preachrbill

Just bought my first DSLR, Canon EOS T6i and was wondering which tripod I should buy. I will not be using any extra long lens (55-250) max right now.

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

Do you have a specific use for a tripod? If you don't then, at least at first, rely on the optical stabilization to keep your images free of camera motion-induced blur.

When you need a tripod, such as when you are shooting long exposures at night, fireworks, or waterfalls, or for closeups - then would make a good time to start a discussion. One piece of advice - don't go cheap. There are 1000s of inadequate tripods gathering dust sitting in consignment stores waiting for some poor unsuspecting beginner to buy one

You will understand what your needs are better after you've used the camera and lens. You may find that the tripod budget you may be considering right now may need to be modified based on your needs. Besides, you may also be adding a lens or two, which add some criteria to consider.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Not the lightest and not carbon fiber - but still the best for the money - may be more than you need now - but is capable of doing more for you later.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Slik-615900-Pro-700DX-AMT-Super-Titanium-Alloy-Tripod/331911994356?epid=127553115&hash=item4d477f1bf4:g:4xcAAOSwi0xaIpoO

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Welcome to UHH. Carbon Fiber tripods are in. What is your budget? High End search "Gitzo" and reasonable one is a
"Sirui"

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1024704-REG/sirui_bsret2204_carbon_fiber_tripod.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1328228-REG/gitzo_gk1555t_82tqdus_traveler_tripod_kit_gt1555t.html

rcurrie Loc: Kingsport, TN

Check out feisol.net -excellent carbon fiber tripods at good prices.

Dan R Loc: Way Way Way Upstate NY

I wouldn't rush into this and I would not go cheep. Do your research first and look at separate heads and legs, and try to imagine where you may be in a year or two down the road. It may also be good to make sure the head can support much more than your actual camera
/lens weight to avoid it creeping southward. Good luck!

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I would agree. Go with quality, light weight, stability and vibration resistant. Buy right; buy once.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I rarely use a tripod. But, if you get one, get a good carbon fiber one. I have one good one my father gave me some time ago. I also have a cheap, lightweight one, a Sunpak Brand, that someone gave me about 6 years ago. I suggest you check eBay. Friends have bought good ones from eBay. Good luck.

AK Grandpa Loc: Anchorage, AK

I like SIRUI tripods and ball heads. . . I think they are excellent products and reasonably priced.

Joe Blow

If you gave a price range, it would be easier. Considering you bought at the budget range, I'll assume you are more budget minded.

Where I differ here is for a beginner using a light camera and lens, get something middle of the road. There are many for around $75-$100 that will suit you just fine. You might even go a bit cheaper. Now if you end up getting in deeper and get heavier equipment, then you can buy something able to handle the heavier weight. PLUS, you will have this as a back up. As a back up, you can always attach a remote flash for doing, portraits, and other inside compositions. And, if you get a beefier camera and lenses, you will still have this for your T6i and lighter lenses.

Two things you might want to keep in mind are a detachable head and a weight hook. The detachable head allows you to remove the camera and hand hold quickly. I keep my head on the camera at all times so I do not need to screw in on when needed. The head/ camera combination takes up no extra space in the bag. The hook is on the bottom of the pole and can be used to hold an old purse or even a camera bag. The extra weight steadies the tripod, especially in mild to medium winds. NOTE: some people consider this an extra sail to catch the wind; my experience is different.

The T6i is a nice camera. My wife has one that I often borrowed until I got my 80D. Enjoy your camera and welcome to the forum.

preachrbill

Good advice and thanks. My budget would around $125

Pegasus Loc: Texas Gulf Coast

Great, so much for all the recommendations for Gitzo and anything worthwhile.

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

I've got two of their tripods - the CT3472 and the CT-3442 - the 3472 is great with a 600mm lens and extreme closeup, and the 3442 is a great compromise of stability and light weight - 2.3 lbs, tall enough for my 5'10" height, and actually good enough with a 300mm lens, even though it has a 55 lb load rating - for those who rely on that meaningless spec which does not indicate how stable the tripod actually is. They are not cheap, but also not as expensive as Gitzo or RRS, or Induro. They are about 1/2 the price for similar stability.

I have had the 3472 since it's introduction 12 yrs ago, and can't say enough good things about it.

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

Save you money. In my experience, you can't really buy anything decent for that money. You will just add $125 to the price of the tripod that you will eventually end up with.

repleo Loc: Boston

For that sort of money I would look for used on ebay. Used tripods seem to be discounted pretty good but you are probably still a bit low for a decent one. Some of the better brands rate their tripods by max lens focal length rather than by weight capacity. If you can crack the code in the model number it will give you a good guide of what to buy.