Recommend A Good Tripod?

Can anyone recommend a good tripod?

I know that having a large DSLR like the D7000 creates weight issues with a tripod...and if you say throw a lens like a 70-200mm on it that amplifies even further.

Can you recommend a good tri-pod that is say in the $150-300 (CDN/US) range...$300 at this point is even stretching it as I'm saving for a 70-200mm 2.8...

Thoughts?

J

Amazon.com: Manfrotto 190XPROB 3 Section Aluminum Pro Tripod: Camera & Photo

You'll also need a head to go with it... there are several Manfrotto heads to choose from, keeping your total costs below $200

I love my Gorilla.
I have a feeling you want something tall, but this little thing is awesome.

I find myself using it more and more then I ever thought. if you have a tree, poll, rail, etc. you can wrap it around it. if you have a really bad rocky area, no problem, just adjust it and it sits like a rock star.

if you get it, I highly recommend getting the ball to sit on top of it, so you can just twist nobs to turn the camera to its side, around, level the shoot, etc etc.

JOBY flexible camera tripods for DSLR/SLR cameras and point-and-shoots

I went with a used Manfrotto off ebay, think I paid around $150. I have used it so many times and it is solid. I have a 70-200 and also a sigma 50-500 and not issues at all. It is heavy to haul around but the strength and security are worth it to me. I am up to 4 quick release plates, you'll need them for lenses and camera bodies.

mashburn said:

I love my Gorilla.
I have a feeling you want something tall, but this little thing is awesome.

I find myself using it more and more then I ever thought. if you have a tree, poll, rail, etc. you can wrap it around it. if you have a really bad rocky area, no problem, just adjust it and it sits like a rock star.

if you get it, I highly recommend getting the ball to sit on top of it, so you can just twist nobs to turn the camera to its side, around, level the shoot, etc etc.

JOBY flexible camera tripods for DSLR/SLR cameras and point-and-shoots

Click to expand...

That's definitely interesting...then 'anything' becomes your tripod....

I had a gorillapod once....It wasn't very stable....I was lucky enough to loose it...

There are so many good tripods out there, it really comes down to purpose of use and what your wallet will bear. I got a used Manfrotto 055 Pro for $75 on Kijiji. Heavy but built like a tank. I use it for portrait studio shots and outside wildlife and landscape shots. I put a Manfrotto 496R2 head on it and it is my go to tripod. I also have a Daiwa Hi-Ace 400 (now known as Slik) tripod. Again, well built, but not as heavy as the Manfrotto. I don't really worry about weight, as I don't carry it all day long for long distances.
Another brand that comes to mind is the Benro line of monopods and tripods. Excellent value for the money. Ultimately, the choice is your alone to make.

I think if you can get a great deal on a good used one like Jack or Bill, that's the way to go. If you want new, this is the best $100 I have ever spent, very solid!

Oben AC-2310 3-Section Aluminum Tripod with BA-1 Ball Head Kit

pedroj said:

I had a gorillapod once....It wasn't very stable....I was lucky enough to loose it...

Click to expand...

I have not had a problem with attaching it to anything. I look for a strong pole, tree, etc. and attach it there. if I have to I will cut off a branch or two to make my path clear.

I will say when people go to try mine out on their camera, they tend to wrap it around....which results in it sliding down the pole. I find that I take two of the legs and wrap it above the camera spot I want my camera to be. one leg wraps over the other in a locking grip (If I can I twist the two). then I take the third leg and use it like a brace and the bottom. like the bottom of the leg is the only thing touching the poll. I'll take a picture of it to show you.

also it is nice having a small tripod. for people who do family portraits in a house. it is much better for me to set the little guy up on a desk vs tugging a long a 6' tripod. the gorilla ball makes it easier for me to adjust to leveling or angeling. while a larg tripod you have to play around alot. plus I can grab the little guy and take a picture if I am walking around the house vs having to take the camera of a 6' tripod then going to the area and going back and forth.

sorry it did not work for you like it does me. wish I could have found yours to use.

My thoughts...quit sending your money to China and buy a Star D off Ebay instead. You'll get a stout heavy duty rig that will hold a damn tank without falling over and it will come in way under budget...( until the word gets out )

http://tiltallsupport.blogspot.com/2010/03/mystery-of-star-d-tiltall.html

I'm guessing you can find these at slightly better prices used or on eBay, but I am more than happy with my Manfrotto 055XPROB with 498RC2 head - $239.90 at Amazon and there's an additional $30 in rebates, so you're just over $200 with a little extra work.

Amazon.com: Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black): Electronics

Thanks for all the input everyone!

I just bought a Dolica Proline ZX series Carbon Fibre tripod. Comes with a ball head style, obviously ripped off from Gitzo. Got great reviews and weighs in under 3lbs. Comes with a shoulder bag too. Price? Well, I cyber holiday'ed mine for $70. I'll let you know how it actually is, but it's a steep upgrade from what I was using, lol.
Point is, there might be something out there to suit your needs that doesn't cost a lot and still performs reasonably well. Just keep the eyes peeled!

Also, I should definitely add this.
Like most things in photography (lenses, bags etc.) I feel as if a tripod is very much a personal decision and kind of a part of you. Some like monopods, some don't mind weight, some do, some don't like the way certain ones lock, some dislike the ball head...the list goes on and on. Point is, definitely take time to know what you like and the decision will be made clearer for you.

I still use my trusty Benbo Tripods, I have had one for over 25 years now and the bigger one for over 10 years. They are made here in the UK by Paterson Photographic in Birmingham. The prices are around the £120 mark. Spares like feet, etc are easily available. The tripod can be used immersed in water, i,e rivers etc without worries and the tripod is erected in second no matter how level the ground, even on staircases. I have a Manfotto Ball head fitted with quick release Hex plates. The heaviest camera I now use are Fuji S5's with grip(Nikon D200 really with a far superior ccd on board) but in the past I used have Bronica's, Hassellblads and Mamiya RZ67 and they were held rock steady. A great tripod in my opinion.

you speak such truth.

The Dolica tripod I ordered has definitely exceeded my expectations. It is extremely stable, has legs that are able to be independently angled, the quick release plate with safety latch is awesome and the quickness of the twist lock legs is great. True, it may not be on par with the Gitzos and Benro's out there, but for what I need it for, it's absolutely a steal. Oh, and did I mention it can go as low as one inch? (as long as you're crafty and reverse the main shaft, lol)