Tripod advice.

charliezap · 07-10-2016, 01:26 PM

Hi folks--I can't believe that I went all these years without a decent tripod.I have a tripod that I've had for many years but now I'm looking for something real decent in the $200-$300 range.Looking forward to help.---charliezap.

virusn3t · 07-10-2016, 01:41 PM - **1 Like**

Im not expert in thesr things but what kind of "needs" you have? Macro, lightweight, solid&sturdy heavy tripod, tall, travel, 3-4-5 section? There just too many variety out there and many dont go exactly to anybody needs.

**Kerrowdown** · 07-10-2016, 01:45 PM

My quick rule of thumb has always been, the heavy the better and the least number of leg sections, both add to stability.

But then I've been using the same one now for some 26 plus years.

Benbo Clasic No 2 reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

charliezap · 07-10-2016, 02:14 PM

My needs are simple. I have good gear but my tripod is basically a "K-Mart" special that I have had for years so just about ANYTHING would be a mega improvement.

--charliezap

severalsnakes · 07-10-2016, 02:46 PM - **2 Likes**

There really are a lot of points to consider - I learned last year when I decided I wanted to ditch my clunky $25 tripod. I knew I wanted a ballhead, but that's all I started with. After considering my options I chose light and small (Sirui t-025x) for the portability and ease-of-carrying, my ultimate decision based on the fact that no tripod does me any good if I'm not willing and able to carry it around. Do I sometimes wish it was taller? Yes. Do I sometimes wish it had fewer leg segments to mess with? Yes. Does it do tripod stuff in a satisfactory way? Absolutely.

What MUST you have and what are you willing to put up with? Will you want to carry it with you everywhere? Are you taking landscapes? night skies? studio shots? video? Long lenses or wide? Are you going to be generally on level ground, or do you go hiking on rough terrain?

**pepperberry farm** · 07-10-2016, 02:51 PM

new or used?

I bought a used Manfrotto 3021BN from another member here on PF, and a used Manfrotto 410 Junior head and they both are exactly what I need...

Unregistered User 8 · 07-10-2016, 03:47 PM

There is a good selection to choose from right here !!!

Tripods - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

Giklab · 07-10-2016, 04:19 PM

I have a Manfrotto 190XPro3 with their stock ballhead. It's in your price range and can do most anything.

C_Jones · 07-10-2016, 04:25 PM

I have the Sirui EN-2004 tripod and the Sirui K-20X ball head I use on it. They are well built, stylish looking, and work great with my K-3II/Sigma 150-500 and K-5IIS/Pentax 16-85. Shortcuts to both products are below.

https://www.amazon.com/Sirui-EN-2004-Aluminum-Tripod-Monopod/dp/B00IKHRRFG?i...roduct_details

https://www.amazon.com/Sirui-K-20X-Ball-Head/dp/B004QC3COO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF...ds=Sirui+k-20x

MikePerham · 07-10-2016, 05:49 PM

Originally posted by charliezap

Hi folks--I can't believe that I went all these years without a decent tripod.I have a tripod that I've had for many years but now I'm looking for something real decent in the $200-$300 range.Looking forward to help.---charliezap.

I have two tripods, the main one is a Gitzo Mountaineer; not cheap but they don't come any better. I also have a very compact travel tripod when I am travelling light. However since replacing my aluminum Manfretto with the Gitzo, I haven't used the travel tripod much. Also consider a good ball head, I was with a local camera club outing and noticed many with cheaper heads were having problems with longer lenses particularly.

charliezap · 07-10-2016, 05:55 PM

An aside to my query I have this old boy. I bought this at a yard sale 10 years ago and I believe that it is around 1940 vintage.I don't use it for anything but just thought that I would include it in my thread. I wonder how it would look with a new head when I do get a new tripod.

Thanks to all for the info so far.--charliezap
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Erikka · 07-10-2016, 07:05 PM

wow, I'm loving that old tripod....

kmurphy220 · 07-10-2016, 08:23 PM

I use a Calumet Tripod that I picked up on craigslist for $30, and a Manfrotto #3047 Head. https://www.calphoto.co.uk/product/Calumet-7500-Tripod/CK7500 Tripod is fairly cheap and really well built.

bdery · 07-11-2016, 05:06 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by charliezap

My needs are simple. I have good gear but my tripod is basically a "K-Mart" special that I have had for years so just about ANYTHING would be a mega improvement.

There are still questions to be answered. As severalsnakes said, do you plan on carrying the tripod everywhere? Is sturdiness more or less important than weight? Long exposures or not? Low, to the ground macro? Are you tall? Are your lenses heavy? Do you often do panning? Or just family portraits with the photographer included?

These will drive the recommendations. Otherwise, you'll get answers like "I use brand X tripod and I think you should too"...

charliezap · 07-11-2016, 08:54 AM

I went to my local photo store with my camera and tried this unit out.I'm leaning to getting this one from Adorama. Yea or Nay?---charliezap.
Benro Adventure Aluminum Series 2 Tripod Kit with IB2 Head, 4 Section TAD28AIB2

07-10-2016, 01:26 PM	#1
charliezap Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: saugus ma Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,686	Tripod advice. Hi folks--I can't believe that I went all these years without a decent tripod.I have a tripod that I've had for many years but now I'm looking for something real decent in the $200-$300 range.Looking forward to help.---charliezap.

