Tripods...Ball Head and Pan-Tilt and Fluid...Oh My! I am looking to replace my funky old early 80's era tripod and started doing some research. Wow. There are so many choices it is...

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Tripods...Ball Head and Pan-Tilt and Fluid...Oh My!

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Jul 29, 2018 11:08:10 #

HardwareGuy

I am looking to replace my funky old early 80's era tripod and started doing some research. Wow. There are so many choices it is astonishing.
From $24.99 pieces of junk to $1,000+ Gitzo's, there is a tripod for "everyone"...if you have enough money.
That being said, I don't. And with all brand and price snobbery aside,

I am looking for a sub $100 outdoor-use tripod that is light enough to pack-n-go with, but sturdy enough to actually be confident with.
Now, before you say, "...you can't find a tripod worth a darn under $100..." I am seeking others opinions of their positive experiences and recommendations in this price range.
I should probably add that I am not sold on the ball head design, and other's experiences with this will be of value with the decision process.
Thank you.

Jul 29, 2018 11:20:25 #

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

HardwareGuy wrote:

I am looking to replace my funky old early 80's er... (show quote)

You’re going to have to shop used for anything worthwhile under $100. Pretty hard to recommend anything without knowing what you’re going to put on it.

Jul 29, 2018 11:21:24 #

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Good, inexpensive, lightweight - PICK TWO

That said, Induro tripods are good and you might be able to keep it under 100 if you look at the metal as opposed to the carbon fiber units. I prefer Manfrotto but they are about 70 above your limit.

If you buy a tripod that is cheap the fasteners will always get loose and it probably won't be a very stable platform especially on uneven surfaces and the wind.

Jul 29, 2018 11:35:34 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You have to figure the weight of what will be attached to the tripod. Then look for reviews and comparisons. I have about nine tripods, and I'm always keeping my eyes open for another one that I "need."

http://www.bythom.com/support.htm
https://digital-photography-school.com/everything-about-tripods-phil-steele/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIWvjfI_-PA
http://digital-photography-school.com/build-ideal-tripod/
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/5-pros-and-5-cons-of-using-a-tripod/
http://www.lightstalking.com/tripod-heads/

Jul 29, 2018 11:36:56 #

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

Call Carter’s Camera Cottage. MT Shooter on the board. I got a tripod that will hold 40 pounds and is 1/2 the price of RRS

Jul 29, 2018 11:37:16 #

distill Loc: Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire UK

You should manage a carbon for your price albeit 2nd hand and who will know except you and the seller??

Jul 29, 2018 11:41:03 #

bnsf

A good Manfrotto tripod will cost around $289.99, but l would suggest a monopod which is a single pod that you can purchase new for under $100.00 for B&H. Are you using any extension lenes if so you have to find either a tripod or a monopod that can support the weight of your heaviest lens plus camera. I purchased a Manfrotto tripod $288.98. It has done the job for me and l enjoy it.

Jul 29, 2018 11:41:11 #

dugeeeeeee

I got a zomei z888c at a discount store for right at $100. They are $159 on amazon. Very light but very sturdy for the money. I’ve had it for over a year and no troubles. One leg will also make a monopod.

Jul 29, 2018 14:18:31 #

TBerwick Loc: Houston, Texas

The quick locks on my smaller Bogen just broke off on this past moon shoot. The tripod is about 30yr old so this was not as upsetting as it could have been. A check of the Manfrotto site, which apparently absorbed Bogen, has replacements for $30 each and I need 4. I can remove the head on all of them and put my gimbal on and have a much more portable unit than my current big Bogen 3040. I used the 3040 back when I shot 4x5 so it is overkill sturdy. So, I'm looking at the following which are all carbon fibre and a little above your top threshold ranging from $139-199, will hold from 12.5 - 20 lbs. Really cheap is going to translate to a lack of sturdiness and perhaps not being able to support your camera load.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07923RRY3/?coliid=I3AU3YH43TXLUO&colid=2BDCZWCZB7RX0&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WVK91FY/?coliid=I3GAQVK2LUGMVD&colid=2BDCZWCZB7RX0&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073R7P8G2/?coliid=I3GT4CEN6MFDJG&colid=2BDCZWCZB7RX0&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Jul 29, 2018 14:41:38 #

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

RWR wrote:

You’re going to have to shop used for anything worthwhile under $100. Pretty hard to recommend anything without knowing what you’re going to put on it.

Agreed. The Manfrotto MePhoto Road Trip retails for $149 and will do the job. Unless you hang a 400 mm on a full frame body on it.

Jul 29, 2018 15:52:43 #

HardwareGuy

Yes, I should have mentioned it will be used primarily with my Nikon D7100 and 18-140 lens, or the Tokina 12-28. Occasionally a flash, too.

HardwareGuy wrote:

I am looking to replace my funky old early 80's er... (show quote)

Jul 29, 2018 17:31:59 #

bnsf

A monopod would work just fine for this job. A Monfrotto Monopod for around $100.00 for B&H Photo free shipping included. Just tell them what you will be needing and what you are going to put on you Monopod. I use a Monopod for shooting a Sony a70 - 400mm 4-5.6 Sam lens on a Sony Alpha a99m2 DSLR Camera. Works great. My Manfrotto tripod is a MKO55XPRO3-3W ALW 3 section Aluminium tripod. Cost was $289.00 from B&H Photo.

Jul 30, 2018 06:41:13 #