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Good tripod?
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Apr 12, 2019 08:45:45   #
karrun
 
I hope this is the right place to ask this. I am an enthusiastic amateur and have a super cheap pan tripod. I would like to get a better one and saw this one listed on Amazon for $99, which is in my price range. Would I be doing okay to get this one?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZGY74JK?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-org00-win10-other-nomod-us000-pcomp-feature-pcomp-wm-3-wm-8-wm-4-wm-1&ref=aa_pcomp_exp4

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Apr 12, 2019 08:55:25   #
gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast
 
Don’t use one much myself but I watched a video where the guy advised getting the best quality you can afford. Seems to be a reasonable approach. Personally, if I was in the market, I’d go to a store with a wide selection by brands to see what’s available.

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Apr 12, 2019 08:55:45   #
pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA
 
You may note it will support adequate weight, however I doubt the ballhead would be satisfactory. Most inexpensive ones are pretty irritating. They tend not to lock well and sag and their adjustment tends to not be smooth. I’d suggest you look for a high quality ballhead used to save dollars and mount it on whatever tripod you end up selecting. If you purchase on from one of the large used equipment dealers returns are easy if needed and several offer warranties for usually 6 months. Good luck.

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Apr 12, 2019 09:02:22   #
47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range
 
Read the ratings, particularly the 1 and 2 star ones. You get what you pay for. For that price point, I’d personally be combing Craigslist. Don’t trust the weight rating. I wouldn’t put anything but a compact or something else light on it. I owned a Vanguard once...... never again.

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Apr 12, 2019 09:07:50   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
karrun wrote:
I hope this is the right place to ask this. I am an enthusiastic amateur and have a super cheap pan tripod. I would like to get a better one and saw this one listed on Amazon for $99, which is in my price range. Would I be doing okay to get this one?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZGY74JK?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-org00-win10-other-nomod-us000-pcomp-feature-pcomp-wm-3-wm-8-wm-4-wm-1&ref=aa_pcomp_exp4


The best in your budget ! - please READ the user reviews - it is a little (relatively) heavy by most standards tho - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Slik-Pro-700DX-Super-Titanium-Alloy-Tripod-Legs-615900/371546840953?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

But you will still need a decent head.....decent ones start around $85-100.

.

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Apr 12, 2019 09:13:00   #
digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan
 
karrun wrote:
I hope this is the right place to ask this. I am an enthusiastic amateur and have a super cheap pan tripod. I would like to get a better one and saw this one listed on Amazon for $99, which is in my price range. Would I be doing okay to get this one?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZGY74JK?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-org00-win10-other-nomod-us000-pcomp-feature-pcomp-wm-3-wm-8-wm-4-wm-1&ref=aa_pcomp_exp4


I have a couple of “Vanguard tri-pods, and have come to believe that the brand is “BETTER-THAN-MOST” and a good deal for the money.. The one you’re considering isn’t the SUPER-LIGHT-Weight type that many use for travel, but it’s a damned good all-around TRI-POD. I also think that ball-heads are the way to go, and Vanguards’ heads are better than most, for the money. I haven’t yet read any of the respondents to your post, but in my humble opinion, it’s just my OPINION.. RJM

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Apr 12, 2019 09:13:33   #
davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel
 
karrun wrote:
I hope this is the right place to ask this. I am an enthusiastic amateur and have a super cheap pan tripod. I would like to get a better one and saw this one listed on Amazon for $99, which is in my price range. Would I be doing okay to get this one?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZGY74JK?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-org00-win10-other-nomod-us000-pcomp-feature-pcomp-wm-3-wm-8-wm-4-wm-1&ref=aa_pcomp_exp4


Did you pay $99 for your camera? Not a fair comparison? The price of a tripod is actually an indicator, and this one indicates it is an entry-level piece of equipment. As such, you WILL buy another. When this tripod falls apart or over you will understand the expression "buy cheap-buy often". Your second sentence is key to your situation. You understand the necessity for proper gear. For tripods the best reference on the planet is MT SHooter, on this board. He owns The Camera Cottage in Billings, MT. Call Carter, you will learn why you need to speak with him. The phone call is free.

