Tripod with a budget

[KMANACP]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to purchase a decent, stable tripod for my T2i at around the range of $100. Would this be possible? I don't mind going used - I just need to know what to look for.

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[table1349]

Read this: Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan A good perspective on buying a tripod. You don't have to spend as much money as Thom does unless you are using the kind of equipment he does, but the premise is the same.

 

[moop]

I just bought this and I am very happy with it so far.
Amazon.com: Benro A-150EXU Digital Tripod Kit (Black): Camera & Photo

 

[HughGuessWho101 16]

This has been discussed hundreds of times. We all try to save a buck when we can BUT scrimping on your tripod is never a good idea. Never rely in a $100 tripod to secure a $1000 plus camera. Buy a cheap tripod and you will eventually regret it.

 

[morganza]

I just bought this and I am very happy with it so far.
Amazon.com: Benro A-150EXU Digital Tripod Kit (Black): Camera & Photo

Most likely I'll buy this too, thanks!

 

[sm4him]

I just bought this and I am very happy with it so far.
Amazon.com: Benro A-150EXU Digital Tripod Kit (Black): Camera & Photo

Most likely I'll buy this too, thanks!

According to the specs, that thing will only hold up to 4.4 lbs. That means that as soon as you get any decent glass at all onto even an entry-level dslr, that tripod is NOT going to hold it steady.

I, too, would love to find a tripod for $100, but listen to these folks when they tell you not to scrimp on the tripod. I had a cheap one that I'd used with my point-and-shoot, and so when I got my D5100 I just kept using it. But even with just the kit lens, you just couldn't tighten the thing down enough to hold a DSLR without some slight movement.
I lost the cheapie tripod a couple of weeks ago, so I am also on a search for an affordable tripod, but I'd rather wait a month or two and stretch my budget for it as far as I can than to get a sub-$100, sub-par tripod that won't hold my equipment.

I keep checking the Buy & Sell thread here, as I've had great experiences buying from TPF members, and I keep hoping to latch onto a great tripod deal!

 

[HughGuessWho101 16]

The easiest way to waste your hard earned money is to buy a cheap tripod. We've all been there. Save your money until you can afford a good one. You'll be glad you did and it will last you a lifetime.

 

[thebasedsloth]

I'm in the same boat you are, It's hard to not buy a cheapo one and hope for the best..
I'm saving though and getting this one:
Amazon.com: Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum Tripod with GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head: Camera & Photo
Reviews sound pretty good and the price is good enough for me.

 

[tirediron]

Check out your local Craig's List (or equivalent). I've picked up like-new Manfrotto 055 legs for as little as $60.

 

[RichardsTPF]

I am using my $60 tripod as a flash stand.

Edit: Just find out the model of my flash stand: Amazon.com: Benro A-150EXU Digital Tripod Kit (Black): Camera & Photo
Its head can not support a D90+18-200mm glasses.
Sorry, this is not a good tripod.

 

[ceejtank]

I got one that I like, Manfrotto, was sold at bestbuy for $130. Not sure the make/model, but it supports my 7D with no problem, even with my larger(heavier) lenses.