Any tripod recommendations?

Hi all,

I am looking to replace my flimsy Targus tripod I got at Target with something a little more sturdy. It would be great if it folded down to fit into a backpack for ease of transportation for hiking, city shots, etc etc. I am looking to spend between 50-75 dollars if possible.

Any recommendations in that price range?

Thanks

btw Mods if this post is better for suited for another forum, feel free to move it

edit: after googling around a little bit I am finding my 50-75 dollar range may be tough to find anything of quality. <150 would be ideal I suppose.

I'm sorry, but I think your budget is on the small side. You my be able to find a non-light weight tripod in that price range or maybe a standard weight tripod used. As in 2000 I spent $150.00 for a new GOOD tripod. My daughter did purchase a good tripod for about $99.00 in 2007, but it will not hold a 4X5 inch view camera.

I would go to a Professional Camera store they should have good tripods with heads for under 150, maybe even a very light weight used tripod in your price range. Make sure you have your camera with your largest lens to tryout the tripod in the store.

Take a look at the line of tripods by Slik. I find they are possibly the best bang for the buck You can get a very nice and sturdy piece, with carrying case for about 89.00 i'm sure they have decent ones as well that are even less. You can look at www.adorama.com and go to tripods and then narrow your search to slik. Adorama even has their own brand, not sure who makes it for them that are inexpensive and relatively good.

Here are two you might want to consider

http://www.adorama.com/SLSPM.html

http://www.adorama.com/BG785B.html

Here is a Silk tripod and head that got some good reviews. I don't know what exact height limit you want, when folded down but this one is 19.3". On the left hand side you can choose a different height requirement if needed. If you already have a head then you can get more tripod for the price.

I currently have a Silk 700 DX Pro and love it, nice and sturdy but it does have some weight to it.

What are you looking for the max weight for this tripod to hold?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JamesV

Here is a Silk tripod and head that got some good reviews. I don't know what exact height limit you want, when folded down but this one is 19.3". On the left hand side you can choose a different height requirement if needed. If you already have a head then you can get more tripod for the price.

I currently have a Silk 700 DX Pro and love it, nice and sturdy but it does have some weight to it.

What are you looking for the max weight for this tripod to hold?

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I have the 700DX PRO as well and am very happy with it. I attached a bogen ball head to it as well. What I love is that the center column unscrews into two halves. By removing the lower half, I can get this massive tripod down to under a foot off the ground,

Another good option is the Slik ABLE 300 DX which I had first and is also very good. At about 99.00 its pretty strong and folds small enough to get into a backpack. However, it is a bit larger and more robust than the 340 you linked to.

my dad and I both got the rocket fish carbon fiber tripod (best buy's brand I think) for christmas, which was on sale at the time, but goes for $150. He's a pro of 45 years, me not so much, but the consensus is that for the price, it's a damn nice and versatile tripod.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gahspidy

I have the 700DX PRO as well and am very happy with it. I attached a bogen ball head to it as well. What I love is that the center column unscrews into two halves. By removing the lower half, I can get this massive tripod down to under a foot off the ground.

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Yea, I have the now discontinued 486RC2 head and love it.

My first question would be what type of camera system are you using? According to your profile, your main camera is a P&S. I wouldn't think you would need much to support a P&S camera but if you intend to step up to a DSLR you would be wise to purchase a tripod based on your future needs as well.

One thing I have noticed about the cheap tripods you find at discount stores is that the legs are almost always attached to the center column with some bracing. This prevents you from opening the legs independently from each other. This is a must for shooting in the field on uneven ground.

The type of head you choose is very important as well. Look at all your option before making a choice. I have a Bogen 488RC2 head that has treated me well. The more I use it though, the more I wish I had gone with the Arca Swiss style quick release system. It's much more expensive, but I think it's a better system.

The others have given you some great options already but here is one more to think about. I have heard nothing but good things about the new Induro line of tripods. They start at less than $100 and go up from there.

Thanks guys for the replies. MJS, I actually use a DSLR, Digital Rebel with the biggest lens being a 55-250 Canon IS lens. (I guess I haven't updated my profile in a while).

I will check out some of these links

Thanks again

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