07-10-2016, 02:14 PM	#4
charliezap Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: saugus ma Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,686 Original Poster	My needs are simple. I have good gear but my tripod is basically a "K-Mart" special that I have had for years so just about ANYTHING would be a mega improvement.--charliezap

07-11-2016, 08:54 AM	#15
charliezap Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: saugus ma Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,686 Original Poster	Thinking of this one. I went to my local photo store with my camera and tried this unit out.I'm leaning to getting this one from Adorama. Yea or Nay?---charliezap. Benro Adventure Aluminum Series 2 Tripod Kit with IB2 Head, 4 Section TAD28AIB2

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07-10-2016, 01:41 PM - 1 Like	#2
virusn3t Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 676	Im not expert in thesr things but what kind of "needs" you have? Macro, lightweight, solid&sturdy heavy tripod, tall, travel, 3-4-5 section? There just too many variety out there and many dont go exactly to anybody needs.

07-10-2016, 01:45 PM	#3
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,863	My quick rule of thumb has always been, the heavy the better and the least number of leg sections, both add to stability. But then I've been using the same one now for some 26 plus years. Benbo Clasic No 2 reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

07-10-2016, 02:46 PM - 2 Likes	#5
severalsnakes Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Kansas City, KS Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,612	There really are a lot of points to consider - I learned last year when I decided I wanted to ditch my clunky $25 tripod. I knew I wanted a ballhead, but that's all I started with. After considering my options I chose light and small (Sirui t-025x) for the portability and ease-of-carrying, my ultimate decision based on the fact that no tripod does me any good if I'm not willing and able to carry it around. Do I sometimes wish it was taller? Yes. Do I sometimes wish it had fewer leg segments to mess with? Yes. Does it do tripod stuff in a satisfactory way? Absolutely. What MUST you have and what are you willing to put up with? Will you want to carry it with you everywhere? Are you taking landscapes? night skies? studio shots? video? Long lenses or wide? Are you going to be generally on level ground, or do you go hiking on rough terrain?

07-10-2016, 02:51 PM	#6
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,766	new or used? I bought a used Manfrotto 3021BN from another member here on PF, and a used Manfrotto 410 Junior head and they both are exactly what I need...

07-10-2016, 03:47 PM	#7
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	There is a good selection to choose from right here !!! Tripods - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

07-10-2016, 04:19 PM	#8
Giklab Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Slovenia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,182	I have a Manfrotto 190XPro3 with their stock ballhead. It's in your price range and can do most anything.

07-10-2016, 04:25 PM	#9
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084	I have the Sirui EN-2004 tripod and the Sirui K-20X ball head I use on it. They are well built, stylish looking, and work great with my K-3II/Sigma 150-500 and K-5IIS/Pentax 16-85. Shortcuts to both products are below. https://www.amazon.com/Sirui-EN-2004-Aluminum-Tripod-Monopod/dp/B00IKHRRFG?i...roduct_details https://www.amazon.com/Sirui-K-20X-Ball-Head/dp/B004QC3COO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF...ds=Sirui+k-20x

07-10-2016, 05:49 PM	#10
MikePerham Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Prince George, BC Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 642	Originally posted by charliezap Hi folks--I can't believe that I went all these years without a decent tripod.I have a tripod that I've had for many years but now I'm looking for something real decent in the $200-$300 range.Looking forward to help.---charliezap. I have two tripods, the main one is a Gitzo Mountaineer; not cheap but they don't come any better. I also have a very compact travel tripod when I am travelling light. However since replacing my aluminum Manfretto with the Gitzo, I haven't used the travel tripod much. Also consider a good ball head, I was with a local camera club outing and noticed many with cheaper heads were having problems with longer lenses particularly.

07-10-2016, 05:55 PM	#11
charliezap Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: saugus ma Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,686 Original Poster	An aside to my query I have this old boy. I bought this at a yard sale 10 years ago and I believe that it is around 1940 vintage.I don't use it for anything but just thought that I would include it in my thread. I wonder how it would look with a new head when I do get a new tripod. Thanks to all for the info so far.--charliezap

07-10-2016, 07:05 PM	#12
Erikka Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Se Photos: Albums Posts: 361	wow, I'm loving that old tripod....

07-10-2016, 08:23 PM	#13
kmurphy220 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 235	I use a Calumet Tripod that I picked up on craigslist for $30, and a Manfrotto #3047 Head. https://www.calphoto.co.uk/product/Calumet-7500-Tripod/CK7500 Tripod is fairly cheap and really well built.

07-11-2016, 05:06 AM - 1 Like	#14
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,362	Originally posted by charliezap My needs are simple. I have good gear but my tripod is basically a "K-Mart" special that I have had for years so just about ANYTHING would be a mega improvement. There are still questions to be answered. As severalsnakes said, do you plan on carrying the tripod everywhere? Is sturdiness more or less important than weight? Long exposures or not? Low, to the ground macro? Are you tall? Are your lenses heavy? Do you often do panning? Or just family portraits with the photographer included? These will drive the recommendations. Otherwise, you'll get answers like "I use brand X tripod and I think you should too"...