bittermelon

Newbie here. So here is my first question: why are tripods so expensive?

For example, I can buy a reasonable camera for about $1,000. This is a piece of equipment with sophisticate mechanics and electronics, controlled by advanced software. It also comes with a lens with advanced optics.

Then if I want to buy a tripod to go with my camera, I am expected to spend in the range of $500 and up. Mind you, a tripod has no sophisticate mechanics and no electronics at all, no software, no optics. It's just some mechanical parts, not even too advance in design.

So why do tripods cost so much, compared to cameras?

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

1) Precision support. No point in having a wobbly tripod ruin that once in a lifetime shot with your $1000 camera.
2) This is an expensive hobby, everything is overpriced.

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

They don't have to be - very good carbon fiber tripods can be found under $175. They are only expensive if you buy into the hype that a certain name printed on the tripod makes it 'better' than another. These people who perpetuate the myth of 'name brands' being better than anyone else's products don't understand that in many cases, the same company that makes the 'name brand' also makes the no name equipment that sells for a fraction of the price. This applies to tripods, batteries and any photographic accessories. Its called marketing and shows how we have given up so much of our ability to reason because of advertising. Do the homework and see for yourself - you will find that people buy the sizzle, not the steak ! (that is an actual advertising moto)

juanbalv Loc: Los Angeles / Hawthorne

You are right. Far too expensive for the job they do; or, are they. Of course you can buy a tripod for $20, and you get, to belabor the cliche, well, you get what you pay for. Purists and professionals demand the very best for stability's sake. I am lousy at taking sharp pictures so on most of my outings into the "wild" and specially with a "long" lens I do require a tripod, and I've had a few. The theory goes that metal tripod legs have a tendency to easily vibrate as opposed to carbon fiber legs which theoretically tend to dampen vibrations.

I let you in on a secret, I haven't seen the difference between metal (aluminum mostly) and carbon fiber, as far as vibration goes. But then again, what do I know? For me is the weight of the tripod that I seek to remedy, and for that I must go with carbon fiber. I like my tripods sturdy, and that adds weight. I use Benro products and I am happy with them. To your question, tripods are expensive because you need them. Look around, if you have the money you can buy Gitzo, RRS, ProMediaGear, and other highly price-inflated tripods. For my money, if you look and research you can get the same quality for half the price, and half the price on a good tripod still puts a dent on your wallet. Besides the above mentioned brands, consider Benro, Induro, Manfrotto, etc.

Then again, depending in the type of photography you do, you may not need a tripod.

Welcome to hedgehog. Happy shooting.

marine73 Loc: Modesto California

depends on craftsmanship, material used to mfg. it, style of heads, what type of camera, that is video or dslr/film, dia. of legs, how sections to the legs and the list goes on. I am here can buy a tripod that will collapse to approx 30 inches and extend to 50 inches approx at Walmart for roughly 30.00 usd. Is it a very sturdy tripod, probably not on uneven ground but would work fine indoors where you would have level footing. I am here have a tripod that my company was going to toss when we shutdown and relocated. would I am here carry this on a hiking trip, definitely not as it is heavy to carry. I am here found out that it was made for a heavy video camera. Carbon fiber is probably the most expensive. I am here don't know if tripods are made from titanium or not. If they are then they would be more expensive then carbon fiber. basically it comes down to availability of raw materials. Others will have different opinions and that is OK

crapshooter Loc: Fox, Alaska

Go buy a Slik AMT Heavy Duty 100.00

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Leica M III cameras do not have any electronics, no software, etc., are just mechanical, but cost thousands, quality watches are the same way!
Electronics and software, etc. are cheap shit, but if you want to buy something that is build to last, its not going to be cheap!

3dees

dude, I agree 100%. I bought a carbon fiber Neewer tri-pod for when I don't want to haul my heavy Manfratto around. it's the same tripod as a Manfratto model and others that sell for more than double the price. I will never believe that I need a 800.00 tri pod, but that's just my opinion.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

I'm not going to judge if tripods are too expensive or not but I would like to point out a fact or two. Econ 101; a limited production item will always cost more to produce than an item with a vast market. Not every one who buys a camera wants a tripod. A quality tripod can last a life time. I have a Gitzo and a Tilt-all both of which are about 30-40 years old. In that same time frame I have purchased 8 cameras and one additional tripod.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Bitter melon welcome to our forum. I agree with your concept. Many brands are pure hype.

So, latest technology Carbon Fiber, load capacity 26 lbs and I bet you never heard of Sirui. This my travel tripod. Fits in my roll on, and less than $300

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822143-REG/Sirui_BSRT2205_T_2205X_5_Section_Carbon_Fiber.html

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

The high end tripods at that price are made of expensive carbon fiber, lots of top quality adjustability including a good ball head. They are lighter and smaller for easy transport and have features not found in inexpensive tripods. You are absolutely not expected to spend that much money to support your $1,000 camera. There were plenty of $200+ quality tripods on the market that will probably meet your needs. But if you want the quality and features of a $500 tripod then that's what you're going to have to spend.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Depends on how much weight you are going to put on them. For a dslr and up to a 55-300mm kit lens you are looking at less than 5 lbs. of total weight. You can get a decent tripod like mine at B&H for $50. I've used mine (the Smith Victor P920, load capacity 6 lbs.) for 6 years now for photos and videos and never had a problem. If you are going to use heavier long lenses, then you need something sturdier.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/328966-REG/Smith_Victor_700190_P920_Pinnacle_Tripod_with.html?ap=y&c3api=1876%2C92051677682%2C%2C&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_PT1-oKh2gIVwVqGCh0mxgWoEAQYASABEgK3MfD_BwE

Winslowe

So get three sticks and a stud and make your own.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

A good tripod does more than support your camera and lens combo. Much more importantly it dampens vibrations. When using a telephoto lens vibrations are amplified and your image will show movement softness in anything larger than a 3.5 X 5 print. inexpensive tripods make decent light stands but are terrible when it comes to dampening vibration.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Welcome to the forum. Not all decent tripods are over priced but so many of them are. A top quality high end tripod is something that you only buy once and use for a very long time. They don't grow old and they don't wear out.
But, there are lots of decent tripods available for under $300 and if used properly will work just fine.