Kiawahgolf
Leading Member
I am looking for a good, sturdy, reasonably priced tripod (More than likely in the
--
Jordan
--
Jordan
-
Welcome to the new forums! Please read this first. For known issues we are working to resolve, click here.
Can somone recommend a good Tripod...
- Thread starter Kiawahgolf
- Start date
Digitalanimal
Leading Member
said with a bit of a smile.
If your are not already familiar with Thom Hogan, then you should spend some time browsing his site.
Including this
http://www.bythom.com/recommendations.htm (scroll down).
As well, and I couldn't find it, there is a section where he states just buy the best tripod you can really (not) afford and do it once, which means doing it correctly the first time. I wish I had. I bought a Manfrotto 190 and head combo from a big box camera store. Now what I really need is a gitzo gt3541XLS (it is tall and so am I). I have the expensive RRS-55, and need support for a rather large 500mm vr.
If you can, save and go for the good stuff, you won't be disappointed.
Regards
DA
If your are not already familiar with Thom Hogan, then you should spend some time browsing his site.
Including this
http://www.bythom.com/recommendations.htm (scroll down).
As well, and I couldn't find it, there is a section where he states just buy the best tripod you can really (not) afford and do it once, which means doing it correctly the first time. I wish I had. I bought a Manfrotto 190 and head combo from a big box camera store. Now what I really need is a gitzo gt3541XLS (it is tall and so am I). I have the expensive RRS-55, and need support for a rather large 500mm vr.
If you can, save and go for the good stuff, you won't be disappointed.
Regards
DA
I'm liking my Manfrotto 055XPROB and Markins M-10 head.
The tripod is in your price range but the head is another $300 on top of that.
--
Nikon-
http://pdbruce.zenfolio.com
The tripod is in your price range but the head is another $300 on top of that.
--
Nikon-
http://pdbruce.zenfolio.com
DezM
Veteran Member
Brivers
Veteran Member
I took the advice of many looking at the tripod like a lens, a longer term investment and glad I did. Really Right stuff ball head, and....can't remember the legs, but they weren't overly expensive. The head was well worth it though...
--
http://www.teamrivers.com
--
http://www.teamrivers.com
lennyr
Member
If you really want to save some money, check out Triopo. Triopo is a brand made by a Chinese manufacturer that does white label product for others (e.g. Adorama's in-house Flashpoint brand, some products made by big brands).
I got a titanium Triopo tripod from Newegg for ~$50. It's very well built in general, sturdy, stiff, and comes with a pretty good ball head. Their carbon fiber ones are really good - suspiciously similar to Gitzos.
I got a titanium Triopo tripod from Newegg for ~$50. It's very well built in general, sturdy, stiff, and comes with a pretty good ball head. Their carbon fiber ones are really good - suspiciously similar to Gitzos.
As the links Dez provided that is a decent tripod for the price. Checked your profile and according to it you have a D300 and a 16-85VR so if you can stretch that $200 into $226 then you can add a Manfrotto 486RC2 ballhead...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/523155-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html
No, it won't hold a 500 2.8 but you don't need it to. It's a basic kit thats about as good as your going to get at the price. Better yet, buy it used from someone upgrading and save up for a better set if/when you need it.
--
http://stringfellow.smugmug.com
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/523155-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html
No, it won't hold a 500 2.8 but you don't need it to. It's a basic kit thats about as good as your going to get at the price. Better yet, buy it used from someone upgrading and save up for a better set if/when you need it.
--
http://stringfellow.smugmug.com
Here are a couple of important points that make the Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod a good choice if you are on a budget.
1. It stands at almost 56 inches tall with the center column down. It is best if you don't have to raise the center column. If you are approximately 5'10" tall the camera view finder should be in front of your face.
2. It has a bubble level. I would hesitate to spend over a $100 on a tripod and not get a level. It comes in handy when doing panoramas etc.
3. It's a good quality, sturdy tripod for less than $200.
Bob
--
http://www.raphoto.zenfolio.com
1. It stands at almost 56 inches tall with the center column down. It is best if you don't have to raise the center column. If you are approximately 5'10" tall the camera view finder should be in front of your face.
2. It has a bubble level. I would hesitate to spend over a $100 on a tripod and not get a level. It comes in handy when doing panoramas etc.
3. It's a good quality, sturdy tripod for less than $200.
Bob
--
http://www.raphoto.zenfolio.com
Mike Horyn
Well-known member
I performed this same search a couple of years ago. After a visit to my local camera store and a long talk with a great in store rep., I came away convinced that only carbon fiber would do. We had set up both an aluminum and a carbon fiber tripod and he slapped the legs of one then the other. Carbon fiber did not vibrate like the other. That was impressive to me!
Other items worthy of mention concern weight. Lighter while sturdy is better, of course.
