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

A so called "pro" tripod is usually around $1000 or more. Just sayin'

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

No. Load capacity tells you nothing about stability. The weakest link in a tripod is the top plate that receives the head, and the top legs and how they attach to the plate. Vibrations usually don't come from the ground up. They start at the camera - wind, shutter shock, mirror slap - all conspire to rob your images of sharpness. If what you are saying is true, then the legs would telescope in the opposite direction. They don't.

This is what I mean about bad info - Gitzo, Induro, Feisol, RRS all base their stability on the diameter of the top, not the bottom tube. Think about it.

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

Aluminum vibrates, is heavy and is less suitable than carbon fiber.
Pan and tilt heads generally vibrate as well, unless they are studio quality Arca Swiss or Linhof.
The universal quick release system is the arca-swiss plate and clamp - anything else is not as well supported (tripod collars, L brackets, etc)
The Zomei tripod is ok as long as you don't use it for macro or long lenses. Great for landscape though, and it is small and light.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

Think well made, strong and USED!

A well made and cared for tripod does not ware out or become obsolete like a camera. Everybody is thinking expensive and new. Why spend hundreds of dollars on something that only holds the camera steady. When buying older tripods, unlike other devices, heavy weight is desirable because it will hold your camera steady even in high wind conditions. I would first buy a used heavy duty tripod and, later when you have the need, buy a newer lightweight travel tripod if you need one.

My main tripod is a Vivitar that was built by Bogen and that I bought at Fedco (Fedco was a precursor to Costco in the 70's). It was sold for $125 and was designed for up to a 4x5 view or press camera. I have used it for over 40 years for 4x5, 2 1/4 square, 35mm and now my D800 and big lenses.

Here are some links to used tripods on E-bay that will serve you well for a fraction of the cost of buying new. I limited my search to USA sellers only and excluded auctions:

This link will take you to a Heavy Duty Bogen-Manfrotto $100 on E-bay. That would leave you $50 for a suitable head.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bogen-Manfrotto-3221-Professional-Black-Tripod-W-O-Head/382284527725?hash=item5901eef86d:g:CugAAOSwsYpaC~~Y

Another heavy duty Bogen without head for $89.99.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Manfrotto-055CL-Bogen-3021N-Tripod-LATE-MODEL-in-EXCELLENT-condition-NICE/292352189952?epid=1441073749&hash=item44118c6600:g:xZQAAOSwgspZqZmJ

Bogen for $129.95 and $29.99 shipping. For $159.94, you will have a topnotch heavy duty tripod with head.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bogen-Manfrotto-3021-Professional-Tripod-3437-3D-Pan-Tilt-Head-FILM-DIGI-EX/332213143204?epid=97304794&hash=item4d597246a4:g:WO0AAOSww9xZB5Eq

This Manfrotto 3021 Pro Tripod with Case for $74.99 and $17.99 shipping has a suitable head.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Manfrotto-3021-Pro-Tripod-with-Case/142603424704?epid=97304794&hash=item2133d393c0:g:kekAAOSwySVaHRFG

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I have thought about it - for A LONG time ....and I think you should too ....

In a perfect ( non-compromising) world the legs would not telescope at all - they would be the same large diameter all the way down .....

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

If you want STRONG, NO VIBRATION and LIGHT go to wood. I have two and don't use them but don't know why not. Maybe I will start.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

If you want STRONG, NO VIBRATION and LIGHT go to wood. I have two and don't use them but don't know why not. Maybe I will start.

BlackRipleyDog

Yeah, Adorama has a few Manfrotto's from $125 to $200. Great product.

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Contrary to a lot of the opinions here, I know you can get high quality, perfectly stable tripods for less than the cost of an iPhone X. But you need to do the homework. I did a lot of research and borrowed a lot of friend's tripods and came to the conclusion that K&F makes great, affordable sturdy tripods for under $200 in carbon fiber (mine was $165 on sale). I am not planning to replace it 'when I can afford to' because its exactly what I need. The only thing that the $400 - $600 tripods have in their advantage is that they are usually pounds heavier and more likely to withstand 60 mile per hour winds. I don't shoot under those conditions and my K&F has no problem with gusts up to 35 mph. I always add my backpack to the center hook to add weight and have had 0 issues with movement or vibration on gusty seashores. And who needs to carry more unnecessary weight ? I Would rather pack the extra lens.

My suggestion is to obviously avoid the $35 tripods at Walmart and try other people's tripods to make an informed decision. My K&F decision was influenced most by talking with pro's who shoot in similar situations as I do and trying their equipment. Most were happy to let me play with their toys. I can't understand buying the top of the line and never utilizing more than 10% of their capabilities when you can get higher performance than you will ever need at 1/3 of the price. I always look for value, not price.

wegriffin8642 Loc: Houston, Tx

I recently purchased a Mefoto Globetrotter from BHPhoto for $166 and received a $50 rebate. It is rated at supporting 16#. I bought the aluminum verson as the carbon verdion was twice that price.

TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

Set the shutter to delay or 1 or 2 seconds to allow time for any vibrations to dampen?

aellman Loc: Boston MA

You can get a very good tripod for general use for under $50. Check here:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=camera+tripod

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'm in the no camp on this one. It's only logical.
--Bob

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

Don't mean to barge in and steal your post Gene, but reading all of the posts to this point, here is another informative and accurate article on choosing a tripod for the OP and any others to read.

https://photographylife.com/how-to-choose-and-buy-a-tripod-for-a-dslr-camera

aellman Loc: Boston MA

A bold claim. Logic is in the eye of the beholder. I am a serious experienced photographer; I have two under-$50 tripods,
and I have never found them wanting. Any photo gear should be appropriate for it's user. The concept of "good enough,"
can apply to any product or service. >Alan