Can I do better for $50?

I bought a Sunpak 6200DX tripod in a rush because I needed 3 way panning for filming which my previous tripod didn't have (2 way).

I've never been terribly satisfied with either tripod but at least it can hold my dslr with moderate zoom lens without leaning forward. Is there a tripod out there for $50 which is an easy choice compared to the Sunpak?

Don't waste your money by buying another cheap tripod. Read this very well known article by Thom Hogan:
http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

You don't have to buy a $1000 tripod and head straight off, but expect to pay at least $100-200 for a tripod suitable for a DSLR.

Try looking at the Manfrotto range and others of a similar quality.
--
Chris R

Manfrotto and others of similar quality is good advice. I bought a good tripod a few months ago after using relatively cheap ones, and the difference it has made to my photography is immense. The feeling of security and accuracy it gives is a joy. It's a worthwhile investment.

Chris R-UK said:

Don't waste your money by buying another cheap tripod. Read this very well known article by Thom Hogan:
http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

You don't have to buy a $1000 tripod and head straight off, but expect to pay at least $100-200 for a tripod suitable for a DSLR.

Try looking at the Manfrotto range and others of a similar quality.
--
Chris R

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Yep. Over time you'll spend more buying (and replacing) cheap tripods than you would buying a good one right off the bat.

Cailean Gallimore said:

Manfrotto and others of similar quality is good advice. I bought a good tripod a few months ago after using relatively cheap ones, and the difference it has made to my photography is immense. The feeling of security and accuracy it gives is a joy. It's a worthwhile investment.

Chris R-UK said:

Don't waste your money by buying another cheap tripod. Read this very well known article by Thom Hogan:
http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

You don't have to buy a $1000 tripod and head straight off, but expect to pay at least $100-200 for a tripod suitable for a DSLR.

Try looking at the Manfrotto range and others of a similar quality.
--
Chris R

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--
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Even if you can't donate, please help spread the word.

Is this a good buy for $130? http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-7302YB-M-Y-Tripod-Ball/dp/B001TK3EJE/ref=sr_1_7?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1279411836&sr=1-7

I was also looking at the 190XPROB, but that was $150 without a head (from Amazon).

sweet blender said:

I bought a Sunpak 6200DX tripod in a rush because I needed 3 way panning for filming which my previous tripod didn't have (2 way).

I've never been terribly satisfied with either tripod but at least it can hold my dslr with moderate zoom lens without leaning forward. Is there a tripod out there for $50 which is an easy choice compared to the Sunpak?

Click to expand...

I was expecting an entirely different subject.

Great Bustard said:

sweet blender said:

I bought a Sunpak 6200DX tripod in a rush because I needed 3 way panning for filming which my previous tripod didn't have (2 way).

I've never been terribly satisfied with either tripod but at least it can hold my dslr with moderate zoom lens without leaning forward. Is there a tripod out there for $50 which is an easy choice compared to the Sunpak?

Click to expand...

I was expecting an entirely different subject.

Click to expand...

Posts with photos have a little picture icon on the left.

--
Leonard Migliore

$40:

Dolica Proline 62" - I own $800 Gitzo Carbon Fibre Tripods and balheads, and I use this tripod interchangeably with Carbon Gitzos this tripod is better than anything under $200.

sweet blender said:

Is this a good buy for $130? http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-7302YB-

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For starters, a four-section leg is usually one section too many for decent stability, and I submit that some mid-leg support wouldn't go astray.

For seconds, it appears to be a ball-head, and therefore hardly suitable fior your intended purpose.

A cheapo tripod can be useful and convenient, and I would recommend one any time. All you have to do is recognise its limitations and have another tripod to hand for times when the cheapo is not suitable, which is not necessarily very often. I have what is arguably one the the world's best and most expensive tripods. I wouldn't be without it but the cheapo is the one that lives permanently in the car and gets used 90% of the time.

The biggest problem with a cheapo is the quick release plate. They have to have one in order to look cool for the gearheads, so check closely how well the camera sits on it. If you can find one that doesn't have a quick release plate, it probably means they are serious about making tripods.

sweet blender said:

I've never been terribly satisfied with either tripod but at least it can hold my dslr with moderate zoom lens without leaning forward. Is there a tripod out there for $50 which is an easy choice compared to the Sunpak?

Click to expand...

A tripod is something (if you buy a good one) will last you through many cameras, if it costs $200 just think it's only $20 a year over 10 years, or $10 a year over 20 years...one of the ones I use is over 40 years old!

Also a tripod is something you should try with your camera before buying. If it's too heavy, too light, too tall, too short, you won't use it...I own several different tripods, for instance a lighter one for walkabout, and a heavier one for in-studio use.