Reading mode: Light Dark

100 dollars for a tripod.

Go to last post
J

jay_l_a

Active member
Messages
84
Reaction score
0
Location
US
Apologies if this has been asked before:

I would like to get a tripod to hold my 40D, mostly for night work / long exposures.

Ideally it would be really solid (weight is not an issues to me) and cost in the $100 region.

I've been looking at a number of retailers and I see a lot of tripods for $4-500.

I really don't want to spend that much, and I'm sure it's possible to get a pretty good tripod for around 100.

Does anybody have any recommendations for me? I don't want to walk into one of the big box stores and end up picking up a tripod that I'd later regret.
Thanks in advance,
Jay
 
Make it $200 and you will probably find a decent tripod/head combo to put your $1100 camera plus lens on. IMO $100 is still a junk tripod.
jay_l_a said:
Apologies if this has been asked before:

I would like to get a tripod to hold my 40D, mostly for night work /
long exposures.
Ideally it would be really solid (weight is not an issues to me) and
cost in the $100 region.
I've been looking at a number of retailers and I see a lot of tripods
for $4-500.
I really don't want to spend that much, and I'm sure it's possible to
get a pretty good tripod for around 100.
Does anybody have any recommendations for me? I don't want to walk
into one of the big box stores and end up picking up a tripod that
I'd later regret.
Thanks in advance,
Jay
Click to expand...
--
Some cool cats that can use your help
http://www.wildlife-sanctuary.org

Even if you can't donate, please help spread the word.
 
If in your shoes, I'd opt for a bean bag type 'pod (attaches to the camera's tripod threads. Except for P&S cameras or speed light applications, $100 tripods are bound to disappoint in short order.

Well, maybe if you price very short tripods, one can be found that will meet requirements. Most I've looked at that command respect for the pursuit (when contemplating smaller 'pods) were more expensive than that, though.

Then you have your head to consider.

--
...Bob, NYC

Galleries: http://www.pbase.com/btullis

 
I've heard people recommending the Slik Pro 700DX with pan / tilt head here. Looks like it costs around $130 or so. Don't have it so can't say from personal experience. But $100 for tripod and head is definitely on the low side.
 
I have this tripod and really like it. It will support up to 15 lbs (I believe) and also is very tall if you need it to be. I looked at several of the 300-400$ ones and then compared them to the Slik Pro and decided that I would use the money saved on some new glass. It is heavier than most but outside of that I love it
 
cheap and decent.
 
jay_l_a said:
I don't want to walk
into one of the big box stores and end up picking up a tripod that
I'd later regret.
Click to expand...
Exactly. There's no reason to shell out perfectly good money for a flimsy tripod that'll only disappoint you later on.

Have a look at the Manfrotto 190 series with a decent three way or a ball head. I prefer three way heads myself. Probably over your target price range, but oh so worth it. :)

One of my tripods is a Manfrotto 190 with a 141RC head. Very portable and good quality. I'd say it's the entry level of decent tripods (see my profile).

Earthlight

--

Mostly harmless
 
Just remember, any tripod is going to be a pain in the axx to carry. There is no point in putting up with the inconvenience and then finding it doesn't even do the job properly.

Get one that truly works, or your cheaper price will be a complete waste of money.

It is an illusion that cheap equipment saves money.

--
Nothing is enough for the man to whom nothing is enough.
 
I have one of these and it does the job quite well. It is lightweight so I can strap it to the outside of my camera back pack and therefore I end up using it more than my professional grade tripod.

That said, I used it outside on a rocky beach last summer and lost one of the rubber feet so it's not the must rugged thing.

--
JKalev
 
agree that it is a good way to get solid and dependable support for relatively few $$. It is built like a tank. It is however rather heavy and clunky to operate. I would eventually like to get a carbon fiber lightweight setup for hiking if I can find one that won't break the bank and still hold the 40d and 70-200 2.8 IS.
tigershark said:
I have this tripod and really like it. It will support up to 15 lbs
(I believe) and also is very tall if you need it to be. I looked at
several of the 300-400$ ones and then compared them to the Slik Pro
and decided that I would use the money saved on some new glass. It
is heavier than most but outside of that I love it
Click to expand...
--
tigershark said:
tigershark said:
tigershark said:
My Galleries Here: http://www.pbase.com/cindyd
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Another option, of course is a used tripod. If you can find one of the "heavier ones" someone is discarding for a super lightweight carbon fiber 3 legged sticks of gold, you might get a really good deal on being able to purchase a more middle of the line tripod at a economy price point.

A local camera store where you can evaluate the used tripod would be ideal, but, in my experience, a lot of people who upgrade do so more as a status symbol than a real need, and further are not heavy users of the tripod to start with, so the used tripod might be close to mint!

I know that tripods seem to be way overpriced, but fighting with poor tripods leg lock design or premature wear in freezing weather could easily persuade you to immediately buy something more expensive than the cheapest of the cheap. If you don't plan on doing your night photography in extreme weather this may not be an issue.

And remember, the head is equally important for ease of use and camera lens safety.

Jpegman

Good luck -
 
This comes up all the time and most will reply with the don't waste your money answer. I own two models of Amvona tripods from eBay that came in under $100. Sometimes they sell the head separately so you have to be sure you allow for that in the price. Certainly they are not the equivalent of the $500 models but I have not had any problems with breakage either. Perhaps some people abuse things more than I? Amvona sells several sizes and materials so be careful to read to be sure you are getting the height/weight you want.

I like my small tripod (not really for over 200mm):

http://cgi.ebay.com/AMVONA-PRO-PHOTO-CAMERA-TRIPOD-BASE-LEGS-AT-03T_W0QQitemZ360034376737QQihZ023QQcategoryZ30095QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247

which come without a head. I usually use their pistol grip head with it but also have a ball that works.

http://cgi.ebay.com/PROFESSIONAL-CAMERA-TRIPOD-GRIP-BALL-HEAD-ATH918S_W0QQitemZ200217154373QQihZ010QQcategoryZ30095QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

They have way too many models to keep straight and they use several different types of quick release plates so I'd suggest picking one that has a compatible pair if you later intend to get a second unit.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZamvonaQ2ecomQQssPageNameZWD5QQ_trksidZp1728Q2em128

Avoid their 'Buy it Now' items since auctions rarely go that high and what is offered changes frequently. Shipping charges are stated clearly but do add to the price.

Doug Smith
http://www.pbase.com/dougsmit
 
Thanks for all the advice.

I picked up a Vanguard Tracker. Probably not the greatest, but will work for my needs.

Jay
 
Not sure where you live, but have you considered the weather conditions where you live?

The cheap (sub 200 dollar) tripods are all made from metal, they are excellent heat conducting material. That makes them unworkable during winter time where I live. My fingers gets stuck on the tripod during the cold days here. It is seriously not fun.

In the field, the CF tripod works much better, they are not hot/cold to the touch, and it is vibration free.
 
It will end up costing you three times what you paid for it when you decide you shoulda listened to the advice you were given and go back and buy a good tripod.
jay_l_a said:
Thanks for all the advice.

I picked up a Vanguard Tracker. Probably not the greatest, but will
work for my needs.

Jay
Click to expand...
--
Some cool cats that can use your help
http://www.wildlife-sanctuary.org

Even if you can't donate, please help spread the word.
 
I'll keep you posted.

If I decide to upgrade I'll sell the old one.

No harm done ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top