Focused Question - Tripod under $200? I have learned (from mistakes) the importance of a tripod in certain situations. Since I probably could use a tripod in one in ten photo shoots, I...

Bogin Bob Loc: Tampa Bay, Florida

I have learned (from mistakes) the importance of a tripod in certain situations. Since I probably could use a tripod in one in ten photo shoots, I would be interested in the UHH members recommendation for one under $200. I would like to keep weight under 5 pounds. I do not use long telephoto lenses or heavy weight lens on my Nikon D5100 or A6000. I assume a basic ball head is best over swivel/pan head. A group member suggested Slik tripods.

Recommendations requested.
Thank you.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

I believe the first thing you must consider it the total weight of your camera and largest lens (think ahead). Your tripod, and head should be able to support one and one half to twice that total weight.

This is what I use and it is over $200. I use it because of the flexibility of having a tripod and monopod in one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1024709-REG/sirui_bsrp324s_carbon_fiber_monopod.html/prm/alsVwDtl

Good luck, let us know what you decide.

mrjcall Loc: Woodfin, NC

Bogin Bob wrote:

I have learned (from mistakes) the importance of a tripod in certain situations. Since I probably could use a tripod in one in ten photo shoots, I would be interested in the UHH members recommendation for one under $200. I would like to keep weight under 5 pounds. I do not use long telephoto lenses or heavy weight lens on my Nikon D5100 or A6000. I assume a basic ball head is best over swivel/pan head. A group member suggested Slik tripods.

Recommendations requested.
Thank you.

You could use a good tripod in probably a lot higher percentage than one in ten! If you spend under $200 for a tripod/head combo, you'll find out within a year that you need a better one... Been there and done that... 8-) The more you use a tripod, the more you realize you need one and the more you realize that you need a really good one.

GDRoth Loc: Southeast Michigan USA

You can probably find a good tripod for under $200 on sale (or special), but you'll need a decent ball head that will cost at least 100-150 for acceptable quality.

Also, in that price range, you should look for aluminium, not carbon fiber

my 2 cents

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Not to argue the percentages of use of pod. For me when I finally found the correct stabilizing gear I tended to use my tripod more and my images improved along with the creative aspect of the op.

Lots of expensive equipment purchased and then not used. For me this was the solution. Look for a Manfrotto/Bogan Tripod and Ball-Head. It will most likely be an Aluminum rather than Carbon Fiber. I found the Manfrotto 055xProB, and 498 Ball-Head. Great gear and was under your price point. It will take some shopping but you can get what you need as it looks like you have a large market. Look for used wholesale priced goods.

J. R.

Michael Hartley Loc: Deer Capital of Georgia

Walmart has some Manfrotto tripods.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Michael Hartley wrote:

Walmart has some Manfrotto tripods.

Check K-Mart and Target too.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Bogin Bob wrote:

I have learned (from mistakes) the importance of a tripod in certain situations. Since I probably could use a tripod in one in ten photo shoots, I would be interested in the UHH members recommendation for one under $200. I would like to keep weight under 5 pounds. I do not use long telephoto lenses or heavy weight lens on my Nikon D5100 or A6000. I assume a basic ball head is best over swivel/pan head. A group member suggested Slik tripods.

Recommendations requested.
Thank you.

In my opinion, check out the Induro AT413 tripod, yes, it costs slightly over $200.00, but not much, and, you will have to get a head, but for the money, it is one of the best values out there. I comes with a nice carrying cast and a industry leading warranty, and tools. It is very sturdy, will last you a lifetime and you will not regret it for one minute.

legion3 Loc: Deer Park Long Island

mefoto you get tripod and head for 209 dollars

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Buy used at about 50% off. J. R.

Grnway Loc: Manchester, NH

Have you considered the mefoto line? Their Roadtrip model covers a lot of bases:
- <$200
- 3.6 lbs.
- compact
- 17+ lb. capacity
- arca swiss style clamp system
- part of it will convert to monopod

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=10892889&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi

This is one burly, and versatile, tripod! This is a great travel tripod, but it's also rugged enough for everyday use with any type of gear, be it FF or compact.

And what's really nice about it, if you decide to get a full sized tripod, with heads such as Induro, Sirui, Acratech, and others with arca swiss clamp, you'll have a compatible attachment system. Just keep an arca swiss plate on both cameras and you can use either system.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Read the first article first. It could save you money and get you better pictures. There's no sense wasting money on a cheaper, less effective tripod that isn't going to do the job. As others have said, the weight of your gear means a lot.

http://www.bythom.com/support.htm
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/5-pros-and-5-cons-of-using-a-tripod/
http://www.lightstalking.com/tripod-heads/

steveg48

mrjcall wrote:

You could use a good tripod in probably a lot higher percentage than one in ten! If you spend under $200 for a tripod/head combo, you'll find out within a year that you need a better one... Been there and done that... 8-) The more you use a tripod, the more you realize you need one and the more you realize that you need a really good one.

I went from hardly ever using a tripod to almost always using it.

From what I have learned, just considering the weight carrying load is not sufficient. A more important criterion is the rigidity. Generally in tripods, you get what you pay for. You also need a good ballhead which may run more than $200.

GeorgeO Loc: Waukesha, WI

Cood suggestion. I really like BHPhotoVideo, but Adorama has it on sale for $20 less. My guess is that BH would match the price. Both have been great companies to purchase from.
I recently spoke with a professional photographer using one on a shoot at my workplace and he was very pleased with it. This may be the one for me as well.

mrjcall Loc: Woodfin, NC

steveg48 wrote:

I went from hardly ever using a tripod to almost always using it.

From what I have learned, just considering the weight carrying load is not sufficient. A more important criterion is the rigidity. Generally in tripods, you get what you pay for. You also need a good ballhead which may run more than $200.

Could not agree more! Research and experience will tell you that a tripod is every bit as important as a lens in bringing home that jaw dropping shot! Since many don't blink an eye to spend a thousand or more on a good lens, should we not have the same mindset with a tripod?

I know, I know, they're cumbersome/heavy/PITA to carry around, especially hiking in the field and especially the full size ones you need, but once you determine it's necessary, you'll figure it out. You'll then find your production of quality photos takes a big leap for sure. :thumbup: