Looking for tripod: I need to replace my current tripod and would like to find a sturdy tripod with a built-in ball head for around $200. I don’t take long hikes with my equipment. My...

lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama

I need to replace my current tripod and would like to find a sturdy tripod with a built-in ball head for around $200. I don’t take long hikes with my equipment. My camera is a FujiFilm X-T3, which is certainly lighter than a full-frame with heavy lenses.
I would consider used equipment.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions. I find UHH to be a great research tool.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I use a MeFoto travel tripod. Not too bulky, fits in a carry-on and doesn’t weigh a ton yet sturdy enough for my Olympus and the biggest lens they make for it.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

lwerthe1mer wrote:

I need to replace my current tripod and would like to find a sturdy tripod with a built-in ball head for around $200. I don’t take long hikes with my equipment. My camera is a FujiFilm X-T3, which is certainly lighter than a full-frame with heavy lenses.
I would consider used equipment.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions. I find UHH to be a great research tool.

Used Gitzo. From super heavy steel and sturdy to light carbon, but I am not sure about a $200 limit.

That should be a nice camera.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Do a little research on current and past name brand tripod models, then shop used online. Works a treat, you'll get great gear and you will save a lot.

Edit: Roberts Used Photo Pro is having a sale on tripods today. I have always gotten excellent quality & prices from them - never a problem.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

This is a frequently asked and good question.

Personally, I am a big fan of Gitzo and Manfrotto support equipment. I'm sure there are other good brands currently available, but these are the ones I have had the first-hand experience within full-time, sometimes kinda rough, professional usage.

The first thing you should consider, when contemplating the purchase of anew tripod.d is if it has the height, weight, size and geometry for your shooting purposes.

Here is a link to a very comprehensive Gitzo site- lots of information:

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=gitzo+tripods+chart&qpvt=Gitzo+Tripods+chart&form=IGRE&first=1&tsc=ImageBasicHover&scenario=ImageBasicHover

Here are two handy charts.

Here is a link to the Manfrotto site will all their tripods and the accompanying specifications.

https://www.manfrotto.com/us-en/buying-guide/tripod-buying-guide.

A poorly crafted or cheaply made tripod is a bad investment. Even a good tripod that does not meet your usage requirements will prove to be disappointing. If you purchased a used unit, make sure to use a reputable dealer and make certain it has no need abused. Mechanical parts can have been forced, impacted, dropped, stripped, dented, etc., which would impair their performance and safety.

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

lwerthe1mer wrote:

I need to replace my current tripod and would like to find a sturdy tripod with a built-in ball head for around $200. I don’t take long hikes with my equipment. My camera is a FujiFilm X-T3, which is certainly lighter than a full-frame with heavy lenses.
I would consider used equipment.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions. I find UHH to be a great research tool.

First thing you should state is what camera(s) and lens(es) you will be using with the tripod. Next would be what your subject matter will be. The weight of your gear is totally irrelevant, since load capacity is not a reliable indicator of tripod stability. It only tells you how much you can put on a tripod before gravity takes over and reduces your camera and lens to a pile of broken plastic and glass, and bent metal. There is simply no way to determine how stable a tripod will be based on load capacity.

Cost and tripod weight are other factors that really have nothing to do with your choice, at least at first.

The first thing you need to do is establish criteria, then find the best tripod that fits that, then start to make reasonable compromises that get you to the tripod weight and price point that you are comfortable with.

Bottom line, if you go for light and stable it will likely be more than modestly priced. But if you are using your camera for landscapes, then your need for stability will be lower than for macro or long lens use for birds and wildlife.

pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs

lwerthe1mer wrote:

I need to replace my current tripod and would like to find a sturdy tripod with a built-in ball head for around $200. I don’t take long hikes with my equipment. My camera is a FujiFilm X-T3, which is certainly lighter than a full-frame with heavy lenses.
I would consider used equipment.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions. I find UHH to be a great research tool.

This Gitzo tripod is in your price range. Not sure if it will suit your needs.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-674817-1.html

FalconeFotographx Loc: Michigan

Here is a super strong, light tripod and head that could fill your needs. Could swap the head for a bit smaller one but still very robust with excellent build quality to get very close to your price point.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/303777097495

DL Loc: St. Petersburg, Fl and Island Park, Idaho

I was shopping for a tripod and decided on one of the well known expensive brand. I wanted strong and I wanted it to go tall. I called B+H Photo to order. I asked his opinion on the one I chose and he said it was a very good tripod but he would recommend a Benro Mach 3 (TMA48CXL ). He said it was stronger and would go taller for a lot less money. I took his recommendation and I am glad. The tripod is fantastic. I wanted it for a D800 with a 200-500 lens and sometimes a smaller lens. This tripod is rock solid.

By the way , always get one that will go taller than you think you need. Great for not bending over and great for uneven ground like the side of a hill or mountain where one leg needs to be extended a lot longer than the other 2.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Your title sounds like my life. I'm always trying to find something around the house.

Tripods -
Very good article -
http://www.dslrbodies.com/accessories/camera-accessories/tripod-101.html (ByThom)

More -
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/

lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama

Thanks so much for your comments and guidance. I tried to research tripods, but my lack of knowledge was quite an impediment. When all else failed, I called B & H and purchased the tripod my advisor recommended. FYI, it was a Vanguard VEO 2 G0 which included the ball head. It's price was only $129, so it is far from "top of the line." I do not believe I need a fancy tripod, but if it isn't satisfactory, I'll send it back.

Thanks again.

lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama

FalconeFotographx wrote:

Here is a super strong, light tripod and head that could fill your needs. Could swap the head for a bit smaller one but still very robust with excellent build quality to get very close to your price point.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/303777097495

Having ordered a lightweight tripod from B & H before I saw your recommendation, I'm having second thoughts. Isn't this a lot more substantial tripod for $250 than the Vanguard VEO 2 GO tripod I ordered for $129? If so, I'm going to purchase the one you recommended and cancel my B & H order (the tripod is backordered and won't ship for 7 - 10 days.

Thanks for your recommendation.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

FalconeFotographx wrote:

Here is a super strong, light tripod and head that could fill your needs. Could swap the head for a bit smaller one but still very robust with excellent build quality to get very close to your price point.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/303777097495

The ball head on this seems quite NICE at 44mm .......but, he never actually SHOWS the tripod ? !

40mm and larger for the ball is what I look for as well as 3 section legs and a height of at least 60 inches without using the centerpost.
.

Paul J. Svetlik Loc: Colorado

Besides the ball head that you can always buy separately,
to make your shopping more complicated, I would also look for the height of the fully
extended - colapsed tripod. That is useful for travels.
You may also be interested whether the tripod has flip locks with rubber/spike leg ends feature.
Good luck with your shopping!

Swifty Loc: Canfield Ohio

I have a Bogen 3020 w/ Bogen ball head. Let me know if u want pix. Tanker60@gmail.com