I have never used a tripod with the SX50. Has a fantastic stabilizing system, even shooting with the digital tele- corrector. Check all your settings , such as continuous focus, or IS at moment of exposure, etc. try on the settings that give you the best results. The only reason you should really need a tripod is for night scenes. It's fantastic handheld even for moon shots. Maybe it's the way you hold the camera when you shoot? How steady are you at the moment of exposure? Do you jerk the shutter, exhale, or more. Many of these little details are critical at the moment of exposure. I know that I'm nitpicking but these things are critical for a decent picture. I have used a tripod with my SLR's , especially those without IS or IS lenses. Just don't like carrying it around anymore. Try all of this and maybe you won't have to buy that big heavy, and expensive tripod!

One size does not necessarily fit all. I have a light, cheap tripod and a heavy, expensive tripod. I use whichever is appropriate for the photographic situation. That shouldn't be a problem.

As I stated right at the beginning, almost any tripod is better than no tripod at all. What really burns my tush is the photo snobs (not including SR-71 in this category) who state "don't waste your money on a $25 or $100 tripod, you have to spend $1000 (or more) to get a good tripod". Well, some folks can't AFFORD $1000 for a tripod, many probably didn't spend $1000 on their camera in the first place.

I already have three tripods and am considering getting the Dolica tripod mentioned earlier as it would fit a niche need. So what if I then have four tripods and have spent a thousand or two in total? I'd rather have the right piece of equipment for the task at hand than make do with a single, overpriced tripod with the "right" name. As Hillary put it, "At this point in time, what difference does it make"!

One size does not necessarily fit all. I have a light, cheap tripod and a heavy, expensive tripod. I use whichever is appropriate for the photographic situation. That shouldn't be a problem.

As I stated right at the beginning, almost any tripod is better than no tripod at all. What really burns my tush is the photo snobs (not including SR-71 in this category) who state "don't waste your money on a $25 or $100 tripod, you have to spend $1000 (or more) to get a good tripod". Well, some folks can't AFFORD $1000 for a tripod, many probably didn't spend $1000 on their camera in the first place.

I already have three tripods and am considering getting the Dolica tripod mentioned earlier as it would fit a niche need. So what if I then have four tripods and have spent a thousand or two in total? I'd rather have the right piece of equipment for the task at hand than make do with a single, overpriced tripod with the "right" name. As Hillary put it, "At this point in time, what difference does it make"!

Just got a Dolica ZX600B103 at Costco for $89 minus a $10 rebate. List is $199 at Dolica website and Amazon charges $119 for same thing. Rated at 13.5lb capacity by manufacturer, is carbon, has a removable ball head with standard 3/8" screw and only weighs 3.5lbs. Very stable with my D5200 with 55-300 Nikkor lens. Nice carrying bag with strap. Hook for adding more ballast. I shopped hard for something like you describe when I wanted a better tripod and this is what I came up with. I know you can go much more expensive and maybe do a little better, but this one will take me a while to outgrow. I do a lot of HDR and needed something more stable than my old aluminum standby. Hope this helps...