I would stick with the big names like Manfrotto and I would opt for a used better since it will sell more easily and probably at the same price you bought it once you move up to a new one. And who knows, maybe you'll like it enough to keep. For me, I prefer the heavy duty aluminium tripods over the really expensive carbon fiber. For one, the aluminium tripods are extremely sturdy and I'm a big guy so I don't mind toting around the extra weight. In addition, most of the Al tripods have a hook in the center post that allows you to hang a weight to it in case you're ever in a windy environment and need to reinforce it.
Tripod decision....driving me kinda nuts
- Thread starter Allen
- Start date
I would stick with the big names like Manfrotto and I would opt for a used better since it will sell more easily and probably at the same price you bought it once you move up to a new one. And who knows, maybe you'll like it enough to keep. For me, I prefer the heavy duty aluminium tripods over the really expensive carbon fiber. For one, the aluminium tripods are extremely sturdy and I'm a big guy so I don't mind toting around the extra weight. In addition, most of the Al tripods have a hook in the center post that allows you to hang a weight to it in case you're ever in a windy environment and need to reinforce it.
Yes, an "inexpensive" tripod would be better than no tripod assuming the tripod is rated for the weight of your kit. Cheap and inexpensive are very different things. And frankly, the aluminum tripods are, IMO, far better than the expensive carbon copies and fortunately the aluminum tend to be very inexpensive compared to the carbon fiber versions.
The only thing aluminum tripods are "better" at than carbon fiber is saving you money. CF is lighter and absorbs vibrations better than aluminum which makes it a much better material for tripods...it's the best of both worlds. But you pay for that with a considerably higher cost. I will never buy another aluminum tripod.
I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one. Aluminum is quite pliable and readily absorbs vibration, too, so realistically any difference between the two would be negligible. Moreover, carbon tripods have a nasty habit of tipping over far easier than Al tripods. The only advantage I see in carbon tripods is weight and strength relative to weight, IMO.
Tipper over is not a consequence of construction but of weight of camera and lens vs. supported weight of tripod and head, and or course, the position of the tripod. With a tripod and head of any material it's critical to buy one that can support the heaviest body and lens you plan to use. I think with CF people tend to see how light they are and buy one that's too light for the system they have.
donaldjledet
Senior Member
Try looking at Adorama.com They do some videos on tripods and camera and other stuff.
Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
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Sweat your technique, not your tripod.
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Sweat your technique, not your tripod.
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dddwyer1981
Senior Member
You definitely need to see to believe when it comes to the tripod. I picked up a Promaster when I was still riding the motorcycle, so I could put it in a saddlebag. Very sturdy and the price point wasn't too insane. However, the controls are rather small as its a travel size tripod. It works for how much I use a tripod, but if you're going to be using it on a regular basis you'll probably want something with a nicer head on it, and easier to use. Its all going to be up to what you like.
Agreed, aluminum and CF. I've heard, read and subscribe to 2X heaviest body and lens usage as a minimum tripod/head claimed support weight for all but top tier tripod/head equipment. We generally depend on manufacturer advertising specs for decision criteria and that's subjective regarding stability. Individual requirements vary but for field efforts any lack of tripod/head stability will often result in soft images blamed on technique/camera.
I don't want to be nasty, and I suppose the others who have commented feel the same, so that's probably why nobody has made the point, but a Ferrari or Rolls Royce badge on a car doesn't make you a better driver. You can spend as much as you like on a tripod but it will not make you a better photographer. The material you are talking about is aimed at pros in extreme situations. How many photos do you take per day, week, month? How many need a tripod? Would the photos you take now look any better if the tripod was worth £600? What type of photos require this tripod and what distance do you need to walk to take them?
Michael J.
Senior Member
I bought that on a year ago:
Fotopro FLA-584N Classic Professional Aluminum Alloy Tripod with FPH-61G Ballhead Tripod Kit (FLA-584N + FPH-61G)
Fotopro FLA-584N Classic Professional Aluminum Alloy Tripod with FPH-61G Ballhead Tripod Kit (FLA-584N + FPH-61G) [208-29068] - US$119.99 - China Wholesale - Seaben.com
For VDO shooting not that good
Fotopro FLA-584N Classic Professional Aluminum Alloy Tripod with FPH-61G Ballhead Tripod Kit (FLA-584N + FPH-61G)
Fotopro FLA-584N Classic Professional Aluminum Alloy Tripod with FPH-61G Ballhead Tripod Kit (FLA-584N + FPH-61G) [208-29068] - US$119.99 - China Wholesale - Seaben.com
For VDO shooting not that good
dddwyer1981
Senior Member
Understanding that spending a ton of money on a tripod setup probably will only truly benefit a professional in a certain situation. However, I'm not comfortable with leaving my $2k-$3k worth of equipment on top of a $25 tripod. It just doesn't pass the common sense test with me. However, there is a balance to be struck between a $150 tripod and a $800 tripod. You just have to find what works best for you.
Michael J.
Senior Member
My next tripod will be a better one for sure. Just saw yesterday that the handling and the stability is not that good as I thought.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
I rarely use a tripod but when I do need one I want one that I can trust. I also could not see spending hundreds of dollars for one. I went with the Dolica AX730P105 73-Inch Proline Tripod and Pan Head and at $75 it is a bargain. And it has a heavy duty Max Load of 17.6 Lbs so I doubt I will ever over overload it
There is no way I could afford to blow hundreds of dollars on a tripod. But if I had plenty of spending money, I admit I would likely get the best I could get. Not because I needed such a high dollar tripod, but because why go cheap if money isn't really an issue.lol
But then you would just go out and buy the most expensive one you could. You wouldn't come on a forum, ask for advice and then disregard that advice, would you?