Tripod Suggestions

[lennon33x]

And for what it's worth, I saw a Manfrotto for $50 the other day. It's just rated under what I need (rated for 3.3 lbs, and my 5D, Grip and 85mm all weigh in at 4).

 

[robbins.photo]

Thanks for input. Generally speaking, I usually only use the tripod when I'm doing self portraits of myself and/or of my family. That's why I'm not necessarily wanting to jump out there and drop a grand on a Manfrotto (granted they're worth it). I just can't justify spending that much money on something that I wouldn't use that often.

Well I think a grand would probably be massive overkill for what it is your looking for, but something in the $100-$150 range would probably get the job done nicely. I know it's a little more than your looking to spend but if you included used and take a look on Ebay odds are good you'll be able to find something designed to support the weight you want and it will be a higher quality tripod that will last for years to come.

 

[Big Mike]

Thanks for input. Generally speaking, I usually only use the tripod when I'm doing self portraits of myself and/or of my family. That's why I'm not necessarily wanting to jump out there and drop a grand on a Manfrotto (granted they're worth it). I just can't justify spending that much money on something that I wouldn't use that often.

Maybe you would use a tripod more often, if it was a nice one, rather than a cheap one. Because using a tripod, especially a good stable one, will increase the quality of your photos. Not only the increased sharpness due to a still camera, but also because the act of using a tripod tends to slow you down and make you consider your composition more carefully.

A good solid tripod can last a lifetime...and if you plan to have photography in your life, then a buying a good tripod is a great investment. Because, as you've seen, a cheap one isn't going to stick with you as you progress.

I'd suggest spending $100-$150 on the legs. Check out the Manfrotto 190 or 055 series.

But the more important decision is the head. The head is what you'll be using & adjusting most, so you want something that is comfortable for you to use. There are several types, and the best choice is largely a personal decision.
The connection between head and legs is pretty universal so you can mix and match brands.

 

[lambertpix]

I'd suggest spending $100-$150 on the legs. Check out the Manfrotto 190 or 055 series.

BTW, Amazon's got the Manfrotto 190XPROB Tripod and 496RC2 Head for $199 right now. There's a new version of the 190 series making its way into the market right now, so you might find a pretty decent deal on the "old" version while it's still available.

 

[astroNikon]

I've spent alot of time in the past looking for a nice tripod. I have 3. One from 1989 which is pretty good compared to the cheapo stuff today, and then a $150 Slik and a Slik professional. They are all very sturdy and offer features the other ones don't. But there are many brands out there that are good. If you go to a good camera store you can normally see tons of them and they are all good.

I found this video informative and funny at the same time. But it shows you the difference between cheapo tripods and a nice one.

 

[lennon33x]

Oh, say somewhere in the ball park of $50-75. Lightweight isn't a necessity, though it's preferred. I'm looking more for something rated well, but affordable.

In that price range (or thereabouts), I'd give consideration to buying used. Used tripods are a little safer than used cameras; there's nowhere near the delicacy of a camera or lens, and the operation is pretty easy to check -- if the parts that are supposed to move move they way they should, you're in pretty good shape.

I wrote some reviews for "budget" tripods that I've used over the years, and you might find some helpful info in there in terms of features, design considerations, etc. Of the three I reviewed, something like the Induro might be the best bet for you -- it's right on the low end of what I think I'd want to trust with a 5D. If you want to read the others to get an idea of some of the features that are available, etc., it might help you understand what you're shopping for a little better.

LambertPix » Budget tripod shootout, part 1 (Velbon CX-300)
LambertPix » Budget tripod shootout, part 2 (Dolica AX620B100)
LambertPix » Budget tripod shootout, Part 3 (Induro A113 / SA01)

There are some features that depend pretty highly on personal preference - twist locks vs. flip locks, for example. You probably need to figure out whether you've got a preference for one vs. the other. When you get to the head, try to understand if you want / need features beyond a basic ballhead, because there are a lot of nice options out there if you spend the money. Give some thought to the quick-release system, too -- this might be the time to move to a semi-standardized design like Arca.

FWIW, I'm using a Manfrotto 190CXPro4 with a Giottos ballhead now, and I'm generally very happy with it, but it's a bit beyond your budgeted amount. I use my tripod pretty extensively, though, so the extra investment made sense for me.

