Need help choosing a new tripod: I have a heavy duty tripod but the pan head is not removable and its not small enough to travel with. It was an inexpensive purchase when I first...

zuzanne Loc: Crawfordville, FL

I have a heavy duty tripod but the pan head is not removable and its not small enough to travel with. It was an inexpensive purchase when I first started taking photos. Need one that is sturdy enough to handle my T3i camera with my Sigma 150-500 lens attached. Also want to be able to remove the head for travel as I have a heavy duty pistol grip ball head that I want to use. Can someone recommend one that would do this and cost under $100.00? I also need it to collapse down enough to fit into my checked luggage.

zuzanne

JD750 Loc: SoCal

zuzanne wrote:

I have a heavy duty tripod but the pan head is not... (show quote)

There is a pretty decent article covering the topic of choosing a tripod at the following web site: http://photographylife.com/how-to-choose-and-buy-a-tripod-for-a-dslr-camera

He mentions in the article that most people start off with a cheap tripod then they want to buy another tripod.
The article covers a lot of details on tripods and also has some good suggestions on the cheap vs expensive tripod route, and some suggested sources for each.

zuzanne Loc: Crawfordville, FL

Thank you for the link. I will check it out.

zuzanne

jd7000 wrote:

There is a pretty decent article covering the topic of choosing a tripod at the following web site: http://photographylife.com/how-to-choose-and-buy-a-tripod-for-a-dslr-camera

He mentions in the article that most people start off with a cheap tripod then they want to buy another tripod.
The article covers a lot of details on tripods and also has some good suggestions on the cheap vs expensive tripod route, and some suggested sources for each.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Using a tripod with a 500 mm lens demands stability. I settled on an Induro carbon fiber CT Serieshttp://www.indurogear.com/products/carbon-ct-series-8x-tripods/

I too had a cheap less than stable 'pod. The Induro is rugged but light, so I can carry it on my photo backpack without out feeling like I am overloaded.

Chuckwal Loc: Boynton Beach Florida

Look
At meFoto

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Send MT Shooter a PM. Tripods are one of his specialties. I don't know how his prices compare to other sources, but he is very knowledgeable and completely trustworthy in his dealings.

bretedge Loc: Moab, UT

Honestly, I doubt you'll find a tripod for less than $100 that is up to the task. Spend a little more now and you'll not only suffer less in the field, you won't have to turn around in a year and buy another tripod. I lead a few dozen workshops each year and the biggest mistake I see people consistently making is buying a cheap tripod. They aren't built to last and they just aren't stable.

I recommend Induro tripods. I use their carbon fiber models but I also spend a lot of time hiking with them and wanted to save weight. Their aluminum tripods are just as stable and use the same high-quality construction at a lower price. Here's a link to one of the aluminum models: http://www.indurogear.com/products/induro-alloy-at-series-8m-tripods-at113.aspx

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

LFingar wrote:

Send MT Shooter a PM. Tripods are one of his specialties. I don't know how his prices compare to other sources, but he is very knowledgeable and completely trustworthy in his dealings.

But a cheep tripod for an expensive lens is not very smart.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Capture48 wrote:

But a cheep tripod for an expensive lens is not very smart.

I agree. I figure if the OP does his research, especially with input from someone like MT Shooter, he will eventually realize that his budget needs revision.

rstrick2 Loc: Beverly Hills, FL

I bought a Global tracker from Me-Foto. the one i chose support my 500

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I have some gear that was expensive to me. I use a $90 Dolica tripod I bought at Christmas from a store that I trust and has stellar customer service.

I was recently shooting with a friend who is addicted to the notion that higher price always equals higher quality. I could see no performance difference between my tripod and his Manfroto.

My tripod:
http://www.costco.com/Dolica-Proline-60%22-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod-with-Ball-Head-Bundle-.product.11746472.html

A travel version:
http://www.costco.com/Dolica-Reversible-Traveler-57%22-Tripod-with-Integratable-Monopod.product.100073661.html

zuzanne Loc: Crawfordville, FL

Thanks everyone for your help. I will check out all the recommendations. I value MT Shooters advice and will also check with him for help. I know $100.00 isn't a lot of money to spend on a tripod, but that's what my fixed income budget allows at this point.

zuzanne

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

If this tripod and head is only going to be used on your trip, why not rent a tripod from a local company where you're going?
Look in the local Yellow Pages for studio gear, or a local camera store that rents equipment. Or, rent one before you leave home.

B

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

zuzanne wrote:

I have a heavy duty tripod but the pan head is not... (show quote)

With these parameters, maybe you should be thinking of a good monopod !