which tripod?

fire34fighter · Jan 3, 2008

Well I've decided that its time I invest in a tripod..I was wondering if anybody had input as to which brand I should get? I'd also like to get one that will allow me to do panoramic shots....I was hoping to keep my budget under $200, but would be willing to go to 250 if the quality was that much better.

KC10Chief · Jan 3, 2008

I think the Slik 700DX Pro is the way to go. It's $129 at B&H. I've read lots of reviews on this tripod and they were all perfect. B&H has 17 customer reviews for this tripod on their site and they're all perfect 5's. Pretty unusual. Well below your budget too.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=131427&is=REG

Big Mike · Jan 3, 2008

There are plenty of good options from Slik & Manfrotto/Bogen.

It's been said by others, but I'll repeat it:

Light
Cheap
Strong

Pick two.

kundalini · Jan 3, 2008

My setup:
Bogen/Manfrotto legs @ $168
Bogen/Manfrotto ball head @ $112

Although this may be out of your budget at this time, but food for thought in the future. Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan. The old Fram Oil Filter commercials come to mind.

xfloggingkylex · Jan 3, 2008

I just got my tripod from amvona.

I got AT-L105T legs and a ATH-A02 head. While I havent used it enough to give a definitive :thumbup: or :thumbdown:, I can say it is better than my uber generic 30 dollar tripod I had before, and it cost under 150 shipped on ebay (they only sell on ebay).

The thing is a rock, I couldnt believe how strong the ball head is, but man all that sturdyness and money savings came at a price, the thing is heavy.

but it did come with an over-the-shoulder carrying case.

fire34fighter · Jan 3, 2008

Big Mike said:
There are plenty of good options from Slik & Manfrotto/Bogen.

It's been said by others, but I'll repeat it:

Light
Cheap
Strong

Pick two.

I'd have to pick strong as my most important one...I guess cheaper in price would be next..I'm a big guy so I wont be too bothered by the weight of it..