OutdoorOldie

Hello,Hoggers! I am looking for advice on buying tripods. I like macro and landscape photography.I have a table-top tripod for indoor macro,and not any decent regular size tripod. My price limit is $300.00.Less is better,of course😝.Also,I am not a fan of plastic parts.Any advice would be appreciated.TIA
Annie

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

My suggestion is for great strength and durability is Carbon Fiber. High en race cars use Carbon Fiber technology.

The one I am suggesting meets for price point at $295.

Product Highlights

Load Capacity: 39.7 lb
Max Height: 69.3"
Min Height: 5.9"
Folded Length: 20.1"

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1085544-REG/sirui_bsrn3204x_n_3204x_carbon_tripod.html

neillaubenthal

I have a Vanguard VEO 265ab that I use with both my everyday walking around Nikon 18-300 lens, my wide angle, and Sigma 50-500. As I discussed in another thread...I had troubles getting it to be still enough for the AF fine tune for my long telephoto...but for everyday usage with that lens it is fine. It has been upgraded to the VEO2 series and is a bit more than $100. I’ve heard many good things about the Sirui T2205x. It it’s more money than your budget by a bit. Carbon fiber is supposedly better for vibration... ut looking at specs it saves little weight and at least so far for me the cost has not been worth the benefit...but that might be because I’ve never used one. For me...a light travel tripod that I don’t mind hiking with is the first consideration...the Vanguard works fine for even my long exposure waterfall shots...albeit I don’t use the telephoto much for them.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

If you have budget constraints, this aluminum tripod is very GOOD for the money - read the user reviews - this is NOT a travel or severe hiking tripod as it has some weight to it. IMO, 3 section legs and height is important - like 60-63 inches without raising the center column - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Slik-700DX-Pro-Tripod-Legs-3-Sections-Camera-Tripods-Titanium-Finish-BRAND-NEW/292464133921?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

IMO, MORE important is the head ! I like the Leofotos with a panning function at the top and bottom - one is smaller -
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Leofoto-LH-30R-Dual-Panoramic-Low-Center-Ball-Head-33lb-Load-Panorama-LH-30/202624414684?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

and for heavier gear, one larger - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Leofoto-LH-40R-Dual-Panoramic-Low-Center-Ball-Head-44lb-Load-Panorama-LH-40/202448447799?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

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OutdoorOldie

Thank you all..I have narrowed it down to 4 possibilities. Your input has been invaluable!! Happy 4th everyone!!
annie

CO

Camera Labs did vibration testing on the Manfrotto 190 and 055 models, both aluminum and carbon fiber. They took the average of five taps on the tripods. The tripods took this long to dissipate the vibrations. I have the 055 carbon fiber model. Once you get a carbon fiber tripod, you'll never even consider aluminum again.

model 190 aluminum: column down - 4.9 seconds, column up - 7.4 seconds
model 190 carbon fiber: column down - 1.7 seconds, column up - 3.8 seconds
model 055 aluminum: column down - 3.2 seconds, column up - 7.1 seconds
model 055 carbon fiber: column down - 1.5 seconds, column up - 4.0 seconds

OutdoorOldie

I chose a carbon fiber by Vanguard. Thanks to everyone who helped!
annie

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

If you want a good one, the tripod itself will run you $300.00 without a head. I would consider the Benro line of tripods. Forget carbon fiber, at your price point you will get a sturdy one in Aluminum.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Vote #2 for the Slik 700. I've had mine forever, it's heavy aluminum and very sturdy. Don't let these guys spend your money needlessly.

Nikon1201

I have a Me Foto around $300 l, it is aluminum and folds up in a nice carry bag

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some good links -

http://www.dslrbodies.com/accessories/camera-accessories/tripod-101.html (ByThom)
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-tripod
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/

cytafex Loc: Clarksburg MA

Recently bought a SIRUI R-2204 with G20X ball head Carbon Fiber tripod for my daughter for $236. I have a couple of Sirui tripods and they are the only tripods that haven't jammed on river trips in the Grand Canyon. Now my Gitzo tripods stay at home. Sure is an excellent bang for the money!

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

Nest NT-6324CT CF Tripod $299.00
Nest NT-6324CTM Carbon Fiber tripod .
Lightweight, compact carbon fiber tripod for travel or backpacking. This 44# load rated tripod folds to only 19" long and weighs only 4 1/4 pounds.
It adds a removable leg section which, when coupled with the center column, makes for a very nice monopod, very quickly. Retractable spiked feet assure a stable platform for your camera gear. This tripod is quite compatible with any head from a simple ball head all the way up to a Gimbal head for that long wildlife lens.

The tripod is a beast and light weight. I'm 6 feet 2inches and I don't have to bend over to use this.

Nest NT-648H Ball Head $129.95
An oil-less ball head with 55# capacity featuring an ARCA "slide-in", high security type Quick Release system that is now fully Arca-Swiss compatible. (The adjustable jaw opens wide enough for ARCA plate "drop-in" installation as well as the Nest "slide-in" plates.) Full ball release with one lever featuring front and back grooving for 180 degree articulation, as well as adjustable friction control.This head also offers separate base panning control so you are able to pan the head without releasing the ball. An amazing price for a ball head of this capacity and value!

FREE SHIPPING IF PURCHASED WITH A TRIPOD!

I got this from Carter's Camera Cottage MT Shooter on our site.

https://www.cameracottage.com/

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Missing the head so it is useless at the price as adding a head puts the cost way over budget.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I would go to a store with my camera and lens and find one that you like. One that lets you set it up the way you shoot and can adjust your camera the way you feel comfortable.