Tripods are a bit like some other items. You often get what you pay for. The way it seems to work is that the more you pay the steadier they get. Up to around $100, they aren't much steadier than your hands.
Tripods are part of a support system, just like a camera system. There are three parts and they are all equally important. When sold together, it often means you're getting pretty bad stuff. The only folks who would suggest it have never owned or tried support systems that work. Some people feel that you need to spend around $1000 on a support system. I disagree and think you can do pretty well at just under $200 providing you don't get the lightest of the tripod systems out there.
- Tripod Legs
- Ball Head
- Quick Release system
As I mentioned, if these things come in one package, they generally aren't worth the money regardless of how much of a beginner or how cheap you are.
The least expensive tripod I'd ever consider is the Manfrotto 190 series. They cost around $100 for the legs. The least expensive ball head I'd consider is the Manfrotto 486RC2 or it's recent replacement. The quick release would have to be the RC2 system which does come on the mentioned ball head.
I would stay away from a pan head of any kind. They are a pain to change positions and no more stable. They're mostly used for video cameras. They come pre-packaged on cheapy tripods because they don't know whether you're using still or video.
I chose RC2 because it's ubiquitous and the plates can be found most anywhere. You buy a tripod now and a monopod later, you want the plates to be interchangeable. Buy a lens with a tripod collar and again, you want to be able to find another plate.
If you are not able or don’t wish to make this investment, I’d not get a tripod at all, but to save for the minimum later, if you feel the need. Even the mirror slap or slight breeze will set a cheapy tripod to vibrating. In this case there are work-arounds that work better than a crappy tripod. Consider a photographic bean bag for placement on a table or books. Consider the Monopod you mentioned. There usually is a table, bench or wall around that one can use as a stable platform. Just use a shutter cable to keep your hands off the camera.
For a hiking tripod, you really need to step up even more. A good cheap carbon fiber 4 section tripod is the minimum. I use a Giottos which cost around $250 for the legs. It weighs slightly over two pounds. Making a cheap tripod weigh less means even cheaper thin little aluminum legs.
I promise you that if you invest in a $50 aluminum tripod without a quick releae and with a panhead, you will not use it after a very shot time.
Here's a $50 mistake I made many years ago, next to my standard tripod today which is a Manfrotto 055 XBPro at around $160 and is considered a cheap tripod as good ones go.
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Cheers, Craig
