I'm looking at buying a new tripod. I currently have a cheapo. I've read a lot of great reviews on the Slik Pro 700DX. Pretty affordable, and everyone was saying it is solid as a rock. Does anyone have any experience with one of these or have any recommendations? I'm probably in the $100-$200 budget range.
I would go to you local camera shop and try out all the tripods that are in your price range. It's really the only way that you can see how easy or hard it is to set up. I have a Manfrotto 3001 with a ball head. I spent less that $200 on it.
I saw a Manfrotto 055MF3 being used by a professional and was impressed by its low wieght and sturdy nature. It also had the ability to take the center pole and put it in sideways which could have a number of uses.
The Slik Pro is a decent tripod for the money. If you're heading towards $200, go the extra yard and get a Manfrotto.
Quick Release plates are a must-have. Manfrotto's QR heads have a safety catch so you can't release them accidentally. I also always loop the camera strap in such a way that, IF the camera releases, it cannot fall. No biggie.
for the $100-200 range you can get one of these DynaTran AT 877BL Professional Tripod just as good or well built as a Manfrotto to me. I love it really well built and no complaints at all. I actually got mine from fredmiranda.com's buy/sell forum for 75 bucks.
I really love the tripod no complaints at all. I have used a Manfrotto at work even brought mine in to compare and they feel the same to me
What the use gonna be? How tall are you? How heavy is the camera/lens/flash you're putting on top?
The purpose of a tripod is to hold the camera STEADY. Dead still. Weight does that - the heavier the tripod the steadier it will be. If you have to extend the center post to use it, you have reduced the stability - so if you are tall get a tall tripod.
Tripods and more so heads are rated bywhat they can hold - as in holdup off the grond but more importantly is hold steady - you don't need the camera position drooping or the whole assembly falling over in a breeze.
For hiking or other very much gonna carry it type of use look into carbon fiber - lighter and still sturdy.
What leg locks do you like? Rotate, flip or the new pull it out one?
heads...pistol grip's are the best IMO, but other like ball heads. If panoramas are important look for one with a degreed wheel and rotating part - easier than re-leveling for every shot.
get a quick release system. you'll really like it.
Amvona.com has a very wide selection at good prices (dynatran brand)and the quality is pretty good. I have an AT828, bought off one of their ebay auctions for $68 incl shipping and the pistol grip head.
I really appreciate all of the feedback. It's wonderful to have so many sharp minds to pick.
Thanks a bunch,
Stephen
The Slik you are looking at does look like a decent tripod for the price. You will need a head to go along with it, which will add to the cost. The only feature that tripod is lacking that I use farily regularly is being able to mount the center column horizontally. I have the Manfrotto 3021BPRO tripod which allows me to do this. I think this tripod sells for about $150 plus the cost of a head.
