Tripod for K-50

SininStyle · 03-25-2015, 05:22 PM

So tripped on a tripod deal and really just wanted to make sure I wasn't donating to the "stupid" jar. Don't need anything great just something to hold the camera steady and not fall over during long exposers and steady shots.

Anyway, this is the deal. Compact Advanced (Black)
A Manfrotto Compact Advanced. Appears to be $100 on amazon new, this is a refurb. for $42

**jatrax** · 03-25-2015, 05:31 PM

Load capacity is 6.6 pounds. My rule of thumb is to divide that in half as manufacturers tend to be optimistic. That gives you a load of 3.3 pounds. If your gear with heaviest lens weighs that or less you should be fine. Note that it is small because it has 5 extension tubes which will tend to make the smaller ones rather spindly. If you use it without extending the last (smaller) sections it will be a lot sturdier.

SininStyle · 03-25-2015, 05:37 PM

So google says the K-50 and 18-135mm total weight is 1,055 grams or 2.23 lbs. So sounds like I am ok and should be ok with a slightly longer lens in the future if needed. At that point i might just upgrade the tripod rather then risk anything.

Appreciate the info and help

**jatrax** · 03-25-2015, 06:27 PM

Sure, and if you find it is a little spindly or you are working in high wind, just extend only the first section and use it while sitting down. You don't have to use all the height. I do that all the time with my travel tripod.

**interested_observer** · 03-25-2015, 07:04 PM

For the price it is really difficult to go wrong. In any event, I would not put the center column up, as that would just add to the wobbliness and you would get some shake in the image.

dakight · 03-25-2015, 07:25 PM

I have a lightweight carbon fiber tripod. It's rigid enough but with the camera and lens on top it is a bit top heavy . You might need some ballast if you extend more than a couple of sections of the legs.

focusr3 · 03-26-2015, 06:14 AM

If you are looking at price I think the dolica pro line is alot of bang for the buck, I have one I carry on my sling bag and it is very usable load capacity is 15 lbs. Not a studio tripod but great companion you need to tighten the ballhead when you first get it or it will fall off it isn't tightened from the factory. Here's a link Dolica 60 inch Proline Aluminum Tripod and Ball Head,Bk #993600 GX600B200

Dlanor Sekao · 03-26-2015, 06:54 AM

You did fine. Prepare to use some ballast and enjoy your photos !

03-25-2015, 05:22 PM	#1
SininStyle Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 138	Tripod for K-50 So tripped on a tripod deal and really just wanted to make sure I wasn't donating to the "stupid" jar. Don't need anything great just something to hold the camera steady and not fall over during long exposers and steady shots. Anyway, this is the deal. Compact Advanced (Black) A Manfrotto Compact Advanced. Appears to be $100 on amazon new, this is a refurb. for $42

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03-25-2015, 05:31 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Load capacity is 6.6 pounds. My rule of thumb is to divide that in half as manufacturers tend to be optimistic. That gives you a load of 3.3 pounds. If your gear with heaviest lens weighs that or less you should be fine. Note that it is small because it has 5 extension tubes which will tend to make the smaller ones rather spindly. If you use it without extending the last (smaller) sections it will be a lot sturdier.

03-25-2015, 05:37 PM	#3
SininStyle Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 138 Original Poster	So google says the K-50 and 18-135mm total weight is 1,055 grams or 2.23 lbs. So sounds like I am ok and should be ok with a slightly longer lens in the future if needed. At that point i might just upgrade the tripod rather then risk anything. Appreciate the info and help

03-25-2015, 06:27 PM	#4
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Sure, and if you find it is a little spindly or you are working in high wind, just extend only the first section and use it while sitting down. You don't have to use all the height. I do that all the time with my travel tripod.

03-25-2015, 07:04 PM	#5
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	For the price it is really difficult to go wrong. In any event, I would not put the center column up, as that would just add to the wobbliness and you would get some shake in the image.

03-25-2015, 07:25 PM	#6
dakight Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Albums Posts: 1,216	I have a lightweight carbon fiber tripod. It's rigid enough but with the camera and lens on top it is a bit top heavy . You might need some ballast if you extend more than a couple of sections of the legs.

03-26-2015, 06:14 AM	#7
focusr3 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Baltimore,MD Photos: Gallery Posts: 107	If you are looking at price I think the dolica pro line is alot of bang for the buck, I have one I carry on my sling bag and it is very usable load capacity is 15 lbs. Not a studio tripod but great companion you need to tighten the ballhead when you first get it or it will fall off it isn't tightened from the factory. Here's a link Dolica 60 inch Proline Aluminum Tripod and Ball Head,Bk #993600 GX600B200

03-26-2015, 06:54 AM	#8
Dlanor Sekao Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 1,457	You did fine. Prepare to use some ballast and enjoy your photos !