Tripod?

Ajlista · Nov 29, 2010

Okay, i dont mean to be posting so much D: Sorry
But since im all new to this, i do want to take nature photos, such as animals, plants, sunsets, things of such nature, and maybe just some different photos here and there.

Well from what im reading, a tripod is a great :thumbup: When trying to get good pictures, for it keeps everything still

Now my question is, is there any particular "good" Tripod to buy?
I have 50$'s to spend right now at best buy (Yes giftcard, haha) And i cant get a job yet... So yeah for now its pretty limited for what i can get
Can i get a decent tripod for 50$'s? Or anything that will get the job done?

Thanks!
Anthony

512_SIR II · Nov 29, 2010

dont know what camera your using, but ive been looking at buying the canon deluxe 200. It's about $40 on the dell site. I've never had a tripod so I cant say wether its a good or bad one but it has a lever on it and a quick release which is what i like. and ive read some good reviews about it. dont know about best buy but you can check the site

mjhoward · Nov 29, 2010

Ajlista said:
Can i get a decent tripod for 50$'s? Or anything that will get the job done?

Depends on what you're going to put on it. The answer is probably going to be 'No' though.

BuS_RiDeR · Nov 29, 2010

Monfroto and SLIK both make nice tripods.

You want something pretty stable. I'd stay away from those cheapy ones they have at Walmart/Sears/Costco. They are nice and light. But are pretty flimsy and really won't help much... Even in a light breeze. Although, they are better than nothing.

I personally use a SLIK Able 300DX, And I really like it.

Ajlista · Nov 29, 2010

BuS_RiDeR said:
Monfroto and SLIK both make nice tripods.

You want something pretty stable. I'd stay away from those cheapy ones they have at Walmart/Sears/Costco. They are nice and light. But are pretty flimsy and really won't help much... Even in a light breeze. Although, they are better than nothing.

I personally use a SLIK Able 300DX, And I really like it.

You make a valid point
I think ill just save up after christmas and buy a quality tripod, like you said, i dont want something flimsy that shakes in the wind

Thanks alot!
Anthony

kundalini · Nov 29, 2010

A quick use of the Search funcation available to you, yeilded 49 threads with the keyword 'tripod' in the subject line over the past 6 months. Surely there is information there for you.

tirediron · Nov 29, 2010

Tripods are all about budget. The bigger the budget, the better the tripod. They're also a GREAT thing to buy used. You can generally save anywhere from 25 - 40% on a decent set of legs and head on Craig's List or other used boards. Guidelines for buying a tripod are:

-One that will put the camera at or near your eye level without the centre column being too far extended.

-One which has a removable head so that you change it if desired and metal locks and hinges.

-Ensure that it (and the head) is rated for about twice the weight of your heaviest body/lens combination.

-Expect to spend $3-500 for a GOOD new set of legs and head. Expect to spend about $150 - 175 for a decent new set of legs and head.

-There are two main types of heads; ball and tilt/pan. Most people prefer ball heads for general photography. The better ones have separate panorama bases and friction controls.

-Giottos and Manfrotto are GOOD brands; Slik, Velbon and Sunpak are decent brands.

mrpink · Nov 29, 2010

Ajlista said:
Okay, i dont mean to be posting so much D: Sorry
But since im all new to this, i do want to take nature photos, such as animals, plants, sunsets, things of such nature, and maybe just some different photos here and there.

Judging by your photographic interests, a monopod might be better suited for long hikes and quick setup/teardown.

I have seen people use a walking stick with a 1/4 screw coming out of the top- two birds, one stone... and it is almost free.

Just a thought. $50 is going to get you a tripod you will want to replace ASAP. Save up, I like my SILK but wouldn't take it packing.

p!nK

Ajlista · Nov 30, 2010

Well, yeah ive decided i think i want to just save up and get a decent, what you said monopod, when i get home today, ill do some research on it,
Are there any differences in quality from a monopod and tripod?

BuS_RiDeR · Nov 30, 2010

Ajlista said:
Are there any differences in quality from a monopod and tripod?

Monopod = 1 leg....

Tripod = 3 legs...

Ajlista · Nov 30, 2010

BuS_RiDeR said:
Ajlista said:

Are there any differences in quality from a monopod and tripod?

Click to expand...

Monopod = 1 leg....

Tripod = 3 legs...

I know that, lol but are there any particular advantages? Like one shaking more than another, or things like that

Edit. Uh, how about this? For a tripod, although i do want to focus on nature, im gunna try to explore other genres, so how would you think this is?

It kinda seems to cheap, so, im not sure, ill wait till after xmas, so i have a good amount of extra money saved up, but is something along the lines of that acceptable?

Stradawhovious · Nov 30, 2010

Ajlista said:
[Edit. Uh, how about this? For a tripod, although i do want to focus on nature, im gunna try to explore other genres, so how would you think this is?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex%26%23153;+-+60%22+Universal+Tripod/8241048.p?id=1168044601803&skuId=8241048&st=Tripod&contract_desc=null
It kinda seems to cheap, so, im not sure, ill wait till after xmas, so i have a good amount of extra money saved up, but is something along the lines of that acceptable?

Your link is broken.

I bought this one, http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Rocketf...8246670064&skuId=1062925&st=monopod&cp=1&lp=4 and have taken it out a couple of times, and I'm pretty thrilled with it. They best part of this one as opposed to the others available was the ball head. It was really nice to have an adjustable head on the monopod. I'm pretty sure I would have returned it if it didn't have one.

Sturdy enough to use as a walking stick, light enough to not feel burdened by it.

FWIW.

Ajlista · Nov 30, 2010

Well i cant get the link to work. : ( But its a Dynex - 60" Universal Tripod
I think i may go for a monopod, considering what you guys say, and i looked some stuff up, and its much easier for carrying around, and works great
So yeah, i may actually buy the monopod you posted your link to,
Its not expensive, and you said its light and easy to carry around
Im gunna favorite it, and wait till xmas and most lmikely buy it
: )
Thanks!
Anthony

Stradawhovious · Nov 30, 2010

Ajlista said:
But its a Dynex - 60" Universal Tripod

Also, How tall are you? You don't need to answer that, but do keep in mind that a 60" tripod is only 5' tall. If you are any taller than that you will constantly have to stoop to frame shots. It's a real pain in the ass..... ask me how I know. I have a 60" tripod that I have now dedicated to my speedlight (once I learn how to use it.). I have recently received a Velbon tripod that goes up to about 5'5" and its just a little taller than my eyes standing up straight. Much more comfortable to use.

FWIW and all that.

Also, a monopod is great for when its appropriate.... but in many situations its no replacement for a tripod.

Ajlista · Nov 30, 2010

Stradawhovious said:
Ajlista said:

But its a Dynex - 60" Universal Tripod

Click to expand...

Also, How tall are you? You don't need to answer that, but do keep in mind that a 60" tripod is only 5' tall. If you are any taller than that you will constantly have to stoop to frame shots. It's a real pain in the ass..... ask me how I know. I have a 60" tripod that I have now dedicated to my speedlight (once I learn how to use it.). I have recently received a Velbon tripod that goes up to about 5'5" and its just a little taller than my eyes standing up straight. Much more comfortable to use.

FWIW and all that.