Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

I have to disagree with number one. While fewer leg sections may be preferable, it is not true that excellent stability cannot be had in tripods with four or even five sections. The diameter of the tubes, thickness of the tubes, number of carbon wraps, type and construction of the joints can all effect stability. Many of the expensive tripods being talked about here excel in their stability despite having more than three leg sections. Furthermore, they will be more stable than many three section tripods with lesser specs (tube diameter, etc.).

Agree with number two. I sometimes wonder why Center columns are used at all. I suppose they help with shortening the folded up length but at such a cost in stability (when extended) that it seems counter productive to me.

For somebody my height (6’4”), I’d recommend a tripod without a center column and four leg segments over a three section tripod with center column any day.

JohnDaly24 Loc: Nevada City, CA

I always go for an expensive Tripod. Really Right Stuff and Gitzo have the best. RRS also has smaller tripods for traveling on an flight, especially overseas.
Currently I have a Benro for travel that is very sturdy but fo0lds up nice. I used to shoot a Canon MarkII with these tripods. Now I shoot with a Sony A7R II mirrorless
but it is still fairly heavy with the lenses. I took this stetup to France, Corsica, Malta and Barcelona on my most recent trip. Next is Morocco and Spain.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Simple, I have had ruined shots because of cheap tripods. You invest in good tools, you get good results.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

I like your explanation and reasons - BUT - as for the center post I could not be without mine - a crank type with a solid locking nut/wheel as well as the center post being reversible for close to the ground shots such as macro and close-ups - with my Canon T3i and it's flexible/rotating LCD I am able to capture some images I was not able to because of my age and ability to "get down and up again" LOL
Harvey

BruceLR Loc: Shoreline (Seattle), WA

I have two Dolicas. They are OK but not the greatest. One of them is a 4 section travel unit which seemed stable enough with my lightweight Sony a6000 but I wouldn't use it with the Canon 5D Mark III.

Recently I bought a Davis & Sanford Traverse TR684C-36 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Dual Locking Ball Head from B&H for $169 !!! I think this is the best value in a tripod out there. Fully extended the camera is at eye level (I'm 5' 10") without using the center column. It advertises that it includes a short column which is necessary if you want to get the camera close to the ground. Mine didn't have it but B&H worked with me and eventually I got Tiffen (the distributor for Davis & Sanford) to send me one. So, I took out the long column and use the short one in my setup. This thing is rock solid.

There is also a TR654C-36 carbon fiber model which is lighter & smaller. for $139.

Take a look.

zoomphoto Loc: Seattle, WA USA

For me its like buying a nice car then deliberating over the tires.
What compliments the car best and will perform the way I want.
Big heavy camera or small, typically used lens length, how do you want to mount the camera, windy conditions a way of life and will you want to hang a weight from the tripod, what height do you want the camera and will the tripod be stable at that height, etc.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I knew exactly what you meant...I'm trying how to figure out how to get myself an extended warranty.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

Tripods are to make the camera steady. Cheap, light ones can't do that. From my experience an aluminum one in the $200 range should be adequate and if weight in carrying it is an issue spend a bit more and get a carbon fiber one of the same quality.

Kuzano

It's true that you cannot "frame" a house with a "tack" hammer.

Nikon1201

I have a MeFoto with a Q1 head. I can put my D7100 and a Sigma 5-0500mm lens and it is stable and no droop on the lens, If it is windy I use a 3lb weight. It folds compact and is very light about $200

Nikon1201

I have a MeFoto with a Q1 head. I can put my D7100 and a Sigma 5-0500mm lens and it is stable and no droop on the lens, If it is windy I use a 3lb weight. It folds compact and is very light about $200

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Cheap may mean you replace your tripod, camera and lens. Think about it.

Don

Edia Loc: Central New Jersey

I see a thread with all the responses to the question. The three factors in selecting a tripod are durability, stability and portability. If you need all three, then the cost will be high. If you are an occasional tripod user, durability may be less important. If you are not a backpacker, portability may be less important. If you are not using large, heavy lenses, stability may be less important. You have to decide what you need and buy accordingly.

Ramm Francis

Over the years, I've used tripods that go from soup to nuts. Mitchell cameras, Panavision, Arri and RED cameras for motion and a variety of 35mm-8x10 view cameras. Beastly heavy camera rigs require beastly sticks. If you shoot motion, then you need worry about the "kick-back" reaction you get from the tripod at the end of a tilt and especially at the end of a pan. Yes, for every panning action there is an opposite reaction from the tripod. First consider the sticks. They are separate from the head for a reason. Grab the top of the sticks and try to flex them back and forth in a twisting motion. Once you get a pair that's firm, move on to the head. Many new operators grasp the tripod handle to pan. Nyet. Set your head tilt and pan drags to a point where you can effortlessly pan the head with only fingertip pressure. That will deliver an effortlessly smooth movement and separate the body tremors from propagating through the tripod. Drags are there for a reason; use them. When you are finished shooting, back all your drags off to null or you will eventually burst the fluid seals in your tripod's fluid head. Yes, good equipment such as Really Right Stuff makes is a great place to start - but honestly? A lot of vibration can be overcome by technique and that's where drags on a fluid head can save the day and compensate for a wobbly tripod. If you need a spreader and don't have one - throw down your coat or backpack on the deck. Spread it out and triangulate the tension on your legs against the fabric until it is tight. Not ideal but as they say in aviation, any runway in a mayday is a good runway.

10MPlayer Loc: California

Like everything else in life you get what you pay for.