tripod help: This all started when my 14 year old grandson came to visit. He had used my camera a year ago and then he wanted to have his own. Santa stepped in and for Christmas he got...

SpikeW Loc: Butler PA

This all started when my 14 year old grandson came to visit. He had used my camera a year ago and then he wanted to have his own. Santa stepped in and for Christmas he got a D3--- ( not sure of the number) kit with three lens and a somewhat useable tripod. Then he showed me a Tamron 150-600mm lens that he said he bought himself. He was really proud it.
I told him he would do better with it a lot of the time if he had a tripod because of the weight and size. How do you tell a 14 year old with a big lens to use his shorter lens. While here he used my tripod which his dad carried for him. Now my wife said we should get him his own tripod. My question is what would he need somewhat inexpensive and somewhat mobile. I hate for him to lose his enthusiasm, he is so proud of what he did on his own. Love that boy.

Quixdraw Loc: x

I'm sure there will be a clamor at this suggestion, but here we go. I would suggest a Welt Safe Lock Tripod. They are near antique, virtually indestructible, very easy to set up, sturdy, and widely available on the internet sales sites at reasonable prices. They have the advantage of being relatively light and easy to deploy, with one hand reserved for the camera. Have used one for better then 45 years, and though I have a fancier tripod and Monopod, still find it handy on occasion.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

SpikeW wrote:

This all started when my 14 year old grandson came... (show quote)

Spike, Don't know your budget and how tall your 14 year old is, but my suggestion would be for carbon fiber by Sirui

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1420914-REG/sirui_sut025sk_t_025sk_carbon_fiber_tripod.html

or

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1156935-REG/sirui_bsrw1204_w_series_waterproof_tripod.html

or a bargain on Ebay;

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Welt-Safe-Lock-Camera-Tripod-Good-Condition/202764413820?hash=item2f35b36b7c:g:rmEAAOSwVXRdI26P

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

SpikeW wrote:

This all started when my 14 year old grandson came... (show quote)

I purchased this tripod in 2015 for my Nikon with my 1st generation Tamron 150-600. I still have it and use it frequently. I absolutely love it. Unfortunately, it is no longer made. However, I’d suggest trying to locate one on Ebay or used through B&H or Adorama.

I also purchased a Nest Gimbal head from Carter a member here (Carter’s Camera Cottage). The combo has been a workhorse. My favorite subjects are Birds in Flight and wildlife.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

MadMikeOne wrote:

I purchased this tripod in 2015 for my Nikon with my 1st generation Tamron 150-600. I still have it and use it frequently. I absolutely love it. Unfortunately, it is no longer made. However, I’d suggest trying to locate one on Ebay or used through B&H or Adorama.

I also purchased a Nest Gimbal head from Carter a member here (Carter’s Camera Cottage). The combo has been a workhorse. My favorite subjects are Birds in Flight and wildlife.

Hi Mike,
That Vanguard package is still available, I have 4 of them in inventory still, best ball head ever put in a kit in my opinion.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

SpikeW wrote:

This all started when my 14 year old grandson came... (show quote)

See MT Shooter!s reply directly above. He’s Carter of Carter’s Camera Cottage. I’d jump on that combo if I were you!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

SpikeW wrote:

This all started when my 14 year old grandson came... (show quote)

Firstly, I would personally NOT recommend a tripod but, rather a monopod.

But for a good basic budget tripod I would recommend the Slik Pro 700DX - 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

Please READ the user product ratings !
.

SueScott Loc: Hammondsville, Ohio

I just bought a Sirui travel tripod - three pounds, folds to 16.5", has a weight load of a bit over 17 pounds, has latch adjusters on the legs. I haven't yet had a chance to try it out but it seems like it will be sturdy and very useful. Oh, and it cost $150.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

SpikeW wrote:

This all started when my 14 year old grandson came... (show quote)

As a fellow grandpa, here's what I would do. If he liked yours, give it to him. then go buy yourself a new one. Take the guess work out of it.

SS319

MT Shooter wrote:

Hi Mike,
That Vanguard package is still available, I have 4 of them in inventory still, best ball head ever put in a kit in my opinion.

I love my vanguard tripod! and the price!

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Got room for another Grandson. I'm a (very) young 65 - I'll p.m. my Xmas wish list.

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

Nest NT-6324CT CF Tripod $299.00 Nest NT-648H Ball Head $129.95 supports 44 pounds

From one of our own Carter @ Carter's Camera Cottage https://www.cameracottage.com

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Another thing to consider is the maximum extension in height of the tripod. I have three tripods, all aluminum. As mentioned earlier, the Welt Safe Lock is a good oldie but goodie. My father gave me that tripod, just after he sold his film SLR Minolta SRT-101, and decided to go digital. I have been gifted two other tripods from friends. Surprise gifts. Inexpensive ones that I don't use because the full extended heights are too short. A 14 year old young male will get taller in future years. He will need a tripod he will grow into. I also discovered I needed a monopod, and didn't want to spend a lot for one. I bought a Vanguard aluminum monopod from B&H. The VEO collection. I will admit though, that the carbon fiber tripods are the best ones to purchase. If you can afford it, buy it.

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

SpikeW wrote:

This all started when my 14 year old grandson came... (show quote)

A Nikon D3 with a Tamron 150-600mm lens and a "somewhat inexpensive" tripod does not equate. There is no "somewhat inexpensive" tripod that would be able to handle that outfit.
I am recommending a good one cause he can use it for the next 50 years. A good used one off ebay may be the answer.
My minimum recommendation would be a carbon fiber Benro or Induro with a Gimbal head.
NO, not cheap, but neither is his Nikon D3 with the 150-600 mm lens.
It seems at 14 he has some money. So, why don't you go thirds with his Dad and your grandson and get a good tripod that will serve him for many, many, many years.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

billnikon wrote:

A Nikon D3 with a Tamron 150-600mm lens and a &quo... (show quote)

I believe the OP was saying his grandson has a D3000 series Nikon rather than a Nikon D3. The D3xxx’s are more of a beginner’s camera.