tripods under $120

looking for a tripod for my D5200. i currently have a cheap Sunpak, but one of the adjustments on it seem to be broken and i want something more sturdy and taller. one that extends to at least 65" but is small/light enough to be carried around attached to a backpack. any recommendations good brands to look at for under $120...?

makinsphoto said:

looking for a tripod for my D5200. i currently have a cheap Sunpak, but one of the adjustments on it seem to be broken and i want something more sturdy and taller. one that extends to at least 65" but is small/light enough to be carried around attached to a backpack. any recommendations good brands to look at for under $120...?

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If you don't need one right away (can deal with shipping) look at vanguard or even dolica on amazon.

The Dolicas will run you around $60 and the Vanguard $115 or so

I recently bought a Manfrotto 293A3 Exposition model with a RC1 head, delivered for 50 Pound Sterling.

For your D5200 that will do (even if I already would recommend a head update), however I must recommend to save up and go a bit higher in budget. Where this is OK for occasional indoors work, a bit heavier lenses in the future and working outside, ... for $120 is really not ideal, you do get what you pay for.

There are many Slik U-212's available on Ebay. I use a Bogen in the studio but my 30+ year old U-212 out in the field. It will support a heavy camera (like my F2 w/ motor drive or F4S and my 600mm f/4 AIS Nikkor (12 pounds) with no problems.

thanks. i found a nice Vanguard on Amazon that i like and has great reviews, a little more than i wanted to spend, but it should last a long time.

I've been happy with my 3Pod w/k2 ball head. It's carbon fiber and handles the load of my D610 and 28-300mm lens with no issues. The model I've got was $150 and is one of the cheapest carbon fiber models I've found. Adorama carries them.

Go for Manfrotto........Manfroto tripods are best.......Qulity is well-build........