I purchased a Slik 813. (The price is now higher at $299) and you would still have to purchase a head. However, you should know that if the Adorama brand, which someone else referred to is a true "Carbon Fiber" tripod, then there is no reason to pay more simply because of a name brand. And, the Slik is plenty tall enough for me at 5'11" (I can't remember what that is in Metric for my European friends)
The Slik's center colum has a hook for a weight bag which can be a big help on a windy night. The Center post is removable for use as a monopod. Good in a pinch! This link (below) is of a 51 image composite of the Cincinnatti skyline. Each image was 3 sec. f8 and was shot on a cold, windy night with my Slik tripod. I highly recommend it to one and all!
http://www.mikehorynphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/4380302_xRYu8#257208370_uogkG
Mike Horyn
http://www.mikehoryn.com
--
Every image should: 1) Tell a story 2) Make a Statement 3) Titillate the eyes -- copied
Other items worthy of mention concern weight. Lighter while sturdy is better, of course.
I purchased a Slik 813. (The price is now higher at $299) and you would still have to purchase a head. However, you should know that if the Adorama brand, which someone else referred to is a true "Carbon Fiber" tripod, then there is no reason to pay more simply because of a name brand. And, the Slik is plenty tall enough for me at 5'11" (I can't remember what that is in Metric for my European friends)
The Slik's center colum has a hook for a weight bag which can be a big help on a windy night. The Center post is removable for use as a monopod. Good in a pinch! This link (below) is of a 51 image composite of the Cincinnatti skyline. Each image was 3 sec. f8 and was shot on a cold, windy night with my Slik tripod. I highly recommend it to one and all!
http://www.mikehorynphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/4380302_xRYu8#257208370_uogkG
Mike Horyn
http://www.mikehoryn.com
--
Every image should: 1) Tell a story 2) Make a Statement 3) Titillate the eyes -- copied
bugzie
Veteran Member
Yes, I just bought one and I did go through all the on-line advice about buying well and buying once. But when I actually got down to the stores, some of the recommended ones were monsters and others were way too expensive.
I got a Slik carbon fibre too. The 713 and it does come from some shops with a three way pan head bundle (SH 705). It's a respectable head. I think the bundle is only available in Asia (I'm from Australia). The 713 only has 1/4in thread for mounting the head, however.
It's light enough to carry on my backpack. It's good and tall without extending the center column, you can reverse the center column for shooting macro. The legs have three positions so you can spread them out for greater stability.
No level indicator, though. I got mine for about $350 AUD. A quick look at Amazon and you'd be up for $280 USD for the legs and the 705 head.
I got a Slik carbon fibre too. The 713 and it does come from some shops with a three way pan head bundle (SH 705). It's a respectable head. I think the bundle is only available in Asia (I'm from Australia). The 713 only has 1/4in thread for mounting the head, however.
It's light enough to carry on my backpack. It's good and tall without extending the center column, you can reverse the center column for shooting macro. The legs have three positions so you can spread them out for greater stability.
No level indicator, though. I got mine for about $350 AUD. A quick look at Amazon and you'd be up for $280 USD for the legs and the 705 head.
Per Baekgaard
Veteran Member
In that price range, I think the Manfrotto 055XPROB is a good compromise.
I started out with an old crapy tripod that I inherited. It was replaced with a Manfrotto 190 w/486 ball head, and I still have that and could use it if I need to walk a long distance with it, as it is a tad lighter. But it is the bare minimum that I would recommend, and it does not hold heavy equipment too well. Take off your battery grip, if you have one...
Nowadays I use mostly a 055XPROB w/488 ball head. It is still in the budget range, I guess, but clearly more stable, and the larger ball head has two independent adjustments that makes it much easier to work with.
I know this will be a tad above your range, but if you can swing it, go for the 488 ball head instead of the 486 (or equivalent from other another manufacturer).
-- Per.
I started out with an old crapy tripod that I inherited. It was replaced with a Manfrotto 190 w/486 ball head, and I still have that and could use it if I need to walk a long distance with it, as it is a tad lighter. But it is the bare minimum that I would recommend, and it does not hold heavy equipment too well. Take off your battery grip, if you have one...
Nowadays I use mostly a 055XPROB w/488 ball head. It is still in the budget range, I guess, but clearly more stable, and the larger ball head has two independent adjustments that makes it much easier to work with.
I know this will be a tad above your range, but if you can swing it, go for the 488 ball head instead of the 486 (or equivalent from other another manufacturer).
-- Per.
If you look at Thom Hogans site.. bythom.com he could save you USD $700 in purchases.
--
--------------------------------------
Nikon and Pro Nikkor Lenses.....
Trevis Lawton
Well-known member
For a good mix of budget and function I went with the Manfrotto 190XPro. It is a tad heavier than I would have liked, esp. when strapped to my backpack (which already has two bodies and two big lenses in it), but then it also didn't cost the earth.
Has an interesting feature that allows you to move the centre post at right angles, but I haven't found this to be of much value because once swung out it won't support much weight (ie. a body, grip and 24mm 2.8 lens).
However, still a great tool and handles my Bigma attached to a D300 w/grip quite happily.
