Tripod Help

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Chubby

Senior Member
My cheap tripod after 5 years finally died yesterday and now i'm faced with getting a new one. I have about $200 to spend, what do you recomend? I need something pretty tall since i'm 6'6", but that folds down to about 24", weight isn't too much of a concern. Thanks for the help.
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Chubby said:
My cheap tripod after 5 years finally died yesterday and now i'm faced with getting a new one. I have about $200 to spend, what do you recomend? I need something pretty tall since i'm 6'6", but that folds down to about 24", weight isn't too much of a concern. Thanks for the help.
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Off the top of my head I'd suggest the Manfrotto MT055XPRO3. It sells for about $200, maybe $250; but that's for the legs alone. If you need a ball head that's an additional expense that can vary greatly depending on what you want.

If you need a complete setup in the $200 range I'd suggest the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100.
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Whiskeyman

Senior Member
For a tripod, go used.

I've recently purchased one off of eBay and I'm very happy with it, even though it is rather heavy. (Heavy usually means more stable.) Make sure the seller has a good rating and offers returns at least if it does not measure up to the description or is damaged in shipping. Read the item description carefully and look for details about the item condition. Ask them questions if you have any, and never get rushed or caught up in an eBay auction. If you miss this one, another will likely come along in the future.

And most importantly, know the value of the item you are going to bid on, to ensure that you don't pay more than you would if you purchased it retail used or new.

WM
 
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Chubby

Senior Member
I've found a place to order replacement parts from, so for less than $25 i'll give that a try first and see what happens, thanks for helping everyone.
 
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Blade Canyon

Senior Member
My one caveat about getting a used one is that the devices that lock the legs in the extended position sometimes wear out over time, and the leg will slowly slide back in, making the tripod unstable. I had a good telescope tripod that failed in that very way and the telescope hit the garage floor hard.

Good luck with fixing yours, but if you decide to buy one I also like Manfrotto.
 
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Gobae

Senior Member
After having the Mefoto that SteveL54 recommended on my wishlist for some time, B&H had a sale on the Vanguard Alta Pro CB 50 for $179 and I just couldn't resist. Vanguard Alta Pro 253 CB 50 Tripod W/SBH 50 ALTA PRO 253CB 50 Although the Mefoto has a monopod option, the movable center column of the Vanguard gives me more options when doing low macro shots. It's been a rock solid unit for me. So far I'm very pleased with the Vanguard.
 
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