< $200 Tripod Suggestions - DPChallenge Forums

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Nikon

02/14/2009 07:30:54 PM · #1

hey dpc,
i'm looking for a new tripod, and would like some suggestions. the only tripod i have currently is an old ratty $30 thing that is just painful to use and not nearly sturdy enough for heavier equipment. i'd like to keep it under $200 (for legs and head) and hopefully something that isn't too heavy. any suggestions are welcome. cheers.

Message edited by author 2009-02-14 19:31:00.

ikopanas

Nikon D7000

02/14/2009 07:56:46 PM · #2

Just bought a manfroto 785b for 65â�¬. Seems steady and well designed.

02/14/2009 08:50:19 PM · #3

I have used a Slik Pro 700DX Tripod For almost 2 years and I like it very much. The head is very easy to use. The connecting 'plate' if you will, is really easy to use and comes off and on the head with the greatest of ease. The legs aren't real lightweight but they are manageable. If you are looking for 'sturdy' then this is a good choice. If you are looking for lightweight then you should look at carbon fiber. That will cost $$!! There are some 'names' in the tripod industry that are considered the industry standard and you will pay for that name. They do perform well, no doubt. Slik has been around for a long time and they offer quality at a reasonable price. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this tripod. Check out some of my moon pics in my profile. I used this tripod for them.

02/14/2009 09:08:27 PM · #4

Originally posted by ssocrates:

Just bought a manfroto 785b for 65â�¬. Seems steady and well designed.

this one certainly won't cut it. its rated for 2.2 lbs, which is almost the weight of the 5D alone.

02/14/2009 09:09:43 PM · #5

Originally posted by scooter97:

this one looks pretty good. 15 lbs is a bit heavy though, but i suppose you're right, its a balance between sturdy and $$...

02/14/2009 09:12:50 PM · #6

The tripod and head don't weigh that much. I think the 15 lbs. is in reference to how much they can handle comfortably (camera and big lens). Like a 70-200 2.8 IS

02/14/2009 09:18:57 PM · #7

I just weighed the tripod and head and it's 10.1 lbs. Not a lightweight, but yes there is a correlation between weight and sturdiness.

02/14/2009 09:22:50 PM · #8

Originally posted by scooter97:

I just weighed the tripod and head and it's 10.1 lbs. Not a lightweight, but yes there is a correlation between weight and sturdiness.

that's actually perfect, and the price is great too. i might just order one of these in the next few days. thanks!

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

02/14/2009 09:31:31 PM · #9

I think you will be happy with this choice. The quality is good and it performs well. A great combination IMHO. BTW I have a Giotto's carbon fiber tripod that I wouldn't trade even-up for the Slik even though the Giotto's cost 2x more. It is lighter and has 4 section legs vs. 3 for the Slik, but it's far less steady.

FireBird

02/14/2009 09:37:09 PM · #10

If you decide you need a bullet proof set of legs and a swiss ball mount let me know. Unfortunately it's a little less than twice your budget. Gitzo 1325 legs and a matkins M10 ball head, with several swiss plates. I've had a 400mm mounted on it and it's rock solid. A friend borrowed it and used it with his 4x5 view camera. The legs are carbon fiber and fairly light but not some thing you'd want to carry on a 25 mile hike.

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

02/14/2009 09:41:46 PM · #11

Here's some more to consider: B&H Complete Tripods with Heads $15 to $249.99

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

02/14/2009 09:42:25 PM · #12

Originally posted by fir3bird:

thanks for the offer, but i really need to stay in budget after picking up a new 5D-II last week... i think i'm going to go with the Slik.

jdannels

Nikon D300s

02/14/2009 09:50:13 PM · #13

190XB Tripod Legs (Black) with 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head (Quick Release) - Supports 8.8 lbs (4 kg)$193.90 B&H has instant rebates on their manfrotto set ups. Definitely look around. I have this tripod head with carbon fiber legs(190CXPRO3) and it is awesome to have a good tripod set up. I can't tell if I am convinced on the 3 way Pan-tilt compared to my old off brand pistol grip, but it is only personal preference not a quality issue. I would also advise that if you see something you like that is a little over $200, then to get that(Just skip a night or too on the town :)). Your tripod is an important piece of equipment.

