Tripod: I'm looking for a reasonably priced tripod for a mate of mine. He's just stated into photography and needs some help. I have a really good Manfrotto tripod but it's too...

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

I'm looking for a reasonably priced tripod for a mate of mine. He's just stated into photography and needs some help. I have a really good Manfrotto tripod but it's too expensive for him on his limited budget.
Has anyone got any clues on a good cheaper tripod, it will also need a ball head or similar.
Keep in mind, I'm in Australia.
Cheers,
Ron.

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Check Amazon. Neewer carbon fiber 168 cm w/ball head. 12 kilogram capacity. $115.99 US On leg can be used as a monopod.

Dodie

newsguygeorge Loc: Victoria, Texas

ProMaster is having a sale on tripods right now

Quixdraw Loc: x

Shop Manfrotto (or other quality brands) used. With a little patience I got a great set for not a lot of money. Based on the experience, I can't imagine buying a tripod new.

MDI Mainer

How fit is your mate, and how much hiking will he do with the tripod? Carbon fiber is lighter but more costly than aluminum. Both have other advantages and disadvantages.

https://shotkit.com/carbon-fiber-vs-aluminum-tripod/

https://opticsmag.com/aluminum-vs-carbon-fiber-tripod/

MDI Mainer

quixdraw wrote:

Shop Manfrotto (or other quality brands) used. With a little patience I got a great set for not a lot of money. Based on the experience, I can't imagine buying a tripod new.

What's the used kit market like down under? Shipping from abroad could be a cost issue if the local selection is limited.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

MDI Mainer wrote:

What's the used kit market like down under? Shipping from abroad could be a cost issue if the local selection is limited.

It's not big here...pawn shops might have some but it's really hit and miss...my friend won't be hiking so it's mainly something for around the house and the occasional country drive, etc.
Alluminium is fine. There are hundreds to look at but I really wanted a recommendation from someone who is using one that they are happy with. Not interested in US outlets as the same stuff is sold here, just the model.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

quixdraw wrote:

Shop Manfrotto (or other quality brands) used. With a little patience I got a great set for not a lot of money. Based on the experience, I can't imagine buying a tripod new.

Not much in the way of second hand stuff here QD...

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

luvmypets wrote:

Check Amazon. Neewer carbon fiber 168 cm w/ball head. 12 kilogram capacity. $115.99 US On leg can be used as a monopod.

Dodie

Thanks Dodie, I'll check them out...

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

newsguygeorge wrote:

ProMaster is having a sale on tripods right now

Maybe in the US but not here..

PoppieJ Loc: North Georgia

i use Oben, they are reasonable cost and work fairly well if you don't overload the weight limit on it

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

PoppieJ wrote:

i use Oben, they are reasonable cost and work fairly well if you don't overload the weight limit on it

Model Number..? The only one I could find here was a carbon fiber one at $569..? He's on a pretty tight budget so this is out of his range..

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

MDI Mainer wrote:

How fit is your mate, and how much hiking will he do with the tripod? Carbon fiber is lighter but more costly than aluminum. Both have other advantages and disadvantages.

https://shotkit.com/carbon-fiber-vs-aluminum-tripod/

https://opticsmag.com/aluminum-vs-carbon-fiber-tripod/

These sites chat about comparisons but show no actual models or prices..?

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

SX2002 wrote:

I'm looking for a reasonably priced tripod for a mate of mine. He's just stated into photography