Tripod

[bugzie]

Someone influential writes an internet article on tripods, and it becomes the orthodoxy from then on. I read Thom's article, and I also read another that said any old tripod is better than none at all.

I have a dirt cheap Velbon I got originally for a compact digicam, and when I got my dSLR it was almost useless as it was that flimsy. It's not entirely useless these days because I can use it to support a flash gun for off-camera flash but it's hopeless for my dSLR.

So I needed a new one. Went and checked out the tripods at the stores and ended up with a carbon fibre Slik. Some of the tripods I had chosen from specs of the internet were dramatic overkill in that they were huge and heavy. The Slik I got was, for me, the best compromise in price, weight and ergonomics.

You really need to take the camera and lens to the store and spend some time exploring all your options. You can see now what happens when you ask opinions from the internet. ;-) You can just get the same old advice rehashed over and over.

 

[StillHaveMyDiana]

I use a Sunpak 2001 UT; works great for me.

http://www.amazon.com/Sunpak-620-020-2001UT-Quick-Release-Mounting/dp/B00009UT28

 

[Guidenet]

You really need to take the camera and lens to the store and spend some time exploring all your options. You can see now what happens when you ask opinions from the internet. ;-) You can just get the same old advice rehashed over and over.

Thom's advice was to spend over $1000 right off the bat. He said that if you spend $200 or $300, you'd be sorry and end up spending more in the long run. I'm not sure I saw anyone in this thead suggest the OP follow that advice or rehash it.

Suggesting the OP spend $150 to $200 is far from Thom's advice.
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Cheers, Craig

 

[StillHaveMyDiana]

... to get a cable release. Whatever you spend on a tripod ($15 or $500) is wasted if you then push your finger down on the shutter.

Your budget ($50-$100) unfortunately puts you in the worst category: $50 tripods are not much better than $15 tripods, but they are nothing like $150 tripods, and it's real money to you. I have used a $15 tripod on many occasions. You can survive with it while you save up your money, and it's cheap enough that you won't mind throwing it away when you have developed the experience (and saved up enough money) to know how much tripod you really need.

 

[iMac therefore iAm]

... to get a cable release. Whatever you spend on a tripod ($15 or $500) is wasted if you then push your finger down on the shutter.

The camera's timer works in a pinch.

 

[StillHaveMyDiana]

StillHaveMyDiana wrote:

... to get a cable release. Whatever you spend on a tripod ($15 or $500) is wasted if you then push your finger down on the shutter.

The camera's timer works in a pinch.

Yes, but always a risk of changing the composition slightly, moving the camera during the shot, not getting the shot just when you want it, having to be in an ackward position... and cable releases are delightfully retro! A connection to the first daguerreotype photographers...

 

[cnguyen]

I think what you are going to find out is that the cheaper tripods are going to be OK when using short, light lenses but will not help much with with the 75-300mm you have, especially when the lens is extended. I would suggest you buy the tripod from a local camera shop or even a Best Buy where you can return the tripod if it does not fit your needs.

Good luck.

Ok so I just got a Canon EOS Rebel XS for Christmas and got it with the 75-300mm lens (and I love it) but what I really need is a tripod. my problem in finding one is simply one that meets some requirements without paying a fortune.

I want to know what you think is a good tripod for a beginner like me.

I do NOT want a table top tripod but I dont need a huge one either as I am only 5'4"

REQUIREMENTS. Light and small enough to hike with ( love to go backpacking)

Semi sturdy

No screwdriver needed. (I am outdoors and sometimes with wet or cold hands.)

under $50

I hope I am not looking for something that doesn't exist and I am NOT looking for a pro tripod. Doesn't have to be great just good

 

[greeneggsandpie]

What id I buy a used good one? I can see spending a little more (less than new though) as long as it is in good condition.

 

[greeneggsandpie]

well I do have a birthday Coming up and I usually get cards with Money in them they Might just bring me into the $150-$180 range. I guess I can wait. a little longer (even though I don't want to)

 

[greeneggsandpie]

OK I have decided to wait and save some more money. I bought a monopod that will work for right now.

thanks for all of the info.

 

[Guidenet]

LOL Be careful of GAS (Gear Aquisition Syndrome). It will have you spending money on the wrong stuff. At least it happens to me. ;-)
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Cheers, Craig

 

[greeneggsandpie]

yea. after a few little things (only going to cost about $30) I will be done for a while. I got a Tripod from my dad. Its an oldie but man is it sturdy (It was my dad's and my Grandfather's) Its an old Sears one and its great.