Message edited by author 2009-02-14 21:51:35.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

02/14/2009 09:52:26 PM · #14

Originally posted by jdannels:

i suppose the best thing to do would be to actually head to B&H tomorrow and check out the selection :)

jdannels

Nikon D300s

02/14/2009 10:01:07 PM · #15

Originally posted by k4ffy:

Originally posted by jdannels:
190XB Tripod Legs (Black) with 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head (Quick Release) - Supports 8.8 lbs (4 kg)$193.90 B&H has instant rebates on their manfrotto set ups. Definitely look around. I have this tripod head with carbon fiber legs(190CXPRO3) and it is awesome to have a good tripod set up. I can't tell if I am convinced on the 3 way Pan-tilt compared to my old off brand pistol grip, but it is only personal preference not a quality issue. I would also advise that if you see something you like that is a little over $200, then to get that(Just skip a night or too on the town :)). Your tripod is an important piece of equipment.

i suppose the best thing to do would be to actually head to B&H tomorrow and check out the selection :)

Get on down there! Try the different tripod heads out. Also check the height of the tripod with the legs fully extended and the camera on the the head. I am not sure how tall you are, from your profile pic I would guess around 8 feet tall. :P But you want to make sure that height is comfortable and you don't have to slouch down to look through the viewfinder too much. If you find a light set up, you can always hang your camera bag from center of the tripod and it will be solid. Good luck. :)

02/14/2009 10:05:56 PM · #16

I hope you get to try several different brands and set-ups. There will always be a 'price/value' issue to consider.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

02/14/2009 10:07:16 PM · #17

Originally posted by jdannels:

Originally posted by k4ffy:

Originally posted by jdannels:
190XB Tripod Legs (Black) with 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head (Quick Release) - Supports 8.8 lbs (4 kg)$193.90 B&H has instant rebates on their manfrotto set ups. Definitely look around. I have this tripod head with carbon fiber legs(190CXPRO3) and it is awesome to have a good tripod set up. I can't tell if I am convinced on the 3 way Pan-tilt compared to my old off brand pistol grip, but it is only personal preference not a quality issue. I would also advise that if you see something you like that is a little over $200, then to get that(Just skip a night or too on the town :)). Your tripod is an important piece of equipment.

i suppose the best thing to do would be to actually head to B&H tomorrow and check out the selection :)

Get on down there! Try the different tripod heads out. Also check the height of the tripod with the legs fully extended and the camera on the the head. I am not sure how tall you are, from your profile pic I would guess around 8 feet tall. :P But you want to make sure that height is comfortable and you don't have to slouch down to look through the viewfinder too much. If you find a light set up, you can always hang your camera bag from center of the tripod and it will be solid. Good luck. :)

haha :)
will report on my findings tomorrow

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

02/15/2009 12:49:17 AM · #18

Originally posted by ssocrates:

Just bought a manfroto 785b for 65â�¬. Seems steady and well designed.

Originally posted by k4ffy:

this one certainly won't cut it. its rated for 2.2 lbs, which is almost the weight of the 5D alone.

I have one of those and I both love it and hate it. The tripod itself is great. Nice and light, stable, easy to use, and it carries in one of the loops on my Slingpack. The head is really not meant for an SLR, especially when you put a big zoom on it. It is meant for a camcorder or a compact like my Powershot S5. It was barely sufficient for the Rebel when the tripod was new, but now it it does not hold well at all.

I made some modification to it. Used my mod for the first time this evening. I'm happy with it now.

Message edited by author 2009-02-15 00:52:09.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

02/15/2009 12:52:31 AM · #19

I'll throw in a recommendation for Sliks in the budget (relative) category. We used Sliks for our 35mm work for a couple decades, and never had a complaint.

R.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

02/15/2009 02:05:28 PM · #20

so i went down to B&H today, and while there decided to change my mind on what i was going to buy. i decided to invest in a set of carbon fiber legs (with a cheap head) for now, and then buy a good head later on when i have the cash. i didn't like the Slik CF legs as much as Velbon, so i bought a Velbon CF combo which comes with a pretty standard 3-way head for about $250.
i'll probably pick up a Slik ball head in the next few months as i think that is the part of the Slik tripods that really shines.

jdannels

Nikon D300s

02/15/2009 02:38:42 PM · #21

Congrats. :) which legs are they?

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

02/15/2009 02:42:40 PM · #22

Originally posted by jdannels:

Congrats. :) which legs are they?

thanks.
its these ones:
velbon at B&H

they are listed at 289, but when the guy rang them up they scanned in at 259. so far so good.

Bear_Music

Sony 24-70mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

02/15/2009 02:48:19 PM · #23

That's a good rig!

One reason some of us prefer Manfrotto is that they allow easy switching of the center column from vertical to horizontal orientation, which is a functionality I think this Velbon is lacking. Being able to cantilever the column horizontally is VERY useful in macro/copy work when you're shooting straight down, and it is a godsend when wanting to shoot wide angle from bridges and such, since you can cantilever out over the railings completely. I don't use this functionality very often but when I need to I'm always glad I have it.

R.

Gordon_1

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

02/15/2009 02:55:31 PM · #24

i,m in need of a good tripod as well i have this weak tiny sucker wouldnt hold my 70-200 if it tried..lol

Message edited by author 2009-02-15 14:55:50.