Looking for a decent tripod on a budget

[AussieBloke]

Hi there.

I'm currently based in the UK, and am planning a trip to New York (probably early next year, but who knows) and I'm hoping to take advantage of the cheaper prices to expand/replace some of my gear.So expect a few posts to come!

I would like to replace my cheapo tripod with something more durable but I'm pretty overwhelmed by the options! I would like something relatively compact (can carry attached to a LowePro backpack or the like) and not too heavy, but can reliably be used for long exposures. Being married, it goes without saying that I'm on a budget so the real fancy stuff (e.g. carbon fibre) will probably be out of reach.

My expected kit will be an EOS350D + batt pack, 24-105 f4 L IS, 10-22 EF-S and a 28-200 f3.5-5.6 (which I plan to replace down the track with either a 70-200 f4 L IS + 1.4X extender or 100-400 L IS) so hopefully that gives an idea of the weight the tripod needs to hold. I take lots of landscapes when travelling if that helps - does that influence what type of head I should get?

I know this is long winded, so thanks for reading. Any advice is most apprecited.

Cheers,
Sean

[Canuck935]

Well, what exactly is your budget? A really popular (and really good) tripod is the Manfrotto 3021. As for heads, it's really up to you. Some prefer ball heads, others prefer the pan/tilt heads.

[AussieBloke]

Well, what exactly is your budget? A really popular (and really good) tripod is the Manfrotto 3021. As for heads, it's really up to you. Some prefer ball heads, others prefer the pan/tilt heads.

Good question. Honestly, I don't have an exact budget, since I really don't know how much I need to spend to get a serviceable tripod, but $150 is probably a ballpark number. But tell me if I'm being unrealisitic! I'll make a note of the 3021 - thanks.

[Canuck935]

I'm sure you can get some of the tripod kits (legs + head) for $150. I think I spent a little over $200 for the 3021Pro and a pan/tilt head (forgot which model).

[mjs1973]

Welcome to the Forum Sean. This is a question that comes up a lot. Check out this thread and see what some of the others have mentioned.