Update: I wavered back and forth on what to do on this one. I initially stuck with Manfrotto (good reputation and 5 year warranty). Then I reviewed some of the Dolica ones (thanks to you) and found one for about $60. Dolica comes with a 5 year warranty and this thing is a beast (so far). The payload weight is almost 18 pounds, so I'm no longer hesitant about putting my camera on it. The legs are taking some adjusting to, but this thing is pretty awesome. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[lennon33x]

I've spent alot of time in the past looking for a nice tripod. I have 3. One from 1989 which is pretty good compared to the cheapo stuff today, and then a $150 Slik and a Slik professional. They are all very sturdy and offer features the other ones don't. But there are many brands out there that are good. If you go to a good camera store you can normally see tons of them and they are all good.

I found this video informative and funny at the same time. But it shows you the difference between cheapo tripods and a nice one.

Good point. And yes, the video is pretty funny

 

[Lensmeister]

Had lots of Tripods over the years ... this is by far the best I ever had: Redsnapper I Hahnemuhle I Camera Tripods I Camera Heads I Camera Bags

I have this one Red Snapper RS-324 & RSH-12 Head

10/10 for rigidity, weight, sturdiness, and performance.

Great customer services.

Comes with bag, a mini central column and tool.

 

[lambertpix]

Update: I wavered back and forth on what to do on this one. I initially stuck with Manfrotto (good reputation and 5 year warranty). Then I reviewed some of the Dolica ones (thanks to you) and found one for about $60. Dolica comes with a 5 year warranty and this thing is a beast (so far). The payload weight is almost 18 pounds, so I'm no longer hesitant about putting my camera on it. The legs are taking some adjusting to, but this thing is pretty awesome. Thanks for the recommendation.

Good to hear it. I was pleasantly surprised with mine when I got it, and I beat on it pretty mercilessly for a number of years without any issues at all. I don't believe they're as rock-solid as the really expensive units, but they're a whole lot better than the flimsy units in that video.

 

[lennon33x]

Update: I wavered back and forth on what to do on this one. I initially stuck with Manfrotto (good reputation and 5 year warranty). Then I reviewed some of the Dolica ones (thanks to you) and found one for about $60. Dolica comes with a 5 year warranty and this thing is a beast (so far). The payload weight is almost 18 pounds, so I'm no longer hesitant about putting my camera on it. The legs are taking some adjusting to, but this thing is pretty awesome. Thanks for the recommendation.

Good to hear it. I was pleasantly surprised with mine when I got it, and I beat on it pretty mercilessly for a number of years without any issues at all. I don't believe they're as rock-solid as the really expensive units, but they're a whole lot better than the flimsy units in that video.

I would be interested to know about the manufacturing process of some of these. Some of them (Dolica/Induro/etc.) look so similar that I wonder if they are actually the same product, or at least made by the same manufacturer, but sold under different brands. Regardless, I am extremely pleased with it. Out of all the stuff I've bought, it's been one of the few things I'd get excited about. So weird...to get excited about a tripod.

 

[Bob01721]

Dunno who's doing the Tiltalls these days, but back when the Marchioni brothers made 'em -- and later, when Leitz made 'em -- they were killer pods. It's what all the pros used (Ansel Adams, Richard Avedon...) for MF and 4x5. They're still being produced to the original specs of the Marchioni brothers. IIRC, they're right around $100+. Google "tiltall" and see.

 

[lennon33x]

Aaaand a further update.


So after having the tripod for about two weeks, I realized that the hole that was milled for the pan feature was too big for the screw. I'm not really sure how I didn't notice it or what happened. Regardless, I contacted Amazon (where I purchased it) and requested a replacement. That particular tripod was on back order. And just an FYI, the Dolica Proline tripods come with a 5 year warranty. It's just a matter of getting in contact with them. After some persistence (not without irritation), they sent me a brand new ball head that works without flaw.

Lambert, still appreciate the suggestion.

 

[Coasty]

My $30.00 Walmart tripod-trashed long ago

My $75.00 BestBuy tripod-trashed long ago

My $150.00 Chinese “pro tripod”- now a walking stick and bipod.

My first “expensive” $250.00-tripod- gave to my daughter for her Fujifilm.

My last tripod purchase three years ago, still going strong. And it is no means a super-premium tripod.


$523.00 Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 tripod (discontinued)
$300.00 Manfrotto 410 junior geared head
$278.00 Manfrotto 055 Mag ball head
$1110.00





Ahhh, I didn’t see you already received your tripod. Happy shooting!

 

[JoeW]

Oh, say somewhere in the ball park of $50-75. Lightweight isn't a necessity, though it's preferred. I'm looking more for something rated well, but affordable. Granted the Dynex has done a fair job, the weight of the 5D is just too much and I end up shortening offset legs to adjust for balance/level.