Also works well as a (somewhat misshapen) monopod if you drop down only one leg.
Mind you I also have a little aluminium Hanimex tripod that I take on overseas trips, which weighs nothing, stands almost 6', cost $25 new about 10 yrs ago, never misses a best, and does everything well unless you are in a really strong wind. So, don't always think twice the price is necessarily going to be twice better.
Cheers
TC
--
TC Photography
http://trevislawton.smugmug.com
Has an interesting feature that allows you to move the centre post at right angles, but I haven't found this to be of much value because once swung out it won't support much weight (ie. a body, grip and 24mm 2.8 lens).
However, still a great tool and handles my Bigma attached to a D300 w/grip quite happily.
Also works well as a (somewhat misshapen) monopod if you drop down only one leg.
Mind you I also have a little aluminium Hanimex tripod that I take on overseas trips, which weighs nothing, stands almost 6', cost $25 new about 10 yrs ago, never misses a best, and does everything well unless you are in a really strong wind. So, don't always think twice the price is necessarily going to be twice better.
Cheers
TC
--
TC Photography
http://trevislawton.smugmug.com
Ryan Gentry
Member
I really like my Slik 700 DX tripod. I bought it from B&H for $130 (including a pan head). It is really a great value in my opinion. It is definitely not light weight, but it is really sturdy and tall, without having to raise the center column.
This is a great forum, but you will find a lot of people that really think that you have to spend a great sum of money on a tripod. Thats fine, but remember, if its steady, its steady. And yes, many people will post a link to Thom Hogan's piece on buying an expensive tripod, and that is fine, but that is Mr. Hogan's opinion, and he is not paying your mortgage or feeding your children.
You can capture phenomenal images by sitting your rig on a rock or a trash can, and you can also capture phenomenal images by sitting your rig on top of a 4 digit tripod, but there is a grey area between the 2 that you can take advantage of.
I did not need carbon fiber or a ball head. I needed something tall, sturdy, and NOT as light as a feather. The Slik 700 fit the bill very nicely. Good luck on your search.
This is a great forum, but you will find a lot of people that really think that you have to spend a great sum of money on a tripod. Thats fine, but remember, if its steady, its steady. And yes, many people will post a link to Thom Hogan's piece on buying an expensive tripod, and that is fine, but that is Mr. Hogan's opinion, and he is not paying your mortgage or feeding your children.
You can capture phenomenal images by sitting your rig on a rock or a trash can, and you can also capture phenomenal images by sitting your rig on top of a 4 digit tripod, but there is a grey area between the 2 that you can take advantage of.
I did not need carbon fiber or a ball head. I needed something tall, sturdy, and NOT as light as a feather. The Slik 700 fit the bill very nicely. Good luck on your search.
I guess I owe you an apology, I'm very sorry that posting Thom Hogans link seems to have offended you so much, I just thought that I would post the link so that the OP would have another opinion (and yes, we know that it's just Thom's opinion) to consider that might help him make his choice.
On a side note...Just because something is expensive does not mean you can't have it, it means if you want something and don't have the money, then you need to "save" so that you can buy it.
I also find it interesting that you would bring up Thom Hogan when talking about personal obligations. I would be willing to bet that Thom Hogan has had his own mortgage and children to feed, do you see any reason that he should have to support yours also?, unless your one of those people that thinks the world owes them something.
Have a great day!
--
Jan M
Lihkin
Veteran Member
I bought a couple of cheaper tripod supports (Bogen, Manfrotto etc), but was never happy with them- they were not stable in windy conditions and the heads weren't all that! Then I read Thom's article and it made perfect sense. I invested in a Gitzo 3531 and a Really Right Stuff BH-55 ballhead and I couldn't be happier. Yeah, the combo has cost me over $1K (with the camera plates etc), but I know this is one combo that I will keep for a long time. Add to it, I love using my tripod now as it's so easy to set up the ballhead and consequently the camera in any orientation. My only regret is that I did not do this earlier.
Cheers,
-------
Nikhil
http://shniks.smugmug.com
Cheers,
-------
Nikhil
http://shniks.smugmug.com
PHXAZCRAIG
Veteran Member
Ditto, except I got a 3530lsv and BH55.
Mike Horyn
Well-known member
Bugzie, you mentioned a couple of items I had forgotten. The reversing center column and the 1/4 inch thread. I believe the 1/4 post which was shipped with mine is reversible. (I purchased a Panoramic head for the night panorama). Also, a leveling bubble is a verey minor expense. I transferred a 3 way head from an older slik tripod. You know, they still sell that old aluminum tripod, too. But, it was just too light weight for newer digital cameras and lenses. (sigh)
Mike horyn
http://www.mikehoryn.com
--
Every image should: 1) Tell a story 2) Make a Statement 3) Titillate the eyes -- copied
Mike horyn
http://www.mikehoryn.com
--
Every image should: 1) Tell a story 2) Make a Statement 3) Titillate the eyes -- copied
Keyboard shortcuts
- f
- Forum