Tripod suggestions

[nickstanley]

Good afternoon. Newbie here. Took my DSLR around the neighborhood today for a test drive and love it. I plan on doing more scenery and landscape shots than anything. Everything, and I mean everything I read says not to "skimp" on tripods. So that will be my next purchase. I am however on a budget. Does anyone have any suggestions for good tripods around $100 or less that would work for a Canon Rebel? Thanks

 

[tirediron]

To get a good tripod in that range, you should really look to the used market; tripods are often a great deal bought second hand (I've bought most of mine that way), and you get a LOT more for your money. Remember that there are two components; the tripod legs and the head. Heads are generally either ball or tilt/pan. Most photographers prefer ball heads for general use as they're quicker & easier to adjust. Manfrotto, Giottos and Benbo are good names to look for. Slik, Velbon and Sunpak are okay units. Key elements to look for are a model that supports at least twice the weight of your heaviest lens/body combination and will bring the viewfinder up to your eye-level (sometimes a problem with taller people). Aluminum legs tend to be more rigid, but they are heavier, as well as cheaper. Carbon fibre are lighter, but can suffer more from vibration and usually cost a lot more.

 

[Derrel]

Adorama's Flashpoint line of carbon fiber tripods would be one suggestion. Kind of a Gitzo imitation, but priced tremendously lower. I bought a $99 Flashpoint tripod earlier this year and have been astounded at the price/value proposition. it even came with a carrying case with sling, and with free shipping. I bought the F1127-N model, on sale, and put on a Gitzo head I had laying around.

 

[tirediron]

Adorama's Flashpoint line of carbon fiber tripods would be one suggestion. Kind of a Gitzo imitation, but priced tremendously lower. I bought a $99 Flashpoint tripod earlier this year and have been astounded at the price/value proposition. it even came with a carrying case with sling, and with free shipping. I bought the F1127-N model, on sale, and put on a Gitzo head I had laying around.

You dang Northern Mexicans and your good deals!