Choosing A Tripod: I need some guidance in purchasing a tripod. There are too many choices out there. I have a Canon Rebel T6, and my biggest lens (at the moment) is the Canon 100mm...

Pysanka Artist Loc: Rochester, NY

I need some guidance in purchasing a tripod. There are too many choices out there. I have a Canon Rebel T6, and my biggest lens (at the moment) is the Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro. Will probably be purchasing a 100 - 400mm zoom. I will be using the tripod for the usual family group shots at holidays, short hikes in the park, longer exposures, gonna try some exposure stacking. I'm not afraid to spend a little more for quailty. I'm looking for ease of operation. I think I'm leaning towards a ball head with a quick release. What are your recommendations for me? Is there anything additional I will need to purchase?

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

What's your budget?

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Tripods can range in price from $15 to a whole lot of $$$. You don't need one of the latter. You can get a really nice Manfrotto aluminum tripod with ball head and quick release plate for around $190 on Amazon.com, and this tripod will do everything you need it to do and last for many, many years. Sure, there are less expensive, but they are not as well made, and sure there are more expensive, but you don't really need one of those. Don't get a cheapo tripod but then don't waist your money on an expensive one you don't need. Save your money so you can upgrade from the T6 to something a little more 2018+. Don't get me wrong, the T6 is capable of producing quality images, it simply lacks the functionality and resolution of much newer Canon bodies.

Pysanka Artist Loc: Rochester, NY

RichardTaylor wrote:

What's your budget?

Under $500

Pysanka Artist Loc: Rochester, NY

rmorrison1116 wrote:

You can get a really nice Manfrotto aluminum tripod with ball head and quick release plate for around $190 on Amazon.com, and this tripod will do everything you need it to do and last for many, many years. Save your money so you can upgrade from the T6 to something a little more 2018+. Don't get me wrong, the T6 is capable of producing quality images, it simply lacks the functionality and resolution of much newer Canon bodies.

Something like this? https://smile.amazon.com/Manfrotto-MT190XPRO3-Section-Aluminum-Replacement/dp/B00V74ZPNU/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543236827&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=manfrotto+190xprob+three-axis+head

Yes, the T6 is my first interchangeable DSLR that I bought in August. I am sure I will upgrade to full frame eventually.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

B&H has a tripod selection system where you can put in the variable choice decisions from price, size, weight, etc. It will get you down to one or two that you might want.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Complete-Tripods-with-Heads/ci/2635/N/4075788742

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Good articles.

http://www.bythom.com/support.htm
https://digital-photography-school.com/everything-about-tripods-phil-steele/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIWvjfI_-PA
http://digital-photography-school.com/build-ideal-tripod/
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/5-pros-and-5-cons-of-using-a-tripod/
http://www.lightstalking.com/tripod-heads/

Pysanka Artist Loc: Rochester, NY

bsprague wrote:

B&H has a tripod selection system where you can put in the variable choice decisions from price, size, weight, etc. It will get you down to one or two that you might want.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Complete-Tripods-with-Heads/ci/2635/N/4075788742

Thank you.

Pysanka Artist Loc: Rochester, NY

jerryc41 wrote:

Good articles.

http://www.bythom.com/support.htm
https://digital-photography-school.com/everything-about-tripods-phil-steele/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIWvjfI_-PA
http://digital-photography-school.com/build-ideal-tripod/
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/5-pros-and-5-cons-of-using-a-tripod/
http://www.lightstalking.com/tripod-heads/

Thank you

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

Call Carter at Carter's Camera Cottage MT Shooter on the Board
https://www.cameracottage.com/tripods

panzer Loc: wilmore ky.

If weight and size isn't a problem for you, don't overlook wood tripods like a Berlebach 332. They are simple and robust, and they don't suffer from from the usual issues that budget aluminum and carbon fiber tripods have.

JRD3 Loc: Richmond, VA

Look at the line Three-Legged Thing. Fairly good value for good materials.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

Go to a store with your equipment and try them. You want one that holds you setup and will be eye level without raising your center post. Also your comfort in carrying and setting it up. I can't do that on line. I dave several till figured that out.

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

Pysanka Artist wrote:

I need some guidance in purchasing a tripod. Ther... (show quote)

I have used Manfrotto tripods for years and have found them solid and reliable. The 190 is a great tripod for the price and currently the following one is $100.00 off. It would be a good value, and a solid starter tripod for you. It could be the only one you will ever need.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1193922-REG/manfrotto_mk190goa4b_bhus_190go_aluminum_tripod_kit.html

wildweasel

I decided to go with carbon fiber because of the weight, I purchased this Induro about 6 months ago and really like it. Several of the folks in our camera club have expressed an interest in one as well and I also got the Sirui ball head to go with it. I chose this tripod for the weight rating because even though I shoot a M 4/3 camera most of the time, I also shoot a Nikon D750 with a battery pack and a Tamron 150-600 lens and this tripod is rated to hold 44 pounds and I got a 10 year warranty.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z17U5ZW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QC3COO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1