Inexpensive tripod recommendation

[greenmanphoto]

Thanks for the info.

Hmm. I understand cameras well, but apparently I have a lot to learn just to get a tripod. I had no idea I'd need a wide plate for a tripod collar mount. The Manfrotto 190 looks good. Now I just need to figure out a head to stick on it.

I don't need something with a 66lb capacity, but I don't want to get something so wimpy have to replace it if I get a slightly bigger lens. There are so many heads available and really knowing nothing about them is a pain. I checked out a Sirui ball head as suggested in a previous reply. It had a 17.5lb capacity for about $100. It looked nice. I guess.

Looks like a bit of a learning curve.

Grepper,

Take those weight ratings with a grain of salt, and SOMETIMES a pretty HEFTY grain of salt! They are often exaggerated to varying degrees, particularly when it comes to off-axis capabilities, as I referenced in another post here. Personally, I tend to take off about 2-5 pounds from that rating, and possibly more, depending on the model and the brand of ball head.

Sam

 

[nojak]

I'll toss in a counter argument, that I will admit is *only valid in some circumstances*. If any of these don't apply, then get a real tripod/head.

1. your budget is limited, your tripod use is limited. you'll put up with compromises.

2. you need a tripod for landscapes or similar stationary scenes (you're not trying to follow an eagle or wildlife)

3. you have either a light lens, like a wide angle (body mounted on tripod), or a heavier lens with a heavier body (lens mounted on tripod)

4. if you have a heavier lens with tripod mount without a heavier body, you brought along a beanbag or similar kinda heavy soft item (or a suitable weight on a string).

In the case of 1+2 and 3, you don't really need to worry about things drooping. It's basically balanced enough.

In the case of 1+2 and 4, you toss your beanbag on the body or hang the weight from the body to balance things out and your 150-600 lens racked out is now balanced enough.

Is this a pain? Yup.

Want to do it often? Nope.

Is it ideal? Good grief no! See the part about little money, limited tripod use.

Will put up with some hassle, so you can save $. Maybe. YMMV (see first sentence).

If you have a front heavy lens without a lens tripod mount, no money for a decent tripod, then perhaps you'll learn how to adapt an extending pole to support the front of the lens. Never said it was easy, convenient or practical. Macgyver would be proud of you.

 

[grepper]

First, thanks everybody for all the great information. It is all very helpful and informative, and now I know what I need to look for and you guys have saved me hours of research.

Mr. greenmanphoto, Great information about Acra compatibility. I had no clue, but thanks to you now I do! I don’t know if I would have come across that just doing research, so thanks! After reading about it I now consider Acra compatibility a requirement. Oh, yeah, I always take weight supporting specifications with a BIG grain of salt. For most things I cut it in half, and if safety is concerned 1/3rd spec. Especially true for heavy machinery or anything you really don’t want to come crashing to the ground. Expensive lenses and cameras too!

Mr. nojak, Excellent real-world perspective. Everything you said was spot on and very true. I hate having to make compromises even when I do so knowingly. What I have found is that if I buy something too cheap and crappy I hate it every time I use it forever or just end up replacing it in the long run. I don’t like spending a lot of money on something, but always end up enjoying how great it is every time I use it, get over the up-front cost and am happy. It makes little sense to have to buy something twice and end up spending more than just buying quality equipment the first time. Been there. Done that.

 

[SoupOrPhoto]

I have very infrequent need for a tripod, but a few times a year need one for a few shots. Like I said, very infrequently. I’ve had some cheap junk, so cheap that the only way to level the camera was to adjust the tripod legs. That didn’t pan out of course, and that I have thrown them away.

I started researching, but it’s hard to weed through not knowing what to look for or what to expect.

Using a D750 and nothing too heavy for a lens.

Is it possible to get a tripod/head for $100-$150 that is not total junk?

Any assistance/comments would be really appreciated.

I have both the MeFOTO RoadTrip and GlobeTrotter, but the Carbon Fiber versions. Both are quite usable with my D750—although the RoadTrip is near its limit with the 200-500 attached. But I make it work. The aluminum version is $149 at B&H. Both easily fit in a suitcase (RoadTrip in carry on).

The only times I have wanted something better is for astrophotography and in a strong wind. Mostly, though, I’m not sure the tripod/head really matter as much as others seem to. The expensive heads can be much nicer to use, but if you’re not taking long exposures, I’m not sure they add a lot to the final product.

 

[Serjojeee]

I have a Zomei Z688 - a very nice all metal and pretty cheap tripod.

