Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

Where I live I cannot find a decent tripod for a decent price, so I'm aiming for one from eBay. From the 50 or so reviews I've read I cannot find what I value the most, which is stability and height. I.e. tripod weight or folded size is not a major issue.

Here's my wish list for a tripod
70" tall
Stable at full height
Center column hook for extra stabilization weight
Price below $50
Used is OK.

If anyone has a recommendation I'm all ears.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Used is your only chance. Tall and cheap are a bad combination.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=camera%20tripods&_dcat=30093&rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=3000&_trksid=p2045573.m1684

leftj Loc: Texas

The likelihood of fulfilling your wish list for under $50 is 0 unless you have a friend who want's to do you a solid in which case he/she might as well just give it to you.

stevebein

Great humor, I am looking for a Porsche Carrerra for under $500. Both desires are very funny

Haydon

I had to pinch myself to ensure I wasn't dreaming when I read this post. Good luck finding that Gitzo for $50.00 :)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Good luck.
--Bob

leftj Loc: Texas

Check Toys r Us.

tshift Loc: Overland Park, KS.

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You will never find this, even used. Probably if you are not going to spend enough money to purchase a good tripod don't bother. The tripod is made for stability, the cheaper you go the less stable your platform will be. Especially with longer lens, the further out you shoot the more movement is exaggerated. Hope you do find something though, let us know if you do. I have missed some real good shots trying to hand hold for a shot, even when I have my monopod attached to camera sometimes the shot is a little blurred because of slight movement, at long distance it doesn't take much. Good luck.

Tom

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Your title? Does that mean you read yesterday's question about a $100 Tripod? Where would you think this is going?

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-GITZO-Gilux-Studex-Brevete-Tripod-France-52-H-Camera-Photography-Equipment-/282385005353?hash=item41bf753b29:g:XswAAOSwTM5YvNQj

Legs, no head though.

spaceylb Loc: Long Beach, N.Y.

Husky Quickset. Oldies but goodies...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Super-Quick-Set-Elevator-Husky-II-Tripod-Photography-US-Made-/132117241213?hash=item1ec2cd1d7d:g:9D8AAOSwA3dYWAEc

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

You might find what you are looking for here:

http://www.cameratripodsupport.com/shop/gilux

The entire package (with a decent head) won't be $50, But it won't be $500 either.

Your wish list is missing three things

What camera(s)/lens(es) you are going to be using this with, what your subject material will be, and how tall you are - more specifically what is the distance between the floor and your eye level.

Stability IS the only reason why you buy a tripod, and to hold a 20mm lens stable is a lot easier than holding a 900mm lens stable. The 1 lb superzoom point and shoot needs the same level of stability as a full frame NIkkor D5 with an 800 mm lens. If you don' understand why, I suggest you turn to Really Right Stuff's 3 page tripod selection guide, and Gitzo's downloadable catalog - which offer excellent advice. Stop reading customer reviews from people who just upgraded to a $75 tripod from a $35 tripod and think it's the best thing since sliced bread, and have never experienced what a good tripod does that the cheap ones can't. From your perspective it may look like I am trying to make you spend your money on overkill, but in reality I am giving you good advice and trying to save you money in the long run, along with keeping some free space in your closet that will otherwise be taken up with all sorts of junk tripods that are totally useless and nobody wants. Your money, your choice. Make the right choice and go for the stability. Look at what the big boys offer and try and find something with similar specs in a cheaper model. A stable $50 tripod is a fantasy, unless it falls off the back of a truck or is 40 yrs old, made of metal and weighs 20 lbs. Lastly, a tripod that needs a center column fully extended to get to 70" is never ever going to be stable.

I do have a 200 lb Cambo Camera stand that will do that, if you want. In fact it goes to 9 Ft. You can have it for $1000.

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

Thanks. That's helpful links for a novice. Much appreciated.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Boris,
Stable at full height
70"
Center column
Below $50

Get real. Your ears will not reveal anything except comments.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I would add that when choosing the height,it may be a good idea to shoot for your desires by picking basically an unextended height measurement,particularly for larger lenses.