see what's on offer there. Manfrotto and Giottos are bother very good brands, the higher-end Sunpak and Velbon units aren't bad. Look for models with metal hinges and choose a model which is rated to support at least twice the weight of your heaviest lens/body combination. Note that generally when you buy higher end tripods, the legs and the head are separate. I generally prefer the ball style head for most work as opposed to the tilt-pan head (which unfortunately is usually cheaper).

cgipson1 · Sep 10, 2011

I love Giottos....

you might consider this.. depending on how heavy your heaviest body/lens combo is...

Tripod $119 max load 11 lbs ( I use this one as my carry around tripod - it rocks! I also have a Giottos 9371B.. too darn heavy! But great for studio / home)
Amazon.com: Giottos MTL9251B Classic 3-Section Aluminum Tripod with Flip Leg Locks: Camera & Photo

Head $74 max load 13 lbs ( have one of these I am not using.. I will let you have it for $50 plus shipping, if you want it. Works great.. and almost new! I just went to a heavier unit, when I got my 70-200 VRII, since that puppy is so heavy and expensive! It handled it, I just like overkill!)
Amazon.com: Giottos MH5001 3-Way Pan Head with Quick Release: Camera & Photo

Giottos website.. GIOTTO'S-Professional Photographic Equipment

dxqcanada · Sep 10, 2011

I use this type of setup when traveling: Amazon.com: Manfrotto Tripod Bundle With Manfrotto 190XDB Tripod & Manfrotto 494RC2 Mini Ball Head with Quick Release Plate: Electronics
(though with a larger ball head)

What size lenses do you intend to use with it ?
Did you need something light ... or it does not matter ?

cgipson1 · Sep 10, 2011

Manfrotto makes killer gear too.. that would be a nice setup also.

tevo · Sep 10, 2011

dxqcanada said:
I use this type of setup when traveling: Amazon.com: Manfrotto Tripod Bundle With Manfrotto 190XDB Tripod & Manfrotto 494RC2 Mini Ball Head with Quick Release Plate: Electronics
(though with a larger ball head)

What size lenses do you intend to use with it ?
Did you need something light ... or it does not matter ?

at this point in time, all i have is an 18-105 and a 50mm prime, neither of which add very much weight to the whole setup. i do however plan on acquiring a telephoto lens in the near future, i'll have to figure out the weight.. thank you all for your resources btw.. i had deduced that manfrotto was a good brand, as i had heard about them on TPF a few times before.

tevo · Sep 10, 2011

cgipson1 said:
I love Giottos....

you might consider this.. depending on how heavy your heaviest body/lens combo is...

Tripod $119 max load 11 lbs ( I use this one as my carry around tripod - it rocks! I also have a Giottos 9371B.. too darn heavy! But great for studio / home)
Amazon.com: Giottos MTL9251B Classic 3-Section Aluminum Tripod with Flip Leg Locks: Camera & Photo

Head $74 max load 13 lbs ( have one of these I am not using.. I will let you have it for $50 plus shipping, if you want it. Works great.. and almost new! I just went to a heavier unit, when I got my 70-200 VRII, since that puppy is so heavy and expensive! It handled it, I just like overkill!)
Amazon.com: Giottos MH5001 3-Way Pan Head with Quick Release: Camera & Photo

Giottos website.. GIOTTO'S-Professional Photographic Equipment