Tripod question

Hey everyone. I'm new here but hope to post on a regular basis.

I have a question concerning tripods because I really don't know much about them. I'm wanting to buy a good quality one as a gift for a photographer friend. She has recently bought a new $2000 camera and the tripod she used for her old camera doesn't quite cut it for this one, so I'm wanting to get her a new one.

She has this camera with this lens. I don't want to be spending an insane amound but I was thinking about something around the $200 mark?

Thank you in advance for any help.

Hi and welcome! I see you're in England so just to clarify that's $200 USD?

Bogen/Manfrotto makes really nice tripods in that price range and you'll have a lot of options. Things to consider would be her height (so she doesn't have to bend over if she's tall, although that really doesn't bother me much) and how she'll be using it. You might go with something slightly heavier if she isn't going to carry it for long distances, which would usually be the case with nature photography.

On the other hand, "gifts for a photographer" have been brought up before. The general consensus is to either give a gift card or have the person pick it out - probably not what you had in mind. Or, guess as close as you can and buy from a local store with a good return policy. Equipment is very personal, and what works for me might not for someone else.

Thanks for your reply.

She'll mainly be using it for nature photography and landscapes.
I took on some of your advice and found this one, which in my ignorant eyes looks pretty good :p Is there any major restrictions or negatives about that tripod that I should know about? I'm hoping not for $240 :p

And yeah, I was aware there's every chance that there's something in particular she looks for in tripods and things she may not like about the one I buy. But if I get her to pick one she'll just refuse and wanna buy it herself cause she's no fun :p So I'm gonna take a risk.

I suck at present buying :mad2:

that tripod is one of the best around for that purpose. strong, stable, good height. all the little bits and features you could want from an outdoor specific tripod (this one is great for the field or the studio) if they into close ups or going to really rugged terrain then the benbo is also worth considering. they do take some getting used to but most poeple would never go back. as you can see with <a href="http://www.adorama.com/BNTC.html?searchinfo=benbo&item_no=1">this</a> one they are capable of an infinite number of positions which is handy when trying to get a good shot of a flower in a creek bed or setting it up on slippery rocks etc.

I have to agree with Skyman. For "nature photography and landscapes", to me that screams uneven terrain. I have used the same Benbo for close to 20 years - still works great when I use it.

I've had it in a creek, against a rock wall with two legs down and one leg horizontal, legs splayed out to shoot low....

Nothing easier and quicker to set up a shot on nature's platform.

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Originally Posted by Standfield

She'll mainly be using it for nature photography and landscapes.
I took on some of your advice and found this one, which in my ignorant eyes looks pretty good :p Is there any major restrictions or negatives about that tripod that I should know about? I'm hoping not for $240 :p

And yeah, I was aware there's every chance that there's something in particular she looks for in tripods and things she may not like about the one I buy.

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This is a very popular tripod and I'm sure it will suit her well. The only thing that I would question is the head. Most people I know, including myself, use a ball head. I have the 488RC2 on my tripod and I think it's pretty great. One knob and I can adjust my camera to any position. WIth a 3-way, pan/tilt head you have 3 seperate knobs to adjusts. For landscapes, it would be fine, but if she is after moving subjects such as birds and other wildlife and speed is important, I would suggest a ball head.

My old tripod has a 3-way pan/tilt head and I find it to be a pain in the butt. I still use it once in a while, but the ball head is much faster and eisier to adjust.