Need help buying tripod plz.

capote · 10-28-2011, 10:31 AM

(sorry if this is in the wrong forum, seemed most appropriate to me because i guess i'm a tripod beginner)

Today I went to b&h as usual when i need new equipment... this time to buy a tripod. I've always used tripods that my photo teachers have given me, but now that I have all my own equipment I'd like to get one. Noticed that they range from about 50 cents to $5 billion in price. This is crazy. I realize they're made of different materials and are different sizes, but other than this, i'm not sure what to look for in a tripod. I also am not sure what size/materials suit my needs. So I'd really appreciate some help in buying a tripod.

I'm looking to spend around $100 or so… cause no matter what explanation you give me I'm not paying the same amount for a three-legged metal thing that I paid for my favorite lens (i mean come on).
The reason I need a tripod is 99% because I do nighttime shooting. Mostly urban/industrial… but I do a lot of deserted places with no light at all so I tend to do very long exposures. I also like photographing starry skies so I need something reliably steady for bulb exposures. Other than that… carrying convenience isn't THAT important. As long as it has a case that i can strap over my shoulder and isn't 700lbs I'm sure it'll be okay... though if possible for the price I'd like to take it on hikes too so maybe a bit on the light side would be nice.

Help a tripod noob out. Thanks.

(also just to clarify, i never shoot video at all and don't need convenience for it)

redrockcoulee · 10-28-2011, 11:04 AM

It has been said about tripods: strong light inexpensive... pick which two are important as you cannot have all three. My lightest tripod is a Manfrotto 190 with a ball head. But then I also use it as a travelling tripod for my Hasselblad. The worse tripod is a flimsy one. You might also want to look at second hand ones.

I would buy one with a quick release plate so that if you are shooting in the dark you can easily mount and dismount the camera without screwing in or out the camera.

icywindow · 10-28-2011, 11:08 AM

http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-AX620B100-62-Inch-Proline-Tripod/dp/B001D60LG8/...9824621&sr=8-1

This one's a great most-needs tripod for photography, stable, holds up to 13 lbs, and adjustable from about 2 ft. to 6 ft. The only downside is that it doesn't have an arm for pivoting (in case of panorama stitching or panning) but as long as you're not planning to mount a large format camera to it, it should do the job quite well.

adpo · 10-28-2011, 11:20 AM

i use a tiltall, works alright for me.

capote · 10-28-2011, 01:25 PM

here are two i'm looking at… wondering what the difference is for $50 price difference:

Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head VOYAGERLTB B&H
Oben AC-1400 4-Section Aluminum Tripod with AC-1400/BA-00 B&H

**Ex Finn.** · 10-28-2011, 01:57 PM

Both got some decent reviews, they are cheap so don`t expect too much. I would look on used market.

capote · 10-28-2011, 02:08 PM

okay... used market for what though? any good brand suggestions?

**Spodeworld** · 10-28-2011, 02:13 PM

Check this one out. I checked it out because Ken Rockwell was raving about how amazing it is for the price. I got one, and it is quite decent. For the price, amazing.

AX620B100 Dolica 62 inch Proline Aluminum Alloy Tripod and Ball Head, Supports 13 lbs

icywindow · 10-28-2011, 02:17 PM

Bogen/Manfrotto makes some great tripod gear -- they're like the Lexus of tripod manufacturers. The nice thing about any of the tripods mentioned to this point is that you can replace the mount heads at a later point, so that if you find a Manfrotto head you will likely be able to mount it (after you found out the shortcomings of your tripod head). Otherwise, as I stated earlier, the Dolica is a reasonable tripod for the features if you're looking to buy new and you just might be surprised with it.

**Ex Finn.** · 10-28-2011, 02:22 PM

Originally posted by capote

okay... used market for what though? any good brand suggestions?

Bogen/Manfrotto, Gitzo come to mind.

Mike L · 10-28-2011, 02:35 PM

My advice is don't be cheap, it will end up costing you twice in the long run, $100 should get you a good quality second hand tripod and head from eBay or Craigslist but might not be enough for a new one.

Manfrotto has a good configurator tool on their website that might help you narrow down the choices.

Personally I like my Manfrotto 055XPROB and ball head combo that I got on eBay for just over £100, it's not light but it's very versatile and rock solid.

SpecialK · 10-28-2011, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Ken Rockwell...

Well, despite that, I got it (and others did too, I assume) when it was on sale at Amazon for something like $25, plus another 25% off Dolica products. So, for under $19, I have a tripod that I'll use once in a while (unlike heavier ones). Not quite massive enough for the big zooms, though.

Edit to mention the center column uses a collar and is very solid even when extended - no wobbles. I did change to a pan head, though.

Ubuntu_user · 10-28-2011, 03:02 PM

Yup, get the Dolica that others have mentioned. i.e. unless you are going to be using heavy lenses (f/2.8 zooms)

capote · 10-28-2011, 03:40 PM

Manfrotto 293 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod W/QR MK293A3-A0RC2 B&H

thoughts?

**Ex Finn.** · 10-28-2011, 03:48 PM

Looks like a nice lite duty Bogen, have not used that one in person how ever.
This is my choice for legs, Manfrotto 475B Professional Tripod Legs (Black) - 475B B&H Photo
Beyond your weight limit, not very good for back-packing, but solid.

Sorry, not helping here much.

