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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Cheap but good tripods
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 02/10/2007 03:52:56 PM · #1
This post is for people trying to pick a starter tripod. I don't have any associate with these companies; I've just had good success with them and want to let other P&S owners know. Not everything has to cost hundreds of dollars.

For a full-size tripod, I recommend the Sunpak 6060. I bought it at a home electronics store for about $40.

It has many features found on high-end tripods. I'm sure the expensive ones are better, but if you're just looking for a starting tripod, I highly recommend this one.

One thing to consider is that it's very lightweight and compacts down to something like 24" high. Great for hiking and great for a point and shoot, but probably not great for heavy gear. it does have a hook underneath that you can hang a bag on to weight it down for more stability.

With the center column retracted but the legs fully extended, it's 48" high. Extending the column makes it 60" high.

From a recent thread that provided a great list of desirable tripod features, this one has the features in bold:

1. Rigidity/torsion resistance (so-so)
2. Easy-to-operate leg locks (flips - not turns)
3. Secure, efficient rapid-mounting system
4. Large range of movement in 3 separate planes
5. Secure locks (at least for my camera's weight)
6. The ability to control the horizontal movement by twisting the primary lever - I don't want to have to adjust some little fly wheel.

Now, here are some things it doesn't do:
1. Let you shoot at eye height without extending the center column
2. Reversible/cantileverable column that lets the camera hang down or slide to the side
3. Legs that can be set independently at different angles (don't think I care as much about this one).

For tabletop stuff or to take even less on a hike, I use the Gorillapod by Joby. I used it on my 5-day hike in the Alps last summer to great effect (including my current highest-scoring shot). It cost $45 for the "SLR" version; there's a cheaper one for smaller cameras and a more expensive one for SLRs with big lenses.
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