Looking for a cheap tripod

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D3100 Mickey

New member
Hello everyone,

I just found out about this forum and i thought it was the best place to ask my question.
Since a few months im the owner of a D3100 (first DLSR) and I'm looking for a cheap tripod.
I have no idea what kind of tripods there are, so I am hoping this thread can give me some recommendations.

English isn't my native language so I'm sorry if the sentences are incorrect


Thanks, Mickey
 
AC016

AC016

Senior Member
When you say "cheap", how cheap do you mean? You may have a small budget, but I would not buy anything too "cheap". In the end, you will only regret it and end up buying another one. I know, because I did the same thing. Spend at least a couple of hundred dollars and get something decent.
 
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D3100 Mickey

New member
A couple hundred dollars is way out of my league, I go to school 5 days a week and I volunteer at my local elderly home a couple hours a week.
So a job is not really on my mind at the moment, I do make some money from time to time but my budget isn't big.

I'm not planning on using it in a way where it might get damaged.
Thanks for the feedback so far :)
 
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Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
D3100 Mickey said:
A couple hundred dollars is way out of my league, I go to school 5 days a week and I volunteer at my local elderly home a couple hours a week.
So a job is not really on my mind at the moment, I do make some money from time to time but my budget isn't big.

I'm not planning on using it in a way where it might get damaged.
Thanks for the feedback so far :)
Click to expand...

The Dolica is not that expensive. I have it and it is quite sturdy and does not cost an arm and a leg. Amazon.com: Dolica AX730P105 73-Inch Proline Tripod and Pan Head: Camera & Photo Other models start at about $40 but really can't tell you anything about them. Several members here use them. That is what made me look at them to begin with.

I liked this one since it is tall enough to shoot from without having to bend over all the time.
 
AC016

AC016

Senior Member
D3100 Mickey said:
A couple hundred dollars is way out of my league, I go to school 5 days a week and I volunteer at my local elderly home a couple hours a week.
So a job is not really on my mind at the moment, I do make some money from time to time but my budget isn't big.

I'm not planning on using it in a way where it might get damaged.
Thanks for the feedback so far :)
Click to expand...

If you lived a bit closer, i have an extra one that i could get rid of for cheap.
 
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fotojack

Senior Member
I like the looks of the Proline tripod. Pretty reasonable price, too. I wonder if the head is removable; yeah, it probably is, because I saw that you can get a ball head for it, too.
 
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Mike150

Senior Member
Welcome Mickey. I can't begin to tell you which tripod to buy.
Something to consider is the weights of your camera PLUS your largest lens PLUS your flash. When added together, you have a starting point. Make sure the tripod you select will support that much weight.
Your Camera weighs 455 grams. If you are using the 55-200vr zoom (335g) and an SB700 flash (360g). you would need a tripod that could support a minimum of 1150 grams.
 
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TedG954

Senior Member
Another way to go...... research for a better grade tripod, but used, rather than a newer "cheap" one. A used Manfrotto is better than a used cheapo.
 
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jwstl

Senior Member
stmv said:
brand new like this one -> New Manfrotto 5 Section Aluminum Ball Head Tripod Digital Camera DSLR MKC3 P01 0719821322870 | eBay

69 dollars. lot's of examples on ebay of great low price tripods and even cheaper use ones.
Click to expand...
I recommend you get the best tripod you can afford. This Manfrotto says it has a maximum load of 3.31 pounds. That may be acceptable for the D3100 and the kit lens but once you upgrade your camera and lenses you'll probably need to upgrade the tripod as well. Think about what you may have in the not too distant future, check the specifications, and buy accordingly.
 
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