 

[Suntan]

Personally, I think the lower floor for getting a decent tripod is more like $250. Below that you really start to see a lot of compromises being made to hit a price point.

 

[Suntan]

The expensive heads can be much nicer to use, but if you’re not taking long exposures, I’m not sure they add a lot to the final product.

It also depends on how/what you shoot.

For example, if you're only shooting wide angle landscapes, getting the framing bang-on isn't nearly as important. If you are shooting macros with a long focal length, a ballhead that doesn't flex will really reduce the tedium of composing the shot.

 

[chambeshi]

There are no cheap solutions for tripods but there are reasonably priced options. Consider it's rare to see less than $1000 of DSLR + glass atop a set of legs & usually much more when one deploys long glass on a tripod ;-)

I suggest check out Sirui legs, I use the waterproof carbon fibre W2204 but the aluminum tripods cost less eg W2004. For hassle-free leveling the LE-60 is well worth all the $$. Using the latter just once reveals why it's a bargain. Sirui ball heads are also great for landscapes and portraits. Above all, the spring loaded safety lock on the arca-swiss style plates is a v good reason why I use Sirui gear where it really matters.

And to paraphrase Mark Twain, them things that one reads in Manufacturer's specs ain't necessarily so - cf https://www.tobiashjorth.com/sirui-r-5214xl-review-this-beauty-is-a-beast/

A heavy telephoto works best on a gimbal, or a video head, or a more expensive RRS ball head (see Steve Perry's wildlife site or Moose Peterson). I use Gitzo GT5543LS with a Jobu HM-J3D, which is remarkably light but can handle a 400 prime or heavy zoom tele. But with the Sirui VH90 video plate built into the Gimbal because of its quick release safety lock - anti-slip is CRUCIAL. Vital for telephoto rigs. Together with the locking pin in the platform base, this video plate has an adjustable locking arm that's quick but solid and works.

 

[SoupOrPhoto]

The expensive heads can be much nicer to use, but if you’re not taking long exposures, I’m not sure they add a lot to the final product.

It also depends on how/what you shoot.

For example, if you're only shooting wide angle landscapes, getting the framing bang-on isn't nearly as important. If you are shooting macros with a long focal length, a ballhead that doesn't flex will really reduce the tedium of composing the shot.

Very true—I haven’t done a lot of macro, but I have noticed the MeFoto’s weakness with that application. Both in terms of sagging over time and having the framing change when tightening the knobs.

 

[mensch plus kamera]

[...]
Is it possible to get a tripod/head for $100-$150 that is not total junk?

Apart from the typical but a bit expensive recommendations, Sirui is producing some quite decent stuff at reasonable prices.

They too can't do miracles, so you won't get the super-rock-solid for $100, but their bang-for-buck ratio is a bit higher than that of the more widespread brands. They definitely don't sell junk.

HTH
m+k

 

[Andy Warren]

I've been using an Induro Carbon Fibre CLT304 tripod, nicely made, very rigid, light & stable and at pretty good good price.

Check out their range.

Loading…

www.indurogear.com

 

[grepper]

So, my local camera shop had a Vanguard Alto Pro 264AT excellent condition used legs with a new BH-250 ball head for $200.00. The BH-250 head is very smooth, friction adjustable and Arca compatible. It all looked pretty good, especially the head, so I bought it.

Did I do OK?

Is that sturdy enough for a D750 / Tamron 150-600? The store said it would be. I can return it if need be, so what do you guys think?

 

[greenmanphoto]

So, my local camera shop had a Vanguard Alto Pro 264AT excellent condition used legs with a new BH-250 ball head for $200.00. The BH-250 head is very smooth, friction adjustable and Arca compatible. It all looked pretty good, especially the head, so I bought it.

Did I do OK?

Is that sturdy enough for a D750 / Tamron 150-600? The store said it would be. I can return it if need be, so what do you guys think?

Grepper,

Hard to say for certain. Just be aware that, generally speaking, a 4--section or a 5-section leg is going to be inherently less stable than a 3-section leg. How tall are you, and how high does it extend, without the center column? Are you going to have it fully extended very much? These are things that will affect the stability.

Give it a shot, using it in every conceivable way, while you are still within the return period, and see how well it does. Particularly put as heavy of a weight on it as you think you'll EVER use, and NOT simply in a straight-on, or even mostly straight-on, use case. Angle the head a LOT with the weight on it. Try to shoot straight down (or as close to as you can get), as well as at something like a 30-degree angle down, and see how well both the legs and the head hold the camera and lens steady.

