Tripods,

[Psytrox]

I'd reccomend looking at the 200 USD range. As you should get a fairly decent one, as Ann said, should last you a life time. Unless you run over it with a car or something.
If you get anything much cheaper then that. You'll find that you have to replace it, with one thats more expencive. And guess what, then you would have spent say 300 USD instead of just 200, and you didnt really save any money after all

 

[Psytrox]

I really don't get all the fuss about tripods. I bought a tripod for $30 9 years ago and up until I bought the sunpak I was still using it. :lmao: The only downside to how cheap is was, was that it was really time consuming to make adjustments which is why I went with a pistol grip.

Just to argue, 30 USD ten years ago isnt the same as 30 USD today. Just as an example, allthough im not situated in the US, I've taken the liberty of converting the currenceys for you. I could fill up a tank of petrol for 30 USD 10 years ago, and still have enough for an icecream, now Im looking 95 USD (this is in norway, not the US)

Can you flip your camera 90 degrees and take portrait pictures?

 

[ConradM]

I really don't get all the fuss about tripods. I bought a tripod for $30 9 years ago and up until I bought the sunpak I was still using it. :lmao: The only downside to how cheap is was, was that it was really time consuming to make adjustments which is why I went with a pistol grip.

Just to argue, 30 USD ten years ago isnt the same as 30 USD today. Just as an example, allthough im not situated in the US, I've taken the liberty of converting the currenceys for you. I could fill up a tank of petrol for 30 USD 10 years ago, and still have enough for an icecream, now Im looking 95 USD (this is in norway, not the US)

Can you flip your camera 90 degrees and take portrait pictures?

Yes, it'll flip 90 degrees, but then again so would my old one. and trust me, it's a $30 tripod regardless of when I bought it.

The old one I have is very similar to this...

http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-Profes...QDSS/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1323635996&sr=8-8

 

[delusions]

Ive narrowed it down to 2 , can you help me decide
Benro
VistaAttaris
Voyagerlite
http://www.amazon.com/Davis-Sanford-ATTARAS3H-Grounder-Tripod/dp/B0010HCB2W

Also im wondering would having the little uhm, pivoting handles instead of a ball head help alot? im probably saying this wrong, but as you see on the vista attaris the 3 handles that you can pivot the tripod with, would that be a good or bad feature to have?

 

[ConradM]

Ive narrowed it down to 2 , can you help me decide
Benro
VistaAttaris
Voyagerlite


Also im wondering would having the little uhm, pivoting handles instead of a ball head help alot? im probably saying this wrong, but as you see on the vista attaris the 3 handles that you can pivot the tripod with, would that be a good or bad feature to have?

Why would multiple handles/knobs be better than a ball head? Oh and that Benro is only rated to hold 4.4lbs.

 

[delusions]

well not ball head but you see how the voyager can only tilt back and forth would that be bad or ? cuz like the vista can pretty much go 360 around and would be good for video right? im just wondering would the handles be bad.

 

[delusions]

Any final thoughts haha

 

[ConradM]

well not ball head but you see how the voyager can only tilt back and forth would that be bad or ? cuz like the vista can pretty much go 360 around and would be good for video right? im just wondering would the handles be bad.

I can't imagine anything would be faster than a ball head. It's not really a question about stability cause the head on my tripod isn't moving once I set it in place.

 

[delusions]

willing to spend up to 180, any suggestions?

 

[mjhoward]

Take a look at SLIK tripods. Something like this one should do fine: Slik PRO 500HD Tripod with 3-Way Panhead w/Quick Shoe 615-501

I've got this one and really like it, its quite solid: Slik Pro 580DX Tripod with 3-Way Head 615-580 B&H Photo Video

Just stay from their models that are constructed like this because they are crap: Slik U212 Tripod 612-212 B&H Photo Video

 

[Tor]

For light work, (going out shooting on my motorcycle, traveling etc) this is what I use. Very light, and built very good.

 

[DCMoney]

Take a look at SLIK tripods. Something like this one should do fine: Slik PRO 500HD Tripod with 3-Way Panhead w/Quick Shoe 615-501

I've got this one and really like it, its quite solid: Slik Pro 580DX Tripod with 3-Way Head 615-580 B&H Photo Video

Just stay from their models that are constructed like this because they are crap: Slik U212 Tripod 612-212 B&H Photo Video

My brother has a Slik 780DX and its a very nice tripod, so nice I asked Santa for one! For the price Slik tripods are hard to beat.

 

[cgipson1]

If you are willing to spend $180 or so.. check out the Giotto's line. I use them.. and they are great. www.giottos.com

http://www.amazon.com/Giottos-MTL9251B-5001-Classic-3-Section-Aluminum/dp/B001G5ZJE0/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1323704903&sr=8-6

Nice thing is.. this will handle anything you ever want to do.. and will probably last you a lifetime!

 

[delusions]

i went with this one Oben AT-3400 4-Section Aluminum Folding Tripod AT-3400/BA-00T , thank you SO much for all the responces, i was just in a rush to order yesterday, everyone here is so helpful.