10-28-2011, 10:31 AM	#1
capote New Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 18	Need help buying tripod plz. (sorry if this is in the wrong forum, seemed most appropriate to me because i guess i'm a tripod beginner) Today I went to b&h as usual when i need new equipment... this time to buy a tripod. I've always used tripods that my photo teachers have given me, but now that I have all my own equipment I'd like to get one. Noticed that they range from about 50 cents to $5 billion in price. This is crazy. I realize they're made of different materials and are different sizes, but other than this, i'm not sure what to look for in a tripod. I also am not sure what size/materials suit my needs. So I'd really appreciate some help in buying a tripod. I'm looking to spend around $100 or so… cause no matter what explanation you give me I'm not paying the same amount for a three-legged metal thing that I paid for my favorite lens (i mean come on). The reason I need a tripod is 99% because I do nighttime shooting. Mostly urban/industrial… but I do a lot of deserted places with no light at all so I tend to do very long exposures. I also like photographing starry skies so I need something reliably steady for bulb exposures. Other than that… carrying convenience isn't THAT important. As long as it has a case that i can strap over my shoulder and isn't 700lbs I'm sure it'll be okay... though if possible for the price I'd like to take it on hikes too so maybe a bit on the light side would be nice. Help a tripod noob out. Thanks. (also just to clarify, i never shoot video at all and don't need convenience for it)

10-28-2011, 11:08 AM	#3
icywindow Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 303	http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-AX620B100-62-Inch-Proline-Tripod/dp/B001D60LG8/...9824621&sr=8-1 This one's a great most-needs tripod for photography, stable, holds up to 13 lbs, and adjustable from about 2 ft. to 6 ft. The only downside is that it doesn't have an arm for pivoting (in case of panorama stitching or panning) but as long as you're not planning to mount a large format camera to it, it should do the job quite well. Last edited by icywindow; 10-28-2011 at 11:14 AM.

10-28-2011, 02:55 PM	#12
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	Quote: Ken Rockwell... Well, despite that, I got it (and others did too, I assume) when it was on sale at Amazon for something like $25, plus another 25% off Dolica products. So, for under $19, I have a tripod that I'll use once in a while (unlike heavier ones). Not quite massive enough for the big zooms, though. Edit to mention the center column uses a collar and is very solid even when extended - no wobbles. I did change to a pan head, though. Last edited by SpecialK; 10-28-2011 at 05:11 PM.

10-28-2011, 03:48 PM	#15
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	Looks like a nice lite duty Bogen, have not used that one in person how ever. This is my choice for legs, Manfrotto 475B Professional Tripod Legs (Black) - 475B B&H Photo Beyond your weight limit, not very good for back-packing, but solid. Sorry, not helping here much. Last edited by Ex Finn.; 10-28-2011 at 04:08 PM.

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10-28-2011, 11:04 AM	#2
redrockcoulee Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Medicine Hat Posts: 2,306	It has been said about tripods: strong light inexpensive... pick which two are important as you cannot have all three. My lightest tripod is a Manfrotto 190 with a ball head. But then I also use it as a travelling tripod for my Hasselblad. The worse tripod is a flimsy one. You might also want to look at second hand ones. I would buy one with a quick release plate so that if you are shooting in the dark you can easily mount and dismount the camera without screwing in or out the camera.

10-28-2011, 11:20 AM	#4
adpo Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 888	i use a tiltall, works alright for me.

10-28-2011, 01:25 PM	#5
capote New Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 18 Original Poster	here are two i'm looking at… wondering what the difference is for $50 price difference: Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head VOYAGERLTB B&H Oben AC-1400 4-Section Aluminum Tripod with AC-1400/BA-00 B&H

10-28-2011, 01:57 PM	#6
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	Both got some decent reviews, they are cheap so don`t expect too much. I would look on used market.

10-28-2011, 02:08 PM	#7
capote New Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 18 Original Poster	okay... used market for what though? any good brand suggestions?

10-28-2011, 02:13 PM	#8
Spodeworld Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Joisey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,370	Check this one out. I checked it out because Ken Rockwell was raving about how amazing it is for the price. I got one, and it is quite decent. For the price, amazing. AX620B100 Dolica 62 inch Proline Aluminum Alloy Tripod and Ball Head, Supports 13 lbs

10-28-2011, 02:17 PM	#9
icywindow Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 303	Bogen/Manfrotto makes some great tripod gear -- they're like the Lexus of tripod manufacturers. The nice thing about any of the tripods mentioned to this point is that you can replace the mount heads at a later point, so that if you find a Manfrotto head you will likely be able to mount it (after you found out the shortcomings of your tripod head). Otherwise, as I stated earlier, the Dolica is a reasonable tripod for the features if you're looking to buy new and you just might be surprised with it.

10-28-2011, 02:22 PM	#10
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	Originally posted by capote okay... used market for what though? any good brand suggestions? Bogen/Manfrotto, Gitzo come to mind.

10-28-2011, 02:35 PM	#11
Mike L Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canberra, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,488	My advice is don't be cheap, it will end up costing you twice in the long run, $100 should get you a good quality second hand tripod and head from eBay or Craigslist but might not be enough for a new one. Manfrotto has a good configurator tool on their website that might help you narrow down the choices. Personally I like my Manfrotto 055XPROB and ball head combo that I got on eBay for just over £100, it's not light but it's very versatile and rock solid.

10-28-2011, 03:02 PM	#13
Ubuntu_user Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,545	Yup, get the Dolica that others have mentioned. i.e. unless you are going to be using heavy lenses (f/2.8 zooms)

10-28-2011, 03:40 PM	#14
capote New Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 18 Original Poster	Manfrotto 293 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod W/QR MK293A3-A0RC2 B&H thoughts?