There are lots of things you can price-shop on when it comes to camera gear. Tripods aren't one of them. You can get a lot of tripods for $40-$50. But the bottom line is: if it isn't stable, than it's a complete waste of your money--it's not even worth carrying around. I strongly doubt that any full-sized tripod at $70 or less (unless it's used) is going to be stable enough. Let's put it this way--a good ball head is probably going to run you $30-75 alone (and that's without the tripod).

I think the minimum price point you can start with is $150 (and probably more like $220-$250). A couple of brands to consider that make quality, professional caliber products are: manfrotto, gitzo (which actually is the same parent company as manfrotto), induro, and benro. Just about any tripod from this bunch will kick butt, rock your world and do (at a minimum) exactly what it's supposed to do--provide a stable platform for shooting.

Also, give some thought to how you're going to use it. Are you going to take 5 mile hikes in rough ground? In that case I'd probably go for one that wasn't full height but carbon fibre or composite (to lose weight). Shooting in high winds? Get legs with spikes. Carry it on to airplanes? Than choose one where legs compress at 4 levels rather than 3 (so folded up, the length is about 20 inches) and also sacrifice some height. Gonna shoot macro and food with it? Then get a center column that tilts. Going to use it in a studio for hundreds of shots at one time? Than get a tripod that is full height when extended (so you don't get cramps bending over for 200 exposures). If you're going to shoot self-portraits with the camera on a timer, then a stable platform is critical (b/c it's easy for the wind to blow over a cheap one or your footsteps to jiggle it or even tip it over as you race to get in the photo).

I'm serious about not skimping on price when it comes to tripods. You can buy a kit lens over a pro lens, save money, lose some sharpness and speed but it's still a functional lens. You can get a cheaper/smaller SD card. You can get a used body. All of those are ways to get a bargain or pay less. But getting cheap tripods is a waste of money. If you're really limited to $50, get a gorillapod, a beanbag (remarkably effective), a body clamp, or a bungie strap and use those to stabilize. None are as good or as versatile as a tripod but I've used 'em all, they'll all work in the right circumstances and with certain limits and they're all under $40 each. If you really don't want to spend over $150 and all you shoot are self-portraits, then don't get a full-sized tripod. Get something smaller or a body clamp and then place the mini-tripod or beanbag or bungie on top of a desk.

 

[lennon33x]

There are lots of things you can price-shop on when it comes to camera gear. Tripods aren't one of them. You can get a lot of tripods for $40-$50. But the bottom line is: if it isn't stable, than it's a complete waste of your money--it's not even worth carrying around. I strongly doubt that any full-sized tripod at $70 or less (unless it's used) is going to be stable enough. Let's put it this way--a good ball head is probably going to run you $30-75 alone (and that's without the tripod). I think the minimum price point you can start with is $150 (and probably more like $220-$250). A couple of brands to consider that make quality, professional caliber products are: manfrotto, gitzo (which actually is the same parent company as manfrotto), induro, and benro. Just about any tripod from this bunch will kick butt, rock your world and do (at a minimum) exactly what it's supposed to do--provide a stable platform for shooting. Also, give some thought to how you're going to use it. Are you going to take 5 mile hikes in rough ground? In that case I'd probably go for one that wasn't full height but carbon fibre or composite (to lose weight). Shooting in high winds? Get legs with spikes. Carry it on to airplanes? Than choose one where legs compress at 4 levels rather than 3 (so folded up, the length is about 20 inches) and also sacrifice some height. Gonna shoot macro and food with it? Then get a center column that tilts. Going to use it in a studio for hundreds of shots at one time? Than get a tripod that is full height when extended (so you don't get cramps bending over for 200 exposures). If you're going to shoot self-portraits with the camera on a timer, then a stable platform is critical (b/c it's easy for the wind to blow over a cheap one or your footsteps to jiggle it or even tip it over as you race to get in the photo). I'm serious about not skimping on price when it comes to tripods. You can buy a kit lens over a pro lens, save money, lose some sharpness and speed but it's still a functional lens. You can get a cheaper/smaller SD card. You can get a used body. All of those are ways to get a bargain or pay less. But getting cheap tripods is a waste of money. If you're really limited to $50, get a gorillapod, a beanbag (remarkably effective), a body clamp, or a bungie strap and use those to stabilize. None are as good or as versatile as a tripod but I've used 'em all, they'll all work in the right circumstances and with certain limits and they're all under $40 each. If you really don't want to spend over $150 and all you shoot are self-portraits, then don't get a full-sized tripod. Get something smaller or a body clamp and then place the mini-tripod or beanbag or bungie on top of a desk.

Appreciate the input, but it's a little late. I made this purchase over 6 weeks ago. Dolica makes a decent product. And truthfully, I don't put quite as much damage to a tripod as others do. It's just lot my style and it's mostly at home use.