Tripod recomendations...

saltwaternewb · Apr 28, 2008

Got a new lens, a new camera, now I need a new tripod. I have a super flimsy generic Wal Mart special that just doesn't cut the mustard and for me to trust my camera and lens on this piece of crap is ludicrous. Of course like many, cost is definitely a huge factor. Something rock solid with a nice easy to move/adjust head. Weight I am not concerned with so carbon fiber while nice is not necessary. Heck, if the price is right I would even get a wooden tripod...lol...so, any suggestions?

Poseidon · Apr 28, 2008

Bogen, Manfrotto, and Slik are all reputable brands. I found a SLIK on sale at Ritz bout 10 years ago for $99, and I still use it to this day.

I have also read good things about Adorama's house brand, Flashpoint, but I have no first hand experience with them.

You should be able to find a tripod by anyone of those 3 in just about any budget, as long as you are willing to spend $100 or so...

saltwaternewb · Apr 28, 2008

$100 would actually be great. On a couple other photography boards I go to the common thought is that if you aren't spending at least $300 on the legs alone your wasting your money. There is no way I can spend $400-500 on legs and a head. I see Bogen-Manfrotto on ebay a lot and they look like good stuff and I actually read pretty good recommendations as well. Do you know of any particular model that is better? How about the tripod head?

edwing206 · Apr 28, 2008

I use a cheap 25 dollar tripod. It's enough for tank pictures, as well as going outside. Most people would rather have tripods that cost more than 25 bucks, but it's all I can afford ATM.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/278492-REG/Slik_617_002_SDV_20_Video_Photo_Tripod.html

Poseidon · Apr 29, 2008

I wish I could give you more details, but I have been very happy with mine, so I haven't looked at them in a while. It seems like a friend of mine just bought a really nice Bogen for $179, including the head.

I'm sure there are differences with all the high dollar tripods, but this is ONE of only a few cases that I can think of where spending a TON doesn't get you any farther then spending "enough." (Extension Tubes is another... how clear is AIR

)

JuniorMC8704 · Apr 29, 2008

i paid a premium for the pistol grip head. I love it for macro photography because just squeeze the grip, compose your photo exactly where you want it, on ANY axis, let go, its its locked down tight enough you could stand on it. Certainly makes fine tuning a lot easier. Perhaps something to think about down the road.

I use a manfrotto myself, and love it. I would also like to mention, be sure to get one that doesn't have cross support. You want to have 3 fully independent legs.

saltwaternewb · Apr 29, 2008

Is yours the carbon or aluminum? Do you have model numbers for the tripod and pistol grip? I have looked at alot of Manfrottos. Ebay has a ton of them for pretty good prices. I just want to make sure the model I get is heavy duty enough. Some of them look kinda light weight.