Can you recommend a good "budget" tripod?

steve_k · 08-28-2019, 04:20 AM

How much did you pay for your budget camera? I wouldn’t trust a $800 camera on a $50 tripod. I also second Manfrotto.

MarkJerling · 08-28-2019, 04:27 AM

Originally posted by macman24054

I have one of these and they are rock solid. I use it to shoot real estate and commercial shoots. You would be hard pressed to beat it when it come to performance for what you pay.

Good to hear. I think they do a carbon model too, but I've not been able to find the link for that lately. And, it's a heck of a lot cheaper than most equivalent tripods.

MarkJerling · 08-28-2019, 04:56 AM - **2 Likes**

Of course, if you want to go super cheap, try this: My sturdy tripod project - PentaxForums.com

I can confirm that it works absolutely perfectly, with no vibrations. Here's a few photos shot from this tripod, last Sunday.

MarkJerling · 08-28-2019, 05:19 AM

Originally posted by steve_k

How much did you pay for your budget camera? I wouldn’t trust a $800 camera on a $50 tripod. I also second Manfrotto.

Ye of little faith!

**luftfluss** · 08-28-2019, 07:25 AM

Originally posted by brightseal

Under $100 if there is such a thing.

What about a monopod $40 or less?

A few months ago I bought a NOB Oben ACM-2400L monopod for $52/shipped. It's aluminum and has 3 mini-legs and works quite well, even with monstrous lenses like the K 500/4.5 and K 135-600.

For a tripod I use an old Velbon Videomate III that was free plus a $35 Slik pan/tilt head. There was a time when you could get those old Velbon tripods for $20 on Craigslist, but I don't know about now.

There's a difference in tripod requirements between shooting long exposures with a wide angle lens and shooting wildlife with a 2kg+ one. More information could lead to more appropriate advice.

stevebrot · 08-28-2019, 10:06 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by MarkJerling

Of course, if you want to go super cheap, try this: My sturdy tripod project - PentaxForums.com

I can confirm that it works absolutely perfectly, with no vibrations. Here's a few photos shot from this tripod, last Sunday.

The ultimate solution where stability and capacity are essential and so well executed too! I seriously considered a similar approach when I first got my view camera.

Steve

MarkJerling · 08-28-2019, 01:11 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

The ultimate solution where stability and capacity are essential and so well executed too! I seriously considered a similar approach when I first got my view camera.

Steve

Thanks. Yes, it's perfect for windy stony riverbeds.

**Kerrowdown** · 08-28-2019, 01:33 PM

Originally posted by brightseal

good "budget" tripod?

Certainly look into a preowned/secondhand/used or whatever the PC term is these days.

That way you will get a whole lot more tripod for your $100 and your type of photography will influence your tripod needs.

Once you get your legs sorted, you can then worry about getting a head.

Joe Dusel · 08-28-2019, 01:56 PM

I have two Slik tripods that I like. I use the Slik 700 DX in the studio, and if I am wandering around I use a Slik Pro 340 DX Travel Tripod. The 340 DX is available at this time on Amazon for $75. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GF61D4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_tit...&ie=UTF8&psc=1

slartibartfast01 · 08-28-2019, 02:00 PM

Originally posted by MarkJerling

For the money, this is not half bad: ZOMEI Z818 Photography Camera Tripod Monopod Lightweight Travel Tripod With 360 Degree Ball Head And Carry Bag For DSLR Stand-in Live Tripods from Consumer Electronics on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

It looks very similar to Mefoto tripods. I reckon they are all made in the same factory.

MarkJerling · 08-28-2019, 03:23 PM

Originally posted by slartibartfast01

It looks very similar to Mefoto tripods. I reckon they are all made in the same factory.

I recon you're right! Looks near identical to me.

**UncleVanya** · 08-29-2019, 01:04 PM

Originally posted by TomB_tx

I've used a Tiltall (aluminum) tripod for 50 years. Still available as the "classic" model. Very basic, not compact, but does the job.

My dad loved that tripod so I bought him one. He still loves it. They are quite sturdy for the weight.

**RKKS08** · 09-04-2019, 11:59 AM - **1 Like**

Thanks to MarkJerling and macman24054 for the recommendation of the ZOMEI Z818

I cross checked with comparable offers and finally decided to order it.
I got it from a Germany located Chinese eBay seller for EUR 95.99, including VAT and postage.
So the net price is about the same as the reduced one on aliexpress.

Now I own 3 tripods for 3 very different applications:

The small and extremely light weight but still sturdy Hama "Traveller mini pro" (749g including ball head), Aluminium.
The ZOMEI Z818, more robust than the Hama and much more stable with extended legs, offers also monopod, 1733g, Carbon.
A Velbon VS-3 which I bought used in good condition in the late 1980s. Not small, Aluminium, rather heavy, very sturdy. Center column can be rotated vertically in several steps down to 90 deg.

As I presently don't own a car, the Velbon doesn't see outdoor usage anymore; it is too heavy to carry around (for me, I'm now 72, wasn't a problem being 50/50+).

MarkJerling · 09-04-2019, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by RKKS08

Thanks to MarkJerling and macman24054 for the recommendation of the ZOMEI Z818

I cross checked with comparable offers and finally decided to order it.
I got it from a Germany located Chinese eBay seller for EUR 95.99, including VAT and postage.
So the net price is about the same as the reduced one on aliexpress.

