buying a tripod
- Thread starter KaO12343
- Start date
BackdoorArts
Senior Member
"Cheap Tripod" is just another way of saying "First of several tripods". The reason you use a tripod is because you want a rock solid foundation for your camera that won't move. Anything less and you might as well hand hold. For me there are two varieties, big, bulky and solid, and travel. There's no forgiving movement in the former, and for the latter you want something solid that will work in most situations, be light enough and small enough to fit in/on your bag or back, and will allow you to hand something under it to help stabilize it in windy situations.
I know you meant "inexpensive", so we need to know a budget, and a type. Second hand is a good way to go here, and if you've got a decent shop nearby that deals in used equipment it's a great way to save some bucks on what was originally a more expensive piece. I love my Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with 498RC2 head (just over $300 new). Solid as a rock. I'm also a huge fan of the new MeFOTO travel tripods (I have the Road Trip - $189 new). Thankfully I've found a mounting bracket that will fit on both Arca Swiss and Manfrotto quick releases.
I know it's tough to think about spending a lot on a piece of equipment like that, but realize that if you get something that just doesn't going to do the job all the time then you're eventually going to buy something else, and maybe something else until you either quit in frustration or spend the money you should have spent the first time.
I know you meant "inexpensive", so we need to know a budget, and a type. Second hand is a good way to go here, and if you've got a decent shop nearby that deals in used equipment it's a great way to save some bucks on what was originally a more expensive piece. I love my Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with 498RC2 head (just over $300 new). Solid as a rock. I'm also a huge fan of the new MeFOTO travel tripods (I have the Road Trip - $189 new). Thankfully I've found a mounting bracket that will fit on both Arca Swiss and Manfrotto quick releases.
I know it's tough to think about spending a lot on a piece of equipment like that, but realize that if you get something that just doesn't going to do the job all the time then you're eventually going to buy something else, and maybe something else until you either quit in frustration or spend the money you should have spent the first time.
WileyCoyote
Banned
I bougfht a cheap tripod off of Amazon about a month after I was given my camera, I paid less than $20 for it and it has served me well in the 2 months I have had it.
But as BackdoorHippie said above "Cheap Tripod" is just another way of saying "First of several tripods". I find myself wanting to get a better one for all around use
mainly one with a ball head. Here's a link to the tripod I bought off of Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Professional-...al+PRO+72-inch+Super+Strong+Tripod++for+Nikon
But as BackdoorHippie said above "Cheap Tripod" is just another way of saying "First of several tripods". I find myself wanting to get a better one for all around use
mainly one with a ball head. Here's a link to the tripod I bought off of Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Professional-...al+PRO+72-inch+Super+Strong+Tripod++for+Nikon
Last edited:
i bought a cheapo from best buy $35, dont use it much, i saw my first manfrotto the other week, wow, i thought it was used for a tv camera when i saw it sitting, but the guy used a canon t3, the camera looked lost on it, but what a tripod. Makes the el cheapos look like a toy.
LouCioccio
Senior Member
Flashpoint CF2228N Carbon Fiber Tripod, Supports 22Lbs F2228N
Its a Flashpoint carbon fiber at 99$US free shipping. Some reviews were mixed on the internet so I took a chance yesterday. Adorama has a return policy. I have a Amvona (Dyna whatever) sturdy but HEAVY. Looking for something lighter and still hold my Oly 50-200 lens. I don't have anything that heavy yet with the Nikon gear.
Ciao,
Lou Cioccio
Its a Flashpoint carbon fiber at 99$US free shipping. Some reviews were mixed on the internet so I took a chance yesterday. Adorama has a return policy. I have a Amvona (Dyna whatever) sturdy but HEAVY. Looking for something lighter and still hold my Oly 50-200 lens. I don't have anything that heavy yet with the Nikon gear.
Ciao,
Lou Cioccio
I recently upgraded to the Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with 498RC2 head a week ago, found a nice combo deal on Amazon. It replaces my $50 Quantaray tripod I bought a few years back.
Somethings to look for are stability, height and how the tripod connects to your camera. I understand your need to find one 'cheap', but some factors are important.
Good Luck!
Somethings to look for are stability, height and how the tripod connects to your camera. I understand your need to find one 'cheap', but some factors are important.
Good Luck!
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
One problem a lot of people have with tripods in that they are to short and you have to bend over to use them, I am 6'3" so I needed a tall tripod. I got the Amazon.com: Dolica AX730P105 73-Inch Proline Tripod and Pan Head: Camera & Photo which is 73" tall. I love it and it is very strong and secure.
Look at the entire Dolica line. Ther are a number of people here on the forum that use them. They are not cheap but are not expensive for the quality that you get.
Look at the entire Dolica line. Ther are a number of people here on the forum that use them. They are not cheap but are not expensive for the quality that you get.
Ijustwant1
Senior Member
I have a Kodak gear tripod and its been good to me for many years , light and strong straped on the back of a motobike thrown in the boot ( trunk for you guys from over there )
Ijustwant1
Senior Member
Hmm looking at my post .... no I do not throw the motobike in the boot (trunk) 
layful:
layful: