Tripod Recommendation (Page 2): If I decide to go to a heavier tripod I will definitely look for used. Thanks for the tip Leo.

ralphfr Loc: Long Island, NY

repleo wrote:

I'm sure you will plenty of recommendations. When you decide on one, I suggest checking for a used version on eBay. Used tripods seem to be heavily discounted compared to new prices.

If I decide to go to a heavier tripod I will definitely look for used. Thanks for the tip Leo.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

ralphfr wrote:

Have some loose cash after the holidays and thought a decent tripod may be in order. Since the last tripod I purchased was from KMart back at least 30 years ago I need some direction. I'm not going anywhere too adventurous but I would like a decent all-around tripod without spending much more than $200, head included. Light weight is definitely a consideration. The heaviest camera lens combo I own is less than 4 lb. Any advice is appreciated.

I recently purchased the Slik CF-522. It is a slightly smaller, slightly lighter, and more expensive carbon fiber version of the aluminum Slik CF-422 which was just honored by Outdoor Photographer as one of the ten innovative products of the year. The CF-522 runs about $250 when on sale (my suggested tripod to purchase) and I believe the CF-422 runs just under $200 when on sale.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Why is the OP posting this twice in the same day? Overkill.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

...

ralphfr Loc: Long Island, NY

rjaywallace wrote:

Why is the OP posting this twice in the same day? Overkill.

Because the Admin moved the first one into Links and Resources. Is that a problem?

ralphfr Loc: Long Island, NY

repleo wrote:

I'm sure you will plenty of recommendations. When you decide on one, I suggest checking for a used version on eBay. Used tripods seem to be heavily discounted compared to new prices.

So after mulling this over with the suggestions here I've decided not to blow my entire budget on a tripod. I've decided on a used tripod in the $50 range and if I decide later on that I really need something better I'll budget for it with a better idea of what I truly need. Thank you all for the advice and ideas.

Happy New Year!

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

ralphfr wrote:

I'm guessing that an original post that contains a link to a commercial site is a no-no?

I wouldn’t fret over it. Hardly anyone here bothers to read Admin’s rules before posting.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

ralphfr wrote:

Have some loose cash after the holidays and thought a decent tripod may be in order. Since the last tripod I purchased was from KMart back at least 30 years ago I need some direction. I'm not going anywhere too adventurous but I would like a decent all-around tripod without spending much more than $200, head included. Light weight is definitely a consideration. The heaviest camera lens combo I own is less than 4 lb. Any advice is appreciated.

Tripods are like shoes. Everyone can tell you about a great shoe to buy, but your the one who has to wear them. SOOOOOOOOOO, my point is, the best advice I can give you is to take your camera to the largest camera store you can find within 50 miles and try them out. You budget creates interesting limits. You really need to check them all out before buying. That said, Manfrotto makes a good tripod for your price point and they have solid reviews. Remember, once you mount your camera and lens, make sure it seems solid. Cheaper tripods sometimes defeat the purpose by not being able to solidly support the weight of your camera and lens. That's why it is important to go and try them on before buying.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Pretty lightweight. I wouldn't put more than 4 pounds of camera and lens on it.

ralphfr wrote:

Have some loose cash after the holidays and though... (show quote)

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

ralphfr wrote:

So after mulling this over with the suggestions here I've decided not to blow my entire budget on a tripod. I've decided on a used tripod in the $50 range and if I decide later on that I really need something better I'll budget for it with a better idea of what I truly need. Thank you all for the advice and ideas.

Happy New Year!

Don't go cheep you putting your gear on it

ralphfr Loc: Long Island, NY

jeep_daddy wrote:

Pretty lightweight. I wouldn't put more than 4 pounds of camera and lens on it.

Yeah I'm beginning to see the light. I'm going to look for something used. Thanks for responding. Much appreciated.

ralphfr Loc: Long Island, NY

RWR wrote:

I wouldn’t fret over it. Hardly anyone here bothers to read Admin’s rules before posting.

Thanks. I guess I'll take a look when I have some time. Happy New Year!

ralphfr Loc: Long Island, NY

billnikon wrote:

Tripods are like shoes. Everyone can tell you abou... (show quote)

Good advice Bill. Thank you very much and Happy New Year!

rstrick2 Loc: Beverly Hills, FL

I Bought one of these https://www.manfrotto.us/befree-aluminum-travel-tripod-with-ball-head-black

Cletus Loc: Mongolia

I'm like you, using only relatively light gear. But I believe in serious tripods. Along with inexpensive table tripods that I collect because I think they're cool, I have two big, top-grade, pro tripods, both Gitzo, both way more expensive than I could afford if I bought them the regular way. And a medium-sized Linhof ball head that costs $800 new but that I paid $129 for. eBay is your friend.