Cool. Let us know what you think of it.

09-04-2019, 11:59 AM - 1 Like	#28
RKKS08 Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Frankfurt am Main Posts: 1,241	Thanks to *MarkJerling* and macman24054 for the recommendation of the ZOMEI Z818 I cross checked with comparable offers and finally decided to order it. I got it from a Germany located Chinese eBay seller for EUR 95.99, including VAT and postage. So the net price is about the same as the reduced one on aliexpress. Now I own 3 tripods for 3 very different applications: The small and extremely light weight but still sturdy Hama "Traveller mini pro" (749g including ball head), Aluminium. The ZOMEI Z818, more robust than the Hama and much more stable with extended legs, offers also monopod, 1733g, Carbon. A Velbon VS-3 which I bought used in good condition in the late 1980s. Not small, Aluminium, rather heavy, very sturdy. Center column can be rotated vertically in several steps down to 90 deg. As I presently don't own a car, the Velbon doesn't see outdoor usage anymore; it is too heavy to carry around (for me, I'm now 72, wasn't a problem being 50/50+).

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08-28-2019, 04:20 AM	#16
steve_k Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Shelton, CT Photos: Albums Posts: 708	How much did you pay for your budget camera? I wouldn’t trust a $800 camera on a $50 tripod. I also second Manfrotto.

08-28-2019, 04:27 AM	#17
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Originally posted by macman24054 I have one of these and they are rock solid. I use it to shoot real estate and commercial shoots. You would be hard pressed to beat it when it come to performance for what you pay. Good to hear. I think they do a carbon model too, but I've not been able to find the link for that lately. And, it's a heck of a lot cheaper than most equivalent tripods.

08-28-2019, 05:19 AM	#19
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Originally posted by steve_k How much did you pay for your budget camera? I wouldn’t trust a $800 camera on a $50 tripod. I also second Manfrotto. Ye of little faith!

08-28-2019, 07:25 AM	#20
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	Originally posted by brightseal Under $100 if there is such a thing. What about a monopod $40 or less? A few months ago I bought a NOB Oben ACM-2400L monopod for $52/shipped. It's aluminum and has 3 mini-legs and works quite well, even with monstrous lenses like the K 500/4.5 and K 135-600. For a tripod I use an old Velbon Videomate III that was free plus a $35 Slik pan/tilt head. There was a time when you could get those old Velbon tripods for $20 on Craigslist, but I don't know about now. There's a difference in tripod requirements between shooting long exposures with a wide angle lens and shooting wildlife with a 2kg+ one. More information could lead to more appropriate advice.

08-28-2019, 10:06 AM - 1 Like	#21
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by MarkJerling Of course, if you want to go super cheap, try this: My sturdy tripod project - PentaxForums.com I can confirm that it works absolutely perfectly, with no vibrations. Here's a few photos shot from this tripod, last Sunday. The ultimate solution where stability and capacity are essential and so well executed too! I seriously considered a similar approach when I first got my view camera. Steve

08-28-2019, 01:11 PM	#22
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Originally posted by stevebrot The ultimate solution where stability and capacity are essential and so well executed too! I seriously considered a similar approach when I first got my view camera. Steve Thanks. Yes, it's perfect for windy stony riverbeds.

08-28-2019, 01:33 PM	#23
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,818	Originally posted by brightseal good "budget" tripod? Certainly look into a preowned/secondhand/used or whatever the PC term is these days. That way you will get a whole lot more tripod for your $100 and your type of photography will influence your tripod needs. Once you get your legs sorted, you can then worry about getting a head.

08-28-2019, 01:56 PM	#24
Joe Dusel Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Vista, CA Posts: 126	I have two Slik tripods that I like. I use the Slik 700 DX in the studio, and if I am wandering around I use a Slik Pro 340 DX Travel Tripod. The 340 DX is available at this time on Amazon for $75. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GF61D4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_tit...&ie=UTF8&psc=1

08-28-2019, 02:00 PM	#25
slartibartfast01 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,931	Originally posted by MarkJerling For the money, this is not half bad: ZOMEI Z818 Photography Camera Tripod Monopod Lightweight Travel Tripod With 360 Degree Ball Head And Carry Bag For DSLR Stand-in Live Tripods from Consumer Electronics on Aliexpress.com \| Alibaba Group It looks very similar to Mefoto tripods. I reckon they are all made in the same factory.

08-28-2019, 03:23 PM	#26
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Originally posted by slartibartfast01 It looks very similar to Mefoto tripods. I reckon they are all made in the same factory. I recon you're right! Looks near identical to me.

08-29-2019, 01:04 PM	#27
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by TomB_tx I've used a Tiltall (aluminum) tripod for 50 years. Still available as the "classic" model. Very basic, not compact, but does the job. My dad loved that tripod so I bought him one. He still loves it. They are quite sturdy for the weight.

09-04-2019, 01:26 PM	#29
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Originally posted by RKKS08 Thanks to *MarkJerling* and macman24054 for the recommendation of the ZOMEI Z818 I cross checked with comparable offers and finally decided to order it. I got it from a Germany located Chinese eBay seller for EUR 95.99, including VAT and postage. So the net price is about the same as the reduced one on aliexpress. Cool. Let us know what you think of it.