Why are tripods so expensive.
Apr 5, 2018 12:53:09 #
I found plenty of heavy duty tripods in local garage sale sites like 5miles and Letgo. There people don't know what they are worth. I got 2 silks with 2 ball heads and an extra video head for under $75.00. They are old and heavy tripods but when I put my 200-500 mm it stays steady. I have a lighter carbon fiber tripod for my smaller lenses. I also bought a generic Gimble head for my 200-500. I put it on my Silks and it is perfect for wildlife shooting.
Apr 5, 2018 13:24:15 #
go head, buy a 9,95 walmart tripod, it will, probably hold your expensive camera and lens until you look at your picture and compare it to another one so expensive tripod and realize that your's are slightly blurred because el chippo was vibrating in that little breeze blowing around that day, an expensive tripod will out last you're camera and retain a good resale value even after 10-15 or more year of good use, it's not an expense in my view it is an investment
Apr 5, 2018 13:29:35 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
If you are a constant user of a Tripod, get an expensive one. Especially, if you own an expensive camera. If not, a mid-range priced Tripod will be just fine. IMO.
Apr 5, 2018 13:46:11 #
Work the garage sales and second hand stores. I found a Slik U4800 Tripod in the box for $5.00. at a garage sale. Found a Quick Set Model 4-72011-6 at a second hand store for $35.00. Quick Set Tripod you will be giving it to your grand kids.
Apr 5, 2018 14:11:22 #
The Best tripods marry lite weight with great strength along with the ability to hold your camera/lens combination rock steady in some unforgiving conditions. You surely get what you pay for here. Best of luck.
Apr 5, 2018 15:27:15 #
bittermelon wrote:
I think it has to do with...pride of ownership. what's the difference weather you put the camera on a $500.00 tripod or set it on timer and put it on a stationary object?Newbie here. So here is my first question: why a... (show quote)
Apr 5, 2018 16:26:43 #
Tom Daniels wrote:
Good reply Brent you are right. I have been to NAB... (show quote)
I started shooting moving video with a 6s IPhone and DJI Osmos Gimbal-does a great job outdoors-not good indoors. Tried just about every cheap way to avoid the $1500 DJI Ronin. Glidecam came close with practice, but finally broke down and bought the Ronin. Hell I can fall down now and the video will still be smooth and fluid. And with tap focus on my 1DX and MKIV—4K Video is a sure thing throughout. Being able to shoot at 2.8 makes outstanding event and wedding video.
Apr 5, 2018 16:53:50 #
A good carbon fiber tripod with a very good ball head will in fact cost at least $500. Take your $1,000 camera and a very good tripod. You will change your camera and maybe the camera after that but still have and use your very good tripod. Tripods and ball heads are an investment and will usually last much longer than cameras since many people tend to add a new camera every so often. So if you amortize a good carbon fiber tripod and outstanding ball head over say 15 years this combo pays dividends.
Apr 5, 2018 16:56:35 #
bkyser wrote:
Not that this explains the initial cost, but if you think about it. The tripod I use is from the '60s, with a newer ball head on it. It weighs a ton, and doesn't fold down small, but it works perfectly for me. Because it's outlasted several film cameras, up through 6 digital cameras, and various lenses that quit, or broke, or??? I guess the tripod over a period of time was a better investment than any of the cameras.
I am still quite happy with my Gitzo tripod purchased new in 1990. I guess I'm an old fart; I turned 59 today. Why do we still us them? Not necessarily from senility. While I do share the sentiment, this quote came directly from the Really Right Stuff website:
"Nothing beats mass when it comes to stability".
Apr 5, 2018 17:17:27 #
mizzee
Loc: Boston,Ma
Because they can! However, I just got a highly rated Sirui carbon fiber tripod for under $200. Whatever you choose, it undoubtedly won't be your last!
Apr 5, 2018 17:17:45 #
bittermelon wrote:
Newbie here. So here is my first question: why a... (show quote)
I have a camera body that cost $5900, I could buy one that cost much less. In simple terms, you get what you pay for.
You can buy a $35 tripod if you want to, but then again compared to the $500 tripod, you get what you pay for.
Apr 5, 2018 17:57:45 #
It's because they are selling them to photographers. But if you are smart you can purchase a cheap solid well made metal one on eBay.
Apr 5, 2018 18:22:21 #
bittermelon wrote:
Newbie here. So here is my first question: why a... (show quote)
Cheap tripods are also expensive, when you have to replace them, for one reason or another, loose leg joints, slipping leg clamps, or they are blown over and poof, now you need a new lens or camera oh and a better tripod.Its an endless cycle.
Do you buy $100 tires for a 40K car?
Apr 5, 2018 19:28:09 #
carl hervol
Loc: jacksonville florida
There not if you buy used ever one thinks they have to buy new got a 300.00 manfrotto for 45.00 on craiglist. 
Apr 5, 2018 19:45:28 #
crapshooter wrote:
Go buy a Slik AMT Heavy Duty 100.00
That would be a Slik Pro 700 DX ....
..
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.