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  1. #1
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    need a tripod recommendation

    I'm trying to give out gift suggestions for myself for the upcoming holidays and one piece of gear I've been eyeing is a tripod. I was hoping to find something usable for $100 or less. Is this possible? If so, anyone have any specific recommendations? I was looking at some from Best Buy and they seemed kind of flimsy in the store, backed up by their online reviews talking about all the plastic parts breaking or the head moving down after you set it. If 100 is not realistic for a decent (i.e. usable) tripod, what would be the minimum price range I should look at? I'm just doing amateur work nothing pro but would like something light enough to strap to my backpack for walking trails or whatnot.

  2. #2
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    Re: need a tripod recommendation

    Ok I found one at BH Photo that looks like it's getting good reviews, any comments?

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Pro_II_GM.html

  3. #3
    drg
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    Re: need a tripod recommendation

    Two things I know about this series of tripods:

    1. They will loosen up at the top joints of the legs after use. But the construction is such that it can be tightened. Added washers may be needed at each joint eventually to keep the tripod from being shaky loose when opened.
    2. The included ball head is best described as weak. Not breakable just will not hold a larger camera. An entry level DSLR and normal zoom (18-50mm as an example) will work fine. However a professional large heavy lens starts to tax the holding power of this ball head even at shorter lengths. Something in the tele zoom range such as a 70-200 will not be secure.

    Add a larger pro body, lens, and a flash and the torque may cause the ball head to not hold the setting you desire.

    A replacement head of better capability can be attached, but be forewarned it will cost more than this combo!
    CDPrice 'drg'
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  4. #4
    Senior Member freygr's Avatar
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    Re: need a tripod recommendation

    A good tripod will last a life time, I would not recommend a old heavy tripod like a majestic (very heavy about 20lbs. I like the Manfrotto line and have an 3092 set about 7-10lbs, now about 10 years old. It supports the Olympus C3030, Nikon FM-10, D70, D90, and ViewGraphic 4 x 5 view camera just fine. At the time I paid about $150 for it, the equivalent tripod at in the $250 and up range now days. Tripod heads with out quick release plates are a little cheaper, and ball heads a little more costly. A nice tripod can be found around $100 but it will not hold a view camera. You need a rated load for the tripod head in the range of 8lbs or more if you have a SLR/DSLR but range finder type cameras can get by with a much lighter load rated tripod.

    Check out this tripod it's the first one with all the stars, with the sort set form low to high price. I would not say its for pro-use as a pro would wear it out quickly but a hobbyist it would last years. Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...al_Tripod.html
    GRF

    Panorama Madness:

    Nikon D800, 50mm F1.4D AF, 16-35mm, 28-200mm & 70-300mm

  5. #5
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    Re: need a tripod recommendation

    Quote Originally Posted by freygr
    A good tripod will last a life time, I would not recommend a old heavy tripod like a majestic (very heavy about 20lbs. I like the Manfrotto line and have an 3092 set about 7-10lbs, now about 10 years old. It supports the Olympus C3030, Nikon FM-10, D70, D90, and ViewGraphic 4 x 5 view camera just fine. At the time I paid about $150 for it, the equivalent tripod at in the $250 and up range now days. Tripod heads with out quick release plates are a little cheaper, and ball heads a little more costly. A nice tripod can be found around $100 but it will not hold a view camera. You need a rated load for the tripod head in the range of 8lbs or more if you have a SLR/DSLR but range finder type cameras can get by with a much lighter load rated tripod.

    Check out this tripod it's the first one with all the stars, with the sort set form low to high price. I would not say its for pro-use as a pro would wear it out quickly but a hobbyist it would last years. Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...al_Tripod.html
    Thanks, your link went directly to the page for a $35 model, there was no listing. Was that what you intended? It sounded like you were sending me a search results list. Hmm I know it has 5 stars but that's from one review.

  6. #6
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    Re: need a tripod recommendation

    Quote Originally Posted by drg
    Two things I know about this series of tripods:

    1. They will loosen up at the top joints of the legs after use. But the construction is such that it can be tightened. Added washers may be needed at each joint eventually to keep the tripod from being shaky loose when opened.
    2. The included ball head is best described as weak. Not breakable just will not hold a larger camera. An entry level DSLR and normal zoom (18-50mm as an example) will work fine. However a professional large heavy lens starts to tax the holding power of this ball head even at shorter lengths. Something in the tele zoom range such as a 70-200 will not be secure.

    Add a larger pro body, lens, and a flash and the torque may cause the ball head to not hold the setting you desire.

    A replacement head of better capability can be attached, but be forewarned it will cost more than this combo!
    What do you think about the 3-way panhead model? I read a few reviews where people said that had a much larger "joint" and was more able to hold the heavier setups. I'm definitely wanting something I can use my XSi with non-IS 70-300mm lens on.

  7. #7
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    Re: need a tripod recommendation


  8. #8
    Senior Member freygr's Avatar
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    Re: need a tripod recommendation

    Quote Originally Posted by flyinion
    Thanks, your link went directly to the page for a $35 model, there was no listing. Was that what you intended? It sounded like you were sending me a search results list. Hmm I know it has 5 stars but that's from one review.
    I did not look at the number of reviews, and the link I just checked and it worked??

    But from your other thread that is the set of tripod legs I have and I'm very happy with them. But I like the pan and tilt head over the ball heads. The setup you are looking at will support a small view camera, maybe a 8 x10 view camera with a different head.
    GRF

    Panorama Madness:

    Nikon D800, 50mm F1.4D AF, 16-35mm, 28-200mm & 70-300mm

  9. #9
    drg
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    Re: need a tripod recommendation

    I like the Manfrotto tripods for a lower(not cheap) cost solution. It seems like they are often on sale or budget priced for what you get.

    Ball Heads are supposed to be the 'best' solution for a quick setup. For a budget user, the pistol grip squeeze release head from Manfrotto is a good deal and for many an easier solution.

    The ball head you reference is a good solid one and appears to be on sale, but still needs to be really tightened down. Once it is firm set, it will stay that way. Getting more in a ball head will cost three or more times as much money.
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  10. #10
    Junior Member Danbaileyphoto's Avatar
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    Re: need a tripod recommendation

    Here's a review I did of a handful of good outdoor photography tripods. The Manfrotto's are really highly rated- I've had one for years.

    http://danbaileyphoto.com/blog/6-gre...e-photography/
    Daniel H. Bailey's Adventure Photography Blog
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