Is a tripod a tripod a tripod?

[natgaines]

I'm going after work to go to my local Walmart to pick one up. I'd like something more stable than my mechanic hands (I'm an electrican-I've had my fair share of shocks) to try and get some shots tonight of the fireworks. Then it dawned on me... are all tripods created equal? :idea: Obviously I understand in terms of material, stability and depending on the purpose there are a wide variety of tripods. But, if I went to Walmart, can I just pick up any and they'll be universal? I don't need anything sophisticated; I'm going to crawl on top of my jeep out by the fair grounds and just try to get a few shots. But even 20 dollars is 20 dollars wasted if I can't use it. Suggestions? Save my money and get a NICE one later down the road? I just don't have the 100 dollars to drop today, but even a foot high little tripod can be handy right?? Thanks in advance, you guys rock!!

[Frog]

A Walmart tripod may be better than nothing but you might want to see if you can find another way to stabilize. I know a lot of people use sandbags in a pinch.

The problem with a $20 dollar tripod is you'll end up spending $120 dollars for a $100 tripod. But if you need one tonight go ahead and go for it. If you have remote capabilities, they might be a good idea to use.

[fx101]

You can take fireworks pics just fine from a walmart tripod. I ended up leaving my gitzo sitting behind while a "target" pan and tilt tripod held my camera. It's more of a camera setting thing. For other uses you'll be disappointed with the walmart tripods though =D.

[Franglais]

I have had a variety of tripods. As other people have said, I finished up by buying an expensive one. It just works better - when I lock the position it's really solid, the quick-release plate is more practical than screwing the camera down each time, the ball head is faster to adjust than a head with three movements, etc.

A light, cheap tripod can handle a light camera with a wide-angle lens. You can improve the performance of a light tripod by adding a bean bag or something to add weight.

[AgingEyes]

Suggestions? Save my money and get a NICE one later down the road? I just don't have the 100 dollars to drop today, but even a foot high little tripod can be handy right?? Thanks in advance, you guys rock!!

What lenses and cameras will yo be using down the road?

Want to take a look at some strong ones, take a long at those used by the nature and wildlife photographers?

[natgaines]

Well, ironically enough my landlord has a cannon rebel and just happened to see me sitting outside prior to heading down to shoot fireworks. We sat around and talked about photography for a few minutes and he offered to let me borrow one of his 4 tripods so I didn't have to make the trip afterall! Weird how you think you have someone figured out and then they surprise you, he ended up loving my Nikon and enjoyed helping me with the shots (his wife and daughter came with us to watch fireworks, I felt good for recruiting people anyway!).

So I learned it was a little tricky to use a tripod with fireworks. I think we were too close so I had to keep moving the camera up and down, I ended up chopping off the top of nearly all my fireworks Live and learn. But I've seen what an investment can reap I suppose.

Right now I'm just using the Nikon D60 with the 18-55mm lens kit that came with it. I'll probably stay in the nature and wildlife area -so what would I be looking at later on in terms of a tripod? Like cammo? Hehe...

Thanks for all your suggestions

[ajuk]

Cheap tripods tend to work well with self timers as long as the camera is not an SLR!

[California L33]

Better tripods are lighter, set up quicker, have more range of motion, and last longer. If you're going for the light weight stuff be sure to check camera weight limits. You don't want your DSLR and long lens falling over in a gust.

[fx101]

If you're looking at wildlife photography and investing in a big telephoto, you can bet you want something heavy (i.e. none of those ridiculously expensive titanium tripods Gitzo makes :P) duty. I love my Basalt Gitzo, but there a ton (literally) of tripods to choose from. Go on adorama and look around.