Geofw Loc: Thornton Cleveleys UK

What make/type of tripod should I buy?

I have a Targus TGT-58TR that I used for my Canon SX20is, it was fine for that camera.
I have tried it with my Rebel T1i but it feels flimsy and shakes every time I touch the camera.

Also

I am making a wish list of things I need and a list of things I want.
Any recommendations/ideas?

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

Manfrotto-Bogen make good tripods. There is one more that begins with G that it is not coming to my thoughts.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

You may be thinking of Gitzo.

To the OP: see also http://www.rogerandfrances.com/e-books.html, CHOOSING AND USING TRIPODS

"175 pages, 25,000 words, over 100 pictures

If you are in the market for a new tripod or head, the $2.99 you pay for this short book should save you more than it costs. Frances or Roger or both have covered tripods for Shutterbug magazine for many years, as well as currently owning 15 or 20 of them. We tell you what to look out for; what to avoid; how to buy second-hand; and where you can and can't save money.

Read a summary and see some of the pictures." (This last bit is a free 'taster'.)

Cheers,

R.

rambler Loc: Masssachusetts

Take the advice of this article, go with the sturdiest on you can afford, I use a Monfrotto 55CXPro4 with a Kirk ball head.

It goes as high as eye level (I'm 5'9") and as low as almost level with the ground. The center post comes up, and swings to the side and the legs extend out almost flat. I like the clamp type levers better than the twist to adjust type leg fittings. It shortens up making it not too bulky to carry and the carbon fiber legs are light and strong.

http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

http://www.kirkphoto.com/

Nikon13 Loc: North Carolina

I think a tripod is one of those things where you really get what you pay for. Unlike cameras, that technology is not going to be obsolete next year so you will have it for a loooong time. Go ahead and invest in a really good one. I have a Manfrotto with a 496rc2 ball head. Not that expensive but I am not a professional photographer. It is very sturdy, easy to use and all I should need

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Always look for a tripod that is rated at least DOUBLE whatever weight you expect it to carry! Believe me, you will grow to need it. And a good head is as important as the legs. Seldom are all-in-one combos a good buy.

Digiphot2

I have six tripods for varying projects....I have a 1970's all manual that extends up to 6' 5", and can hold a press camera, a Benbo trekker that I found for $29.00 at a junk shop! It is selling for $250+. I also have a Joby Gorilla pod for that wrap it around something shots. And believe it or not, I even have three little Wally-World tripods for lighting and macro work.

Soooo...If you want an expensive tripod, Manfrotto, Gitzo, Bogen or Leitz have the market covered for the gotta have it crowd. Nothing like Graphite to impress your friends, but it is still just a three legged support that three crutches if wired together and with a solid platform on top with a 1/4x20 mount can work wonders supporting your equipment. But alas, there are some that wouldn't even attempt such a feat!

But it ain't just the tripod, it is the head! I have two Manfrotto, simple ball heads rated for ten pounds, and my best one the Manfrotto 327RC2, not cheap, but very interesting for camera manipulation and control. I even have a 1970's Velbon 90 degree tilt head tripod head that have them all beat, only $60.00 plus or minus $10.00 at KEH camera.

Now there are a couple things not mentioned so far...The Beanbag, the 1/4 x 20 bolt string pod, and even a tree! Just by leaning up against a tree, building, car, you can work wonders in a pinch.

I am old school, and don't believe in graphite, or any tripod over $100.00! I have worked all the above, and with good results. Graphite can splinter if hit, or dropped, on a rock hard enough, but a cheap aluminum pod will just get a dent. a stick with a 1/4x20 bolt with the head cut off and epoxied into the top of the drilled out stick will make a pretty good monopod...The stick might cost you a buck! But then you might buy the Manfrotto quick release monopod for $95.00. Just a thought!

Enjoy...The skys the limit, as is your bank account!

Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX

I might recommend looking on ebay. I found my Giottos carbon fiber tripod, rated for about 30 lbs and paid less than 1/2 of a new one. when I got it, I couldn't tell it had been used at all. I then bought a new ball head on ebay as well, at a great price. I've bought many camera items on Ebay with no regrets so far. Just check out the sellers ratings and email them if you have any questions.

profpb Loc: Venice, Florida

There is one born every minute; I was born at 5:01 p.m. not recently. But I did pay $300 for my tripod and $300+ for the head. I am very satisfied. Check out Induro but worrying about money is for those of you under 80. I now go first class paying attention to only the difference between quality and the best. Plus free shipping and no sales tax.

Picdude Loc: Ohio

I will defer to the experts regarding make and brand, lord knows they know way more than I. But whatever you get, make sure it has a tilt head on it so you can turn your camera on its side while attached to the tripod. You won't belive how bad you will want that feature until you don't have it.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

"The webpage cannot be found."

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Thanks. It's the comma afterwards! It should be http://www.rogerandfrances.com/e-books.html (no comma). Ah, the miracle of computers...

Cheers,

R.

pigpen

I love my Manfrotto and the pistol grip head I bought. I have one suggestion regardless which brand you go with, buy the carrying case/bag if it does not come with it. I can't tell you how many times I wish I could sling it over my shoulder, and not carry it 2 miles each way to a waterfall.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Manfrotto and OpTech both make very nice carrying straps for tripods, cheaper than bags and easier and quicker to use.

senad55verizon.net Loc: Milford, NJ

The link doesn't work from here, Roger.