Cheap/inexpensive sturdy dependable tripod: I need to replace a 30 year old tripod that I use only for time lapse photography. I leave my setup in remote locations that few people can...

hpucker99 Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

I need to replace a 30 year old tripod that I use only for time lapse photography. I leave my setup in remote locations that few people can find or stumble across but don't want to spend more than $150 (or so) in case that dishonest hiker finds my gear and I need to replace everything. I use a refurbished Nikon D7200 with a refurbished Tokina wide angle lens and shoot day to night/night to day time lapses typically. It is not unusual for the camera to be out there for 24 hours or so. I am looking for for a tripod that is sturdy enough and weighs less than 4 pounds (the weight of my older tripod).

So the criteria are:

1) weight less than 4#
2) cost less than $150 or so
3) either 3 or 4 section
4) either twist or lock keg sections
5) doesn't have to be rock solid but not flimsy

I know the above is a conflicting set of vague requirements, so I expect a wide range of opinions. Have fun!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Over 4 lbs , but also look at the Slik 500DX and 400 DX tripods as they are smaller/lighter.

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 reviews ...
.

wsudetic

Take a look at Neewer Carbon Fiber 63"/160cm Tripod on Amazon.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1071808-REG/manfrotto_mt190x3_3_section_tripod.html

0.4 lbs over but rock solid.

eBay is a better choice being that used tripods are very inexpensive and ofttt et n in nearly new condition.

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

hpucker99 wrote:

I need to replace a 30 year old tripod that I use ... (show quote)

Let me know when you find one. I find #5 self-defeating. What's the point of having a tripod that is not rock solid. I had one of those once. It lived in the closet until I gave it away to someone who wanted the "look" of a tripod when he was shooting, and didn't care about blurry photos.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

Gene51 wrote:

Let me know when you find one. I find #5 self-defeating. What's the point of having a tripod that is not rock solid. I had one of those once. It lived in the closet until I gave it away to someone who wanted the "look" of a tripod when he was shooting, and didn't care about blurry photos.

I concur.

joseph premanandan

please try the MEFOTO tripod.it is reasonably priced ,quite compact and good for traveling.

zenagain Loc: Pueblo CO

I have 1 of these, i dont use the head that comes with it, but it is inexpensive and rock solid.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-70-Inch-Pistol-Grip-Tripod/dp/B01LQX0P8Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=amazon+basics+tripod&qid=1584613888&sr=8-12

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

joseph premanandan wrote:

please try the MEFOTO tripod.it is reasonably priced ,quite compact and good for traveling.

I would avoid MeFoto. They are usually the least stable products out there. They only fulfill the requirements of cheap, light, small-when-packed. But the reason you buy a tripod in the first place should be to have a support that is better than being hand-held.

Here is a table that shows at least one of the MeFoto tripods at the bottom of the list of 26 tripods when tested for stability. Of the two that fit the OP's price expectations, they rank 21 and 26 on this list. Better to buy tripods using independent test data (when available) and/or personal testing as opposed to marketing hype and misleading reviews.

(Download)

joseph premanandan

if a tripod is unsteady because of the heavy winds ,you can always hang a heavy sandbag at the bottom.works well for me.

Tony Groenink

Have a look at the Sirui range

cburgmike Loc: Pittsburgh

surprisingly solid and well built for the price.

PHOPIK 77 Inches Tripod,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X2PGLLQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

joseph premanandan

i have a Sirui tripod.it is good but rather heavy to carry it around.

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

hpucker99 wrote:

I need to replace a 30 year old tripod that I use ... (show quote)

No such animal exists.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

imagemeister wrote:

Over 4 lbs , but also look at the Slik 500DX and 400 DX tripods as they are smaller/lighter.

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 reviews ...
.

I have that tripod and have had no problem with a 500mm f/4 lens on it. Great value for the money.