Tripod under $200

[Patriot]

I have a D7000 with Battery grip, SB-910 speedlight, and with have the 70-200mm in two months. I would like something sturdy and able to hold the weight of the camera. The last tripod I had was a $30 plastic Vivitar that buckled under the weight of the camera. One of the heaviest lens I have is a Vivitar 70-210mm F3.5 which is like a tank.

I don't travel much and would like to use for macros if that helps narrow it down.

 

[john sherratt]

I'm new to photography so for my first tripod i brought this ManfrottoMK394-PQ 394 it was $120 and i use it with a D7000.

 

[Patriot]

What lens do you use with your D7K?

 

[Bynx]

I too have the D7000 and 28-300mm lens which I use on a Manfrotto rail (heavy) for doing macro. I use a Vanguard Alta Pro 663AT tripod. I caused a slight bit of damage to it and set it back for repairs. They replaced the whole tripod no questions asked and for free. Google it and see if its what you want. There are even Youtube reviews.

 

[SCraig]

I have a D90 and D7000, and my largest lens is a Sigma 150-500 zoom. My tripods are both Manfrotto, one is an aluminum 190XB with a geared head (it stays at home most of the time because it's heavy with that head on it) and the other is a carbon fiber 190CXPRO3 with a ball head on it. That one goes with me a lot.

The 190XB was under $200 as I recall and it works like a charm. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

 

[joe11]

I Would say, Any Manfrotto Tripod is a Good Buy!

 

[Skidmark]

I have the Vanguard Alta 263 with ball head, it was $199.00 at Amazon. My Pentax K7 with Tamron 28-300 is very heavy and the Vanguard handles it very well. I bought my wife a Manfrotto at Target for $60.00 for her D5100, it handles her setup with kit lens, but I don't know how well it would do if she put a bigger lens on it.

 

[table1349]

I Would say, Any Manfrotto Tripod is a Good Buy!

You would be wrong. I wouldn't use this Manfrotto for anything but a P&S or small camcorder. Amazon.com: Manfrotto MKC3-H01 Compact Photo-Movie Kit (Black): Camera & Photo

Manfrotto makes good product, but even they make cheap stuff.


For the OP, You want a tripod that will support at least twice the weight of the heaviest gear combination you can put on it. Three times the weight would be better but not required. You want a head that will also support twice the weight of your gear and is easy to use. $200.00 might get you what you want or you may need to spend a bit more. Keep in mind if you spend wisely now, even if it is a bit more than the 200 you have posted, you could end up with a tripod and head that will last a lifetime, unlike the 30 dollar pod you tried.

FYI good read for any person looking to buy a tripod. Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan

 

[Patriot]

I Would say, Any Manfrotto Tripod is a Good Buy!

You would be wrong. I wouldn't use this Manfrotto for anything but a P&S or small camcorder. Amazon.com: Manfrotto MKC3-H01 Compact Photo-Movie Kit (Black): Camera & Photo

Manfrotto makes good product, but even they make cheap stuff.


For the OP, You want a tripod that will support at least twice the weight of the heaviest gear combination you can put on it. Three times the weight would be better but not required. You want a head that will also support twice the weight of your gear and is easy to use. $200.00 might get you what you want or you may need to spend a bit more. Keep in mind if you spend wisely now, even if it is a bit more than the 200 you have posted, you could end up with a tripod and head that will last a lifetime, unlike the 30 dollar pod you tried.

FYI good read for any person looking to buy a tripod. Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan

Thank you for the read, I will read it as soon as I get home. You do have a good point and I think that getting a tripod that will last a life time sounds better. If I have to spend more a great quality product then I would do it.

 

[swiftparkour94]

I have a D7000 with Battery grip, SB-910 speedlight, and with have the 70-200mm in two months. I would like something sturdy and able to hold the weight of the camera. The last tripod I had was a $30 plastic Vivitar that buckled under the weight of the camera. One of the heaviest lens I have is a Vivitar 70-210mm F3.5 which is like a tank.

I don't travel much and would like to use for macros if that helps narrow it down.

Slik Pro 700DX is the best tripod you can get for $160 hands down. I have one and it is amazing, look it up on Amazon and you'll love it

 

[unpopular]

are you serious, patriot? it actually buckled?

cheap tripods are even worse now than they used to be!

 

[Patriot]

are you serious, patriot? it actually buckled?

cheap tripods are even worse now than they used to be!

Yes it did sir. I Attached the camera and turned around to pick up something. I heard it crack and crash into the ground, I was afraid to turn around to see. Lucky the camera did break, but the joint in the head was gone.

 

[swiftparkour94]

Yes it did sir. I Attached the camera and turned around to pick up something. I heard it crack and crash into the ground, I was afraid to turn around to see. Lucky the camera did break, but the joint in the head was gone.

Yes, I always feel lucky when my camera break too

 

[pic_chick]

only if it is ins and you want to upgrade

 

[Bynx]

I Would say, Any Manfrotto Tripod is a Good Buy!

In addition to the Vanguard I also have a Manfrotto. And its because I had a Manfrotto I bought the Vanguard. The Manfrotto is a piece of junk and I gave it to my son who never uses it. I think thats a fair, honest testimonial for Manfrotto. At least the model we have. If the center column is extended at all, it wont hold the weight of my D7000 let alone the D7000 with a lens on it. And there is no way to adjust the tension.