Best I can tell you, so good luck!

Sam

 

[grepper]

Thanks Mr. Sam. Good info.

The BH-250 head seems very nice. Smooth as silk, great friction adjustment and locks rock solidly. The whole thing is very solid and pretty large. Hellava deal for $90. I think I'm very happy with it.

The tripod is very nicely made, but there is a bit of flex in the 4 section legs when they are fully extended. I would like to have zero flex, but that might be out of my price range. I'm not going to spend $1,000 on a tripod. I don't know if a 3 section tripod might be more sturdy or how much more I'd have to spend for more stability. It's not bad, just not rock solid.

Question:

The leg spread locks keep the legs from spreading, but not when closing the legs. In other words, when closing the legs I don't have to press the lock button, the legs freely close. Of course to open them further the lock button must be pressed, but I'd like to have the leg click into position and then have to press the button again to close them. Is closing the legs without pressing the lock button standard in tripods?

Sorry for such basic questions, but I've never really researched tripods and no experience with better units. I've had cheap junk tripods, but that doesn't help.

 

[nojak]

Thanks Mr. Sam. Good info.

The BH-250 head seems very nice. Smooth as silk, great friction adjustment and locks rock solidly. The whole thing is very solid and pretty large. Hellava deal for $90. I think I'm very happy with it.

The tripod is very nicely made, but there is a bit of flex in the 4 section legs when they are fully extended. I would like to have zero flex, but that might be out of my price range. I'm not going to spend $1,000 on a tripod. I don't know if a 3 section tripod might be more sturdy or how much more I'd have to spend for more stability. It's not bad, just not rock solid.

Question:

The leg spread locks keep the legs from spreading, but not when closing the legs. In other words, when closing the legs I don't have to press the lock button, the legs freely close. Of course to open them further the lock button must be pressed, but I'd like to have the leg click into position and then have to press the button again to close them. Is closing the legs without pressing the lock button standard in tripods?

Sorry for such basic questions, but I've never really researched tripods and no experience with better units. I've had cheap junk tripods, but that doesn't help.

My Manfrotto is similar. Open to a normal angle or close by just moving the legs. If you need a leg extended more than a normal angle, press the button on top of the leg to let it open wider. Looks like 25 degrees is normal for yours, with another lock at 50 degrees and 80 being maximum.

 

[Michel van Lint]

Personally, I think Sirui has good value, too. They all use ARCA. They are not too expensive, but a bit more than you had in mind. If you buy too cheap, you might end up buying multiple tripods in the end, only to conclude, that you need the somewhat more expensive one. Buy the right one now and be done. Who knows, you may just like the tripod and start using it more often!

It has perhaps already been suggested (haven't read all replies..), but ideally the tripod extends to about your body height (add the height of the tripod head and camera). Otherwise, you will need to bend your back every time you are using it. The less segments and the less you need the center column, the more stability.

If one leg can be taken off and used as a monopod, it might cause problems for boarding airplanes... (just read this somewhere)

If possible, try to have a look at the different tripods in a store for yourself, instead of just ordering one via the internet. Seeing and feeling how it operates could help find you your favorite.

 

[Miike Dougherty]

It depends if you are using the tripod for framing or for long exposures over a second. I have at least 6 tripods for different uses and while most are good for framing and shooting landscapes, I have had little success with any tripod and head less than $1,000. I use high end DSLRs but mirrorless may require a less robust tripod if there isn't any wind.

 

[chambeshi]

Overview including basics. The pie chart speaks volumes

https://photographylife.com/landscapes/tripods-and-heads-a-landscape-photographers-guide

 

[grepper]

I'm sure you all have been losing sleep wondering how my inexpensive tripod quest is going, so,

I returned the Vanguard Alta Pro 264. It's four sections pencil legs were just too wobbly to make me feel secure and happy.

So, I found a "lightly used" Vanguard Auctus 283AT down to the Ebay for $90. The thing weighs 7.06 pounds and has 3 section legs. What few reviews I could find on it, say it is very sturdy. We'll see.

If this thing does not pan out, I'll have to take all your recommendations to heart, admit that yeah, you just can't get a good tripod for cheap and pony up the big bucks. But... I don't want to! I want a rock solid tripod that feels like bolting the camera to a block of granite for $100.

 

[chambeshi]

just found this site

https://havecamerawilltravel.com/photographer/gear/supports/tripod-reviews/travel-tripod-reviews/