Looking for a tripod/monopod 2-in1 on $250 budget

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Canon Mount

04/02/2014 10:33:02 AM · #1

I'm just skimming through the post here but in the meantime, can anyone recommend a tripod/monopod 2-in-1? I have $250 budget give or take $50 if I absolutely must.

I now use my camera to take pictures and videos of my daughter indoor/outoor.

Mike

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

04/02/2014 11:36:37 AM · #2

you can buy a cheap monopod for like $20, spend the good money on the tripod.

Ja-9

Nikon D750

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

04/02/2014 11:50:12 AM · #3

Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 - This is what I got...and I can tell you I didn't pay that for sure!!! If I remember right I kept my eye out at our local camera supply (Colonial Photo...you can find them online and sign up for sale notices). I spent around $250 out of pocket for this, I did a "trade-in your old tripod deal" that I got $100 off.

The features that I love are...easy leg releases, the legs can go at all kinds of angles, and the center column goes at a 90 degree angle as well. All are quick and easy to use the ones that "screw" are very hard to set up IMO. It seems to be fairly lightweight...I don't have a problem carrying it.

This one is shorter than some of the other models...but then I'm short so it's not an issue for me...but be sure to ck out the height of what you get that it's comfortable for you to work with.

I just wish I had a better head on it. That will come in time...a nice LONG lens is in my sights right now...

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

04/02/2014 11:50:56 AM · #4

Here's a nicely-built tripod that does what you're looking for.

Here's a short video on how it all works.

Just under $200.00 at B&H. I've seen them, and I like them.

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/02/2014 12:24:32 PM · #5

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Here's a nicely-built tripod that does what you're looking for.

Here's a short video on how it all works.

Just under $200.00 at B&H. I've seen them, and I like them.

Too bad I already bought my travel tripod last summer...that's very nice (and a good price too). A bit heavy though, and I've always avoided twist locks because I'm afraid I'll forget to twist one or not twist it enough. But she makes it look easy (and much easier to release).

Not per the OP requirements, but I bought the BeeFree for travel. I like it, and it's relatively light, but it doesn't have all the features of the Giottas you point out, and it costs as much. I've also always been a manfrotto QR plate user, but really, I'm beggining to think the Arca system is better. The RC2 system plates are often hard to snap in, and if you're not careful, and they don't lock, you might have to "catch" your camera on the way down (has only happened to me twice in the many years I've been using it, but twice too many times).

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

04/02/2014 01:15:01 PM · #6

Thanks for the input. I'm going to go visit my local camera shop and have a look to see what they have. That Giottos looks nice. Manfrotto might be out of my price range.

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

04/02/2014 04:04:56 PM · #7

I have this one:

promaster -- tripod/monopod

rooum

04/02/2014 04:17:33 PM · #8

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Here's a nicely-built tripod that does what you're looking for.

Here's a short video on how it all works.

Just under $200.00 at B&H. I've seen them, and I like them.

I've got one of these and think it's excellent. Very nicely designed and not too heavy i find.

bmatt17

Canon EOS-600D/T3i Rebel

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/02/2014 07:41:48 PM · #9

I have the bigger Manfrotto and I love it. They also have both in aluminum for quite a bit cheaper.

I also have a Giottos ball head that I'm merely content with. It works, but no where near the quality the tripod I have is.

04/02/2014 09:53:11 PM · #10

Thanks again for the input. Might get the Manfrotto 190xB with a 496RC2 head. This keeps me in my budget.