What type of tripod to get (Page 2): Check yard sales, pawn shops, etc. I found both of my Gitzo tripods at yard sales. I paid $30 for a Gitzo that had a stripped thread on one leg...

Georgia Peddler Loc: Brunswick, GA

Dtil2012 wrote:

I have $350 to spend on tripod. what are your suggestions. also pan head, or ball head. I take manly pictures not much video. Thank you for your input.Dennis

Check yard sales, pawn shops, etc. I found both of my Gitzo tripods at yard sales. I paid $30 for a Gitzo that had a stripped thread on one leg section. Took it to my photo dealer in Tennessee who was a Gitizo dealer, they returned it and it was fixed instantly and returned - no charge due to Gitzo's warranty policy. I spent $30 bucks for a tripod that sold new for over $400.
I would think that especially in today's financial crisis there are a lot of things for sale that normally would not be. But, like others have said on here - be sure and check whatever you end up with by putting your camera/lens system on it and running it through full extension, pan, biggest lens, etc.l
Good Shooting

Wick Loc: Venice, Florida

Georgia Peddler wrote:

quote=Dtil2012 I have $350 to spend on tripod. wh... (show quote)

I'm with you. I have a number of tripods, all from thrift stores like goodwill etc. Amazing finds. My favorite of them all is a Tiltall. I worry about tip overs. If I have my 1DS and a 200mm lens attached, it is quite heavy and unwieldy. This Tiltall is solid as a rock and Makes me feel that my stuff is being protected. I currently have a ballhead mounted but, it pretty much depends on if you'll be doing video much. Then a panhead would be a better choice. But, with patience that $350 could buy you a bunch of very good tripods with different characteristics for each job. Check salvation army or pawn shops also. They come in quite often and pawnbrokers , as a general rule, don't know how to price them.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Costco has a carbon fiber with ball head for $99 that includes free shipping. A friend of mine just got one yesterday and he said 'no plastic' and the legs tighten like the Gitzo carbon fiber tripods. It will work well with a body and lens as heavy as the Canon 24-70mm f2.8

Skibo Loc: Richmond, Va.

Take a look at Induro, great tripods for the money

donnz Loc: Auckland, New Zealand

I bought the same tripod as mafadecay here in news Zealand ,it came without a head $180.00 I bought a hydro ball head another $180.00. I purchased from trade me its like eBay it's solid as all aliminium and rock solid with my Nikon d7000 lens and ring flash, I saw so many flimsy carbon fibre ones that shook when I moved. in my opinion it's great , I don't go off hiking at 64 so weight isn't an issue

mafadecay Loc: Wales UK

donnz wrote:

I bought the same tripod as mafadecay here in news Zealand ,it came without a head $180.00 I bought a hydro ball head another $180.00. I purchased from trade me its like eBay it's solid as all aliminium and rock solid with my Nikon d7000 lens and ring flash, I saw so many flimsy carbon fibre ones that shook when I moved. in my opinion it's great , I don't go off hiking at 64 so weight isn't an issue

Are you sure that you are talking about the same tripod as the one I got? $180 seems like way more than I paid. I bought from Amazon brand new (1 year warranty from manufacturer) and mine came boxed with the head and free shipping all for around £50 which is coming in at near $81 today.

donnz Loc: Auckland, New Zealand

no I am not positive it looks the same, Chinese made it came with alternative feet, spikes or rubber , single action locking 3 sections .foam pads on the upper section the hinged head looks the same
that's New Zealand dollars rate about 80 cents

mafadecay Loc: Wales UK

donnz wrote:

no I am not positive it looks the same, Chinese made it came with alternative feet, spikes or rubber , single action locking 3 sections .foam pads on the upper section the hinged head looks the same
that's New Zealand dollars rate about 80 cents

Oh I see. Like I said before and for all those not listening its the best cheap thing I ever bought in my kit.

donnz Loc: Auckland, New Zealand

he calls it the qh j8580 professional tripod now 155 bucks

mafadecay Loc: Wales UK

donnz wrote:

he calls it the qh j8580 professional tripod now 155 bucks

If anybody is considering this tripod I would shop around for best price further around the world. Even with air freight shipping it will still be much cheaper plus you get the ball head included.

PixelBill Loc: Holliston MA

I have a Nikon D300 with 18-200 and 70-300 lenses. I knew I wanted a carbon fiber tripod but that's about all. I asked Adorama for their suggestion. They suggested a Giottos VITRUVIAN VGR8265-M2C 5-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Arca Style Quick Release Ball Head, Maximum Height: 66.6in, Folded 16.5in, Load Capacity: 13 lbs. http://www.adorama.com/GTVGR8265M2C.html
The special price is $289.95. I ordered it yesterday and will soon know if it meets my needs. -Bill

BigGWells Loc: Olympia, WA

Manfroto

patrick M

You Know what always tickeled Me is Your told to buy a carbon fiber tripod lightweight strong etc. Then Your told to get or carry sand bags to hold it in place or weight it with your camera bag to support it against tipping toppling falling makes You think Sturdy Ever try to fill a sand bag from a sidewalk or a black top road and if Like MC and myself dig in hard earth and fill a sand bag
Just Never Got it
Bring Your Camera or camera information to the shop BH ADORAMA ADVORNA 17ST WHATEVER take a look around see what You like what You can handle ask the sales person to mount a like camera and lens or lenses try it feel it move it what makes you smile today is what you buy today - Tomorrow you might change your mind
and to those who recomend carbon fiber there is no pun tword you intended - it is a good purchase if you like them and for what they do

xseabee Loc: Northern California; Northern, Colorado

Dtil2012 wrote:

I have $350 to spend on tripod. what are your suggestions. also pan head, or ball head. I take manly pictures not much video. Thank you for your input.Dennis

Ask Olivia: Manfrotto MVH502A Fluid Head and MVT502AM Tripod Kit. $350.85 at B & H.
http://oliviatech.com/manfrotto-mvh502a-fluid-head-and-mvt502am-tripod-kit

ShooterOR

Scoutman wrote:

quote=Dtil2012 I have $350 to spend on tripod. wh... (show quote)

You guys are trouble

;)

I wasn't in the market for one-- and now I gotta look into this one. I use a Manfrotto that does get me to ground level-- if my knees would cooperate!

Of course, now you'll need right angle view-finder.

Ho Ho. ;)