jbueto Loc: UT

Suggestions solicited: need tripod for a Nikon D7100camera w/ a 18-300mm lens -- maybe 12 pounds total. Would like to stay under $150. Ideas welcome. Thanks, Jim

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

B&H has dozens of tripods in the 110-150 range and from well respected makers like Manfrotto.

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

And, as always, your money goes further if willing to buy used gear.

jbueto Loc: UT

Thx, I had not looked at Manfrotto, will give them a try

jbueto Loc: UT

Not opposed to used; just hadn't thought it through. I'll check around.

SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY

…Benro is your friend…!

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Save your $150. I have witnessed too many $150 tripods be blown over by wind, with a camera mounted. You paid far more money for your camera, have mercy and either buy better quality or spend the money on something worth your investment. A tripod is a critical piece of equipment. Some $150 versions have lower leg sections that are 1/2" in diameter! How much support will that tripod afford you? When a modern DSLR hits the ground you can expect to spend far more than $150 in repairs.

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

What are you shooting that you think you need a tripod for? Long daytime exposures? Night sky exposures? Time lapse? Focus stacking? Exposure stacking? Panorama stitching? Unless you are planning one or more of these kinds of shots, a <$150 tripod may not be adequate at the 300mm end, but should work ok at the shorter end.

Using camera + lens weight is probably the worse criterion for selecting a tripod. Just because a tripod will keep your camera/lens from succumbing to gravity doesn't say anything about how stable it will be at high magnification, with either a very short lens and short distance to subject or with a longer lens.

Your budget of $150 barely covers a decent ball head, much less an entire tripod. Used markets are flooded with tripods that are in that price range, because people think there is a bargain to be had, then they use it and regret sets in. Some even buy a second and a third tripod - maybe spending $200 or even $250 thinking they are getting something that will meet their needs - but sadly, it usually falls short. But imagine if that person with the 3 tripods had spent the same amount of money up front - a $600 tripod would be light, and stable enough to handle all but the highest magnification or longest focal length lens(es).The key to all of this is torsional rigidity, and unfortunately most low cost tripods score extremely poorly in this regard.

You may want to look here:

https://thecentercolumn.com/

and here:

http://blog.reallyrightstuff.com/choosing-a-tripod-part-1/
http://blog.reallyrightstuff.com/choosing-a-tripod-part-2/
http://blog.reallyrightstuff.com/choosing-a-tripod-part-3/

Having all the facts will better inform your purchasing decision and hopefully keep you from spending money that you don't need to spend on a tripod that won't perform to your expectations.

BTW, there isn't a tripod manufactured that would not support (speaking entirely of gravity, mind you) your D7100 and an 18-300mm lens - which totals a mere 2.9 lbs. Even a $50 Gorilla Pod with ballhead handle more than double the weight of your camera/lens

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1359603-REG/joby_jb01507_gorillapod_3k_kit.html

Another possible shortcoming of a low cost tripod is the weight - even a Slik 700 DX will weigh about 7 lbs when you add in the tripod head. A heavy tripod can easily become a rarely used tripod. Beware of user reviews - they are often not very reliable, unbiased or reflect how your experience will be using it. You can bet on the fact that many of the "reviewers" that love a tripod probably have never used anything better - making their reviews inconclusive.

One good thing I suppose is that you can buy this anywhere - even Walmart sells them:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Slik-615317-700DX-Pro-Tripod-Legs-Black/41491466?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=356&&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-51320962143&wl5=9007515&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=111840115&wl11=online&wl12=41491466&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjwzaSLBhBJEiwAJSRokkNX3033vXJJM-9ASnFp1AfYpP0bdQDkhuXeDlANx9dpR81UyYdaUxoCZY8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

This is a very popular inexpensive set of legs - you will still need a GOOD head - which, in most cases is more important than the legs. Please read the user reviews ......https://www.ebay.com/itm/292464141675?epid=26031753456&hash=item441838a56b:g:y00AAOSwgcVbGZyw

- there is some weight and size to this tripod - therefore, it is NOT a travel tripod !
.

whatdat Loc: Del Valle, Tx.

I use a Manfroto monopod & Benro tripod, both with Manfroto medium weight ball heads. Have had no problems with either setup on anything from a d7000 w/18-300 lens to a p900 at max focal lengths with no problems. Both setups were around $150 each. Just my 2 cents worth.

bnsf

Sirui sells great tripods with excellent pan heads for photo and video shooting.

Ednsb Loc: Santa Barbara

Does anyone have experience with k&h tripods or gear?

jbueto Loc: UT

Thanks to all. Good mix of responses with links that are appreciated. As far as my uses of one: occasional shots of flowing water and the associated slow shutter speeds; low-light situations; and similar. At my age, 77, it would also help some with slight hand tremors; and, afford an occasional, "selfie" option too. Budgetary constraints are always an issue with my "toys". Result: I'm going to try one of the Slik options as a reasonable best "fit".

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

Decide which one you think works for you, then buy the next one heavier/larger. Same with the tripod head.

jbueto Loc: UT

Yes!