Buying a tripod

[PhotoGirl]

In the next few weeks I'm planning on buying a tripod for my SLR camera.
Since I've never bought one before, is there anything specific I should look for/anything to keep in mind while shopping around? Thanks.

[mjs1973]

My advise, and I've said it before, get the best tripod you can afford. A few things you should consider is the height and weight of the tripod. Also, what type of head do you want to put on it.

Here is a link go another tripod thread on this site that you might fine helpful.

Here is another!

And one more.

I hope these help!

[another view]

I agree about buying the best you can afford here - I've wasted a lot of money trying to save it on tripods.

Some guy named another view had some good advice in the second link.

[mjs1973]

MJS and that Another View guy must have learned this lesson the hard way, because those two are always getting in on the "help with a tripod" threads.

[PhotoGirl]

thanks for your answers and links, guys!

[another view]

that Another View guy must have learned this lesson the hard way

Umm... Yeah! The theory of a big and heavy tripod being very stable doesn't always pan out... My first was bought on ebay (sight unseen, of course) and it was big and heavy. I thought that's all I needed, but I could handhold the camera better than the tripod could. Still happy with the carbon fiber Gitzo - price of admission is high on this one but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[PhotoGirl]

What do you guys think of the Mini (with a 2-Way head)? It's the last one on the page.
Any suggestions/comments are welcome!

http://www.slik.com/lwse.html

[Mig]

The mini only extends to about 8.5 inches high. I'm assuming you're actually looking for a full size tripod and not a table-top?

I started with a $50 Slik tripod and ended up cracking a plastic piece while I was tightening it, so I'll second what the guys have said as far as getting the best tripod you can afford.

I'm currently using the Bogen 3021Pro legs with the 3025 3D head. I'm happy with this setup, although now I probably would have gone with a different head. And I would love carbon fiber legs...but they were more than I wanted to spend at the time.

Do you have a price limit you're looking at?

Danielle

[photophorous]

I just got a Manfrotto 3021N...I think the head is a 3029 3-way tilt. I had been using a flimsy Vivatar up until now, which worked okay, but always scared me.

I almost posted a thread in Viewfinder just to say how excited I was. Unexpectedly, and for no realistic reason, seeing my camera sitting on that new tripod, accross the room from the sofa were I was sitting, a sudden feeling of legitimacy came over me. That probably sounds weird. My point is, like everyone else has said, do your self a favor and get a good one. You will be glad. It's the one piece of equipment you'll keep forever.

Happy shopping.

Paul

[mjs1973]

I'm a 3021(BPro) leg user myself. I have a 488RC2 ball head.

I remember when I first decided I needed a tripod. I looked at them at a camera store, and my jaw about hit the floor. I couldn't imagine someone paying that much money for a set of legs, and still have to shell out more cash for a head to put on it. I went to Wal-mart and picked one up for a small fraction of the price. That one has since been replaced by the set up mentioned above. I wish I knew then what I know now.

[PhotoGirl]

Thanks all for your helpful advice!
That's the tough part about buying a tripod, for me, is that I'm not able to spend too much money on it. That's why I was also looking at mini-pods as well, but I was hoping to find a full-length one.

I found this tripod, that I may buy--any opinions are welcomed. (They have one of these at a local store, for a decent price).


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

[another view]

They have one of these at a local store, for a decent price

Take your camera and longest lens to the camera store. Mount it on the tripod, and while looking thru the viewfinder see how stable it is. It doesn't need to be as solid as a granite boulder, but should be pretty solid. Try this camera/lens on a heavier, more sturdy tripod and see what the difference is.