What would a decent tripod be?

[CW Jones]

I don't have loads of money to spend, so a nice $400+ tripod is out of the question haha I was looking at this Giotto tho... Seems like a good price and a pretty good tripod. Any thoughts? I want something stable, and affordable, weight of the tripod itself means nothing. Possible future lenses... 70-200 F4 and some other L glass.

https://www.adorama.com/GTMTL9271B.html

Thanks!
-Collin

[bigtwinky]

I have http://www.adorama.com/BG190XPROB.html?searchinfo=manfrotto+190 and can't complain. Sturdy, portable, durable...

[CW Jones]

Then I would add the head to it correct?

[jbylake]

I have http://www.adorama.com/BG190XPROB.html?searchinfo=manfrotto+190 and can't complain. Sturdy, portable, durable...
I second that. I have one, it's not as light as I would like it to be, but I think you said that weight is not important, so I assume you're not going to be back paccking it into the boonies.

However, you also have to consider the head. I have the monfrotto "trigger" head. It's fantastic for what I use it for, but has a weight limit of about 8lbs. U.S., so if you have a camera/lens combo, that demands more, you'd probably want a differnt head.
If you're combined rate is going to be less than that, the head would work, and the aforemented tripod is an excellent deal for the money.

Head plus Tripod, approx: 325 U.S.

J.:big grin:

[CW Jones]

Yikes thats expensive haha

I hate trying to price out tripods! My $30 walmart one is working for now... but I would never leave it sitting by itself!

[bigtwinky]

I have the basic manfrotto ball head, cost about $50 a few years ago.

[CW Jones]

I'm thinking inflation had its way with it tho haha I see the "mini" one there for $50 lol maybe I can find a nice used tripod and get a new head for it..

[bigtwinky]

check out Craigslist or any other used places.

Manfrottos are great tripods. I've sold great condition ones as i didnt have the need for 3 tripods anymore.

[CW Jones]

aw crap, have another one you don't need? haha

[Fox Paw]

I have some Chinese tripod that my wife bought me. It's not bad, but the head disintegrated in mid-shoot after a year of being hauled around in a backpack and banged on rocks and such, and I'm lucky that I didn't lose a camera and a lens when it did. Don't skimp.

[jbylake]

aw crap, have another one you don't need? haha

Yep, there are a bunch of them..
The Argo (spelling)? is not really a bad tripod. It's light and inexpensive, however,,, it's alway's that "thing that you paid for".

I'd suggest that you look for one of the major brand names on Ebay. You can get a damned good one, but what I see them selling for, you would still only be 30 or 40 U.S. less than a new one.

I understand your need for a budget, however, I learned a long time ago that "saving" dollars, usuallly cost me 3X the amount, after buying junk that just won't hold up.

My advice is buy the best you can afford. If it's a used Monfrotto, ot either of the other quality triipods, then buy them used. They are, unless used by a serious pro, very rarely worn out. Might have a few scuffs and scratches, but that is small stuff. I bought my new Manfroto, because I bought cheap for a long time, and found out that it was costing me a bunch in the long run....:big grin:

J.
Edit: sorry, trtuh is I started buying new, however I bought a couple of quality used tripods, before I bought new. I was just too rough on them in the hills, falling off the back of my bike, etc....so I actually started spending some bucks later. However the price for the unit that BT recommended, and the one I bought is actually cheap, conidering the price. However, as I stated above, it's not exactly light, but if I recall, you said weight wasn't a consideration. That makes me wonder if you're looking for "Studio" stuff. If that's the case, you might want to be more specific, and "shop" in the "Pro" threads.

Good Luck....


J.

[CW Jones]

Well it would be studio, but also on hikes, just an al purpose tripod is what I am looking for. I just don't mind the weight thats all. I am 20 years old, 6'3" and 195lbs lol I can handle a heavier tripod :)

[jbylake]

Well it would be studio, but also on hikes, just an al purpose tripod is what I am looking for. I just don't mind the weight thats all. I am 20 years old, 6'3" and 195lbs lol I can handle a heavier tripod :)

Guy, a little older than you, USAF Spec Op's, retired, and weight does matter. You'll find that out on your own. Plus, why, if you're going on long (say 20 mile hump's), would you wan't to be so tired from carrying water, gear, food, etc....

If LRP is your goal, then I would seriously consider a fiberglass, low weight unit. Might not last you a hundred years, it would surely be welcome after a 20 M or K hump.....Consider also, the weight of your gear, your camera gear, water...etc.....

Often, although I'm older than you, I consider where I'm going to park my bike or car, calculate the weight of my gear, and how hard the hump is going to be, if I plan to go off the beaten path...

I'm thinking you already know how to "hump" gear, but don't forget those extra ounces, if you're going to make a serious hump/hike/photo shoot.

Just a suggestion, not trying to condescend, just been there. done that, had the equipment failure.....

J....:big grin:

Good Luck....:cheer:

[CW Jones]

hmmmm you are right hahah the girlfriend does like to go on hikes and such.... aw crap haha But in order to stay in my "budget" of not spending a killing I would have to give up the stable, so I would have light weight, and inexpensive so to speak.... hmmm

See this is why I HATE trying to pick a tripod! way to many options for me to get confused on haha

Thank you all so much!

[Hertz van Rental]

The tripod you buy is dictated by what you are going to use it for.
The requirements for a studio tripod are different to those of a large format location tripod are different to those of a back-packer's 35mm tripod.
The things you need to consider are: weight of camera; weight of tripod; stability; location use; max/min height.
In order:
The tripod needs to be able to cope with the weight of the heaviest camera/lens combo you are likely to use it with.
Tripod weight is only an issue if you are going to go hiking with it. A professional would employ an assistant to carry it ;)
Stability is a function of construction, supported weight and strength. A light camera/tripod combo may be easy to carry around but if you try using it when it's windy you'll find it no more stable than hand-holding it. Stability can be improved to some extent by hanging a counterweight (say a camera bag) from the column but you have to make sure the tripod can cope with the extra weight.
If you are going to use a tripod out doors then things like being able to have the legs set to different lengths and having a built-in spirit level (and no steel so the thing doesn't go rusty if it gets wet) need to be considered.
Max/min height speaks for itself. How tall are you? Do you like to carry a set of steps? How small do you want it to pack? How low down do you want it to be able to go?
Considering these questions should help you decide, but if cost is an issue then you need to ask yourself if you really need a tripod.
There are alternatives, including a monopod (which is great for hiking).
I have an old Slik tripod (built like a Gitzo and way cheaper) for large format studio stuff, and I have a Manfrotto (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto) carbon fibre tripod with a magnesium head for using out and about. It's lovely, but then it should be for the price I paid.

[invisible]

I am 20 years old, 6'3" and 195lbs lol I can handle a heavier tripod :)
If you are 6'3", then the Manfrotto 190XB (or its "pro" version) might not be for you. I'm 5'11" and have just returned one of those --it's wasn't tall enough for me. Traded it in for the 055XB, which is much taller and also a bit sturdier.

Regarding heads, I went with the Manfrotto 488RC2 and I love it.

[icassell]

A tripod is one place where I would definitely scour the used market. It's sort of hard to ruin a good pod. The Bogen 3021 is the predecessor to the 055 and is a great pod. It is not light, but not horrible either. I got mine with a Gitzo magnesium head for well under $200 on e-bay. The legs were a bit scratched up, but it works fine and the head was in mint condition.

I know you don't want to spend a fortune, but here is an interesting link:

http://www.bythom.com/support.htm