Good Quality Tripod: I am searching for a good quality used tripod. I would like to search on ebay for one at a reasonable price, but I don't know what brand to search for. Can anyone...

phcaan Loc: Willow Springs, MO

I am searching for a good quality used tripod. I would like to search on ebay for one at a reasonable price, but I don't know what brand to search for.
Can anyone recommend a brand or model that I should search for. I am looking in the $60 range, I know that is not much, but my funds are limited.

Thank You

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Good luck finding a decent tripod for $60. Being serious - you are not going to find a decent tripod for that price (unless you are really lucky). Most Hogs will tell you that a tripod is one area where you don't want to skimp. Manfrotto, Really Right Stuff, Sirui and a few brands that come to mind, but I really doubt you are going to find anything decent for that price.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

phcaan wrote:

I am searching for a good quality used tripod. I would like to search on ebay for one at a reasonable price, but I don't know what brand to search for.
Can anyone recommend a brand or model that I should search for. I am looking in the $60 range, I know that is not much, but my funds are limited.

Thank You

ph, you don't give us much to go on. What does good quality mean to you?
My main tripod is an old Vivitar Pro alloy pod with pan/tilt. I don't remember the model #.
I've seen them used for as low as $50 but they weigh 8 lbs!
It handles everything from my 600 prime on down.
If that's what you're after, I can give you the model # when I get home on Sunday.
You can't google "pro" because every cheap tripod in the world is called a Pro.
There are others almost identical made by, I believe Atlas and probably others.
Good luck! ;-)
SS

DerBiermeister Loc: North of Richmond VA

You might luck on to something at a yardsale.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

If I were you, I'd save that $60.00. Otherwise, you'll be in the same spot again and have $60.00 less toward your next tripod.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

phcaan wrote:

I am searching for a good quality used tripod. I would like to search on ebay for one at a reasonable price, but I don't know what brand to search for.
Can anyone recommend a brand or model that I should search for. I am looking in the $60 range, I know that is not much, but my funds are limited.

Thank You

Don't waste your time or money. Wait until you have enough to get yourself a decent tripod (in the $300 and up range). In the meantime, use higher ISOs.

Really Right Stuff, Gitzo, Feisol, Three Legged Thing, higher end Benro, Manfrotto, Sirui and Induro, etc. Avoid any tripod that sold for less than $300 used. They are generally not build to last, and also fail to perform which is usually why people sell them - and you will too.

CO

As UHH members have already said, you will just be spending more money later for a better tripod. My first tripod was a $79 consumer grade tripod. The built-in pan/tilt head was loose all over even with the locks tightened. I like Manfrotto because of the wide variety of tripod head designs they offer.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

phcaan wrote:

I am searching for a good quality used tripod. I would like to search on ebay for one at a reasonable price, but I don't know what brand to search for.
Can anyone recommend a brand or model that I should search for. I am looking in the $60 range, I know that is not much, but my funds are limited.

Thank You

Better Call Carter! @ The Camera Cottage in Billings, MT. Carter was a technical advisor to the inventor of tripods, you can look it up on the internet! He can guide you to wherever you need to be. He carries new and used gear and has become the caterer of tripods for the UHH. Carter resides here on the Hog as user MTShooter. Call or PM and tell him exactly where you are, and where you would like to be. If he can't help you, you just can't get there from here. Good luck with your quest, and be sure to notice Carter's philosophy about photography.

Don-G

First of all a tri-pod is very important you DO NOT want to skimp on this item. Secondly a good tri-pod will start at about 500 to 600 dollars and go up from there. A tri-pod is a photographers right hand so that more than likely it will be the last item he will get ride of. So good used tri pods will be very hard to find.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

Save your money and wait until you can afford something good.

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

If I were you, I'd save that $60.00. Otherwise, you'll be in the same spot again and have $60.00 less toward your next tripod.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

The Saint KK4GO Loc: Florida

Gene51 wrote:

Don't waste your time or money. Wait until you have enough to get yourself a decent tripod (in the $300 and up range). In the meantime, use higher ISOs.

Really Right Stuff, Gitzo, Feisol, Three Legged Thing, higher end Benro, Manfrotto, Sirui and Induro, etc. Avoid any tripod that sold for less than $300 used. They are generally not build to last, and also fail to perform which is usually why people sell them - and you will too.

I take exception to your statement. I have a Slik 700 DX Pro, $120.00 that is pan tilt and solid as a rock. will hold steady my Canon 5dmII with a Canon 70-200mm is usm II

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

Basil wrote:

Good luck finding a decent tripod for $60. Being serious - you are not going to find a decent tripod for that price (unless you are really lucky). Most Hogs will tell you that a tripod is one area where you don't want to skimp. Manfrotto, Really Right Stuff, Sirui and a few brands that come to mind, but I really doubt you are going to find anything decent for that price.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

aellman Loc: Boston MA

phcaan wrote:

I am searching for a good quality used tripod. I would like to search on ebay for one at a reasonable price, but I don't know what brand to search for.
Can anyone recommend a brand or model that I should search for. I am looking in the $60 range, I know that is not much, but my funds are limited.

Thank You

I beg to differ with the other posters (who will no doubt reply with 100 reasons why I'm wrong). You can find Manfrotto pods on ebay in your price range that should be perfectly adequate for a photog on a tight budget. (I'm assuming you're not supporting a 500mm lens used for shooting blemishes on people's faces 100 yards away.) When, if ever, you get to the point where that one is not sufficient, you can trade up. This is one example of many similar: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Manfrotto-Compact-MKC3-H01-Tripod-/111866361269?hash=item1a0bc135b5:g:pG4AAOSwKtlWiu~D

I have this model, and I find it to be of very good quality and utility.
Be sure to check the satisfaction score and the return policy of the seller.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

aellman wrote:

I beg to differ with the other posters (who will n... (show quote)

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Well to go against the grain. I bought my systems used. I have a Manfrotto 055XproB aluminum legs. I found a 498head that had been converted to Arca Swiss with a Kirk clamp. I like using a battery grip and found Kirk L brackets for my 60D and 6D. I also have a Macro bracket. Most was purchased on eBay, CL or locally. I am into all pieces for less than 200 USD. I do believe that buy shopping smartly I can go on the cheap. As has been mentioned used equipment may yield best budget results. I did se on a promotion a Shiri ball head that was 200 for 50 USD. Lots of old Bogens/Manfrotto legs out there. Many folks buy pricy equipment and then it sits. There is always someone that will buy used equipment for give away prices and then retail it.

J. R.