tripod recs for a newbie: I now know that the reason my indoor photos without flash are a bit fuzzy is probably because i don't use a tripod so I want to get one but one that is light...

refswife

I now know that the reason my indoor photos without flash are a bit fuzzy is probably because i don't use a tripod so I want to get one but one that is light and easy to set up and put down...I have a Nikon p7000 but will soon move up to a dslr possibly one of the Sony alpha series...have learned a lot here and look forward to ugly hedgehog every morning

RixPix Loc: Miami, Florida

I just got a new tripod as my Slik head finally gave out. I went with a sunpak 6600 pistol grip. It is lightweight and easy to use and has the braces between the legs that many tripods lack as they are designed to be flexible in rough terrain.

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

What ever tripod you pick make sure it is rated for a weight that is higher than your camera plus heaviest lens. Tripods really aren't the place to try and save money, after all you are going to be relying on it to keep your equipment safe.

I've seen thousands of dollars of equipment resting on a $30 budget tripod only for the tripod to fail and send the camera and lens crashing to the ground.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

You'd need a very cheap, nasty, flimsy tripod before it was unable to support the weight of any normal camera/lens combination.

Unfortunately there are large numbers of very cheap, nasty, flimsy tripods around. Reckon on at least $100 and better still on at least $150. If this seems like a lot, reflect upon the fact that it's surprisingly easy to spend $1000 or more on a top-flight tripod such as Gitzo and a top-flight head from someone like Novoflex or Arca-Swiss.

Cheers,

R.

tomfr Loc: Brevard N.C.

Setting up and taking down a tripod is not rocket science, a few twists or unlocking releases, and it is done. As far as weight, more weight equals more stability, more stability equals better images. Somewhere down the road, you may have a long telephoto, or zoom, and really miss the stability a heavier lens can provide. IMHO

tomfr

bioteacher Loc: Brooklyn, NY

I take a lot of nature shots and I am in need of a not too expensive tripod which allows me to take low angle shots - eye level a couple of inches off the ground. Thank you for your recommendations

heyjoe Loc: cincinnati ohio

look at the Manfrotto 3021, you can shoot at ground level ,
you can pick up used for under $100.00,i think new model number is the 055,may want to check that,most time you can find with a head included,i have the 3021 with a 501 head,
works great

tomfr Loc: Brevard N.C.

bioteacher wrote:

I take a lot of nature shots and I am in need of a not too expensive tripod which allows me to take low angle shots - eye level a couple of inches off the ground. Thank you for your recommendations

I would suggest a bean bag.

tomfr

Nevada Chuck

The Manfrotto 190 series is a good compromise between weight, cost, quality of build and load carrying capacity.

Whatever you get, try to find something you like that has a hook on the bottom of the center column, so that you have somewhere to hang extra weight (gadget bag?) when high wind calls for extra stabilizing.

Also, while ball heads seem to be the received wisdom of the day, there are times when being able to move the camera in only one plane at a time is advantageous.

Last bit of advise: save your pennies if necessary and opt for carbon fiber. There is no way in which carbon fiber is not superior to aluminum, other than price.

bhfranklin Loc: Boston Area / Cape Cod

Nevada Chuck wrote:

The Manfrotto 190 series is a good compromise betw... (show quote)

Welcome:

I know you were asking about tripods but also mentioned a new camera and possibly a Sony Alpha series.

I just got a new Sony A55 a month ago and really love it. I found the discussions about the alphas on this foorum (Search for Sony or Alpha or A55) to be very helpful.

Good luck with your search and let us know what you decide.

Happy New Year!

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

Go to B&H Photo or Adorama both have reputable sales people who can help you select equipment based on your specific needs at reasonable prices.

melphoto60

refswife wrote:

I now know that the reason my indoor photos without flash are a bit fuzzy is probably because i don't use a tripod so I want to get one but one that is light and easy to set up and put down...I have a Nikon p7000 but will soon move up to a dslr possibly one of the Sony alpha series...have learned a lot here and look forward to ugly hedgehog every morning

if going to a dslr in future dont buy cheep, look for a tripod that is comfortable at eye-level without the center collom being extended, look for 3 leg extentions instead of 4 or 5 the more leg extentions the smaller they get. You wont want to put a $$$ camera on a $30 tripod...carbon fibre is lighter than aluminum but a bit more expensive...let your own judgement be your guide, also if close to a camera store go and check them out for yourself that is the best way to know what you would want.

Hoss Loc: Near Pittsburgh, Pa

refswife wrote:

I now know that the reason my indoor photos without flash are a bit fuzzy is probably because i don't use a tripod so I want to get one but one that is light and easy to set up and put down...I have a Nikon p7000 but will soon move up to a dslr possibly one of the Sony alpha series...have learned a lot here and look forward to ugly hedgehog every morning

I have an old Bogen 3036 with a ballhead on it and she has never let me down. It is a pro grade model but you buy it once and you won't have to upgrade. I have had this since 1981. It gets a little heavy for wildlife shots bbut she is sturdy! One of these days I may get a carbon fiber,but for now it has given me many years of service. I think before I get the carbon fiber I will purchase a gimble head for it! I was once told for every pound of camera gear you put on the tripod you need three pounds of tripod to keep it solid!!

ianhargraves1066 Loc: NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida

refswife wrote:

I now know that the reason my indoor photos without flash are a bit fuzzy is probably because i don't use a tripod so I want to get one but one that is light and easy to set up and put down...I have a Nikon p7000 but will soon move up to a dslr possibly one of the Sony alpha series...have learned a lot here and look forward to ugly hedgehog every morning

I had a Gitzo Tripod that extended to about 12 feet high. First time I locked my Volvo Station Wagon, some kind hearted soul broke the window and stole it.

I year or so ago I needed an inexpensive tripod and bought a Sunpak Platinum Plus from Best Buy for $70 and can give it good marks. Easy to put up and down and very steady.
The second point in its favor (to me anyway) is it comes with two mounting plates so you do not have to keep changing plates every time you mount a second camera.

I acctually put a 4x5 sinar on the 'pod, not as good as the Gitzo but for the price, it was a gift.

Ian

JBTaylor Loc: In hiding again

I got a Benro tripod that I like very much. I debated between that and a Dolica tripod on Amazon for $40 that had 4/5 stars after hundreds of reviews. I'm very happy with the fit and finish and low vibration compared to my prior tripod, which was at the upper end of what was typically found in department stores years ago.

What price range are you looking at? If your budget isn't limited, go for a carbon fiber name brand. If somewhat limited, I'm not sure whether an aluminum name brand or Adorama store brand carbon fiber tripod would be better.

I'm happy with my Benro. The only reason I could ever see for buying another tripod would be for carbon fiber or horizontal center shaft like some Manfrottos have.

At the low end, don't waste your money on a big box store tripod. If money is really tight, the $40 Dolica is as low as I would consider but there is a slightly more expensive model that reviewers say is better quality. I'm happy with my Benro.