Need new Tripod and head that wont break the bank?

I'm looking at purchasing the 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens for my D5300. This will be my largest lens, I already have some creep with my little SLIK mini sprint tripod so I know I must get a new tripod. I hoping to find something not too heavy and cumbersome to use for travel and road trips and be able to handle the weight of a larger lens.

What are my options, I hope I have a few, for decent quality tripod and head for under $300 total?

Following along. Interested as well for something along same lines as you.


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Look at the Dolica Proline tripods. I have a heavy duty one and two travel ones. The Proline ones are not to expensive and are fairly heavy duty

I think I'd worry about the Dolica Proline tripod being able to handle the weight?

Doxie said:

I think I'd worry about the Dolica Proline tripod being able to handle the weight?

Click to expand...

Mine handles my D750 with the Tamron 150-600

Mine is no longer make. It is the Dolica 73" Proline Aluminum Alloy Tripod and Pan Head, Supports 17 lbs. Model AX730P-105 I did change out the head for the Dolica G100 Pistol Grip Head. I have arthritis in my hands and the pistol grip allows me to loosen and tighten the head by just griping, moving and letting go.

This is rated for 17 pounds. That might be pushing it but I have never come close to overloading it. Now the little travel tripods I have will not hold near that much.

I have been very pleased with my Vanguard AltaPro carrying a D5300 or D500 and 150-600

I am very happy with the Dolica GX650B204 I bought to replace my old (old) Slik.
I picked it up last Winter when someone here gave a shoutout about a sale on Amazon.
Current price $62.95
Capacity 17 lbs.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XC3GZW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The head that has captured my attention (for a big telephoto) is a gimbal made in England.
The LensMaster. I think the price is great for what you get.
$214 USD for their most expensive (delivered)
The full gimbal weighs just a little over 2 lbs.

LensMaster Gimbal RH-2

There are other types of heads out there, but right now my sights are set on this one.

Doxie said:

I'm looking at purchasing the 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens for my D5300. This will be my largest lens, I already have some creep with my little SLIK mini sprint tripod so I know I must get a new tripod. I hoping to find something not too heavy and cumbersome to use for travel and road trips and be able to handle the weight of a larger lens.

What are my options, I hope I have a few, for decent quality tripod and head for under $300 total?

Click to expand...

This might take some research on your part. Both Tripods, and Heads are rated for different ranges of weight... What you need to do is pick a combination that will support the maximum amount that you'll put on them.

Put everything (lens/filters/flash) on your camera and weigh it... Then shop for a tripod and head that exceeds that weight... Some of the manufacturers deliberately bury their statistics for a reason... the better ones clearly state them...