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Apr 12, 2019 09:15:22   #
digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan
 
47greyfox wrote:
Read the ratings, particularly the 1 and 2 star ones. You get what you pay for. For that price point, I’d personally be combing Craigslist. Don’t trust the weight rating. I wouldn’t put anything but a compact or something else light on it. I owned a Vanguard once...... never again.


I shiver when people suggest/recommend “CRAIGS- LIST” the most dangerous way to shop. Again IMHO!!!!

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Apr 12, 2019 09:15:23   #
Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.
 
There are many threads here on UHH regarding tripods. The one underlying theme running through them is don't buy cheap as you will find yourself constantly upgrading and spending a whole lot more in the long run. Most tripods can support the weight of our cameras and lenses. Weight supporting ability is not the issue then, vibration is. The main reason to use a tripod is to limit movement so you can get a sharply focused image. A cheap tripod will not be able to dampen vibrations which can be caused by many factors. (Sorry but a $99 tripod is a cheap tripod) Do yourself a favor and search this site for tripod conversations, look for responses from "Gene51". His comments are well informed and based on many years of practical experience.

Edit: The search function here is hopeless, plug this into Google.
Site:https://www.uglyhedgehog.com Tripod

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Apr 12, 2019 09:18:17   #
digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan
 
imagemeister wrote:
The best in your budget ! - please READ the user reviews - it is a little (relatively) heavy by most standards tho - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Slik-Pro-700DX-Super-Titanium-Alloy-Tripod-Legs-615900/371546840953?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

But you will still need a decent head.....decent ones start around $85-100.

.


I guess if”you believe in getting the best BALL-HEAD, i suggest getting the one I have on my top of the line VANGUARD:::: the really right stuff BALL @ 5 smackers$$$$

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Apr 12, 2019 09:19:37   #
digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan
 
digit-up wrote:
I have a couple of “Vanguard tri-pods, and have come to believe that the brand is “BETTER-THAN-MOST” and a good deal for the money.. The one you’re considering isn’t the SUPER-LIGHT-Weight type that many use for travel, but it’s a damned good all-around tri-pod. I also think that ball-heads are the way to go, and Vanguards’ heads are better than most, for the money. I haven’t yet read any of the respondents to your post, but in my humble opinion, it’s just my OPINION.. RJM

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Apr 12, 2019 09:23:47   #
digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan
 
davidrb wrote:
Did you pay $99 for your camera? Not a fair comparison? The price of a tripod is actually an indicator, and this one indicates it is an entry-level piece of equipment. As such, you WILL buy another. When this tripod falls apart or over you will understand the expression "buy cheap-buy often". Your second sentence is key to your situation. You understand the necessity for proper gear. For tripods the best reference on the planet is MT SHooter, on this board. He owns The Camera Cottage in Billings, MT. Call Carter, you will learn why you need to speak with him. The phone call is free.
Did you pay $99 for your camera? Not a fair compa... (show quote)


Vanguards do have entry-level that aren’t expensive , but none are CHEAP-flimsy, as you inferred, As they say “everyone has an opinion, and opinions are like..........

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Apr 12, 2019 09:26:18   #
jmizera Loc: Austin Texas
 
I spent a bit more a couple of years ago, and got a Manfrotto BeFree. Fantastic little tripod. When traveling, every ounce and every inch makes a difference.

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Apr 12, 2019 09:30:46   #
Eddy Vortex
 
What's the heaviest/longest lens that you're going to mount ?

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Apr 12, 2019 09:33:08   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
digit-up wrote:
I guess if”you believe in getting the best BALL-HEAD, i suggest getting the one I have on my top of the line VANGUARD:::: the really right stuff BALL @ 5 smackers$$$$


No, I don't .....others (decent ones) will suffice for most people most of the time especially if used properly ......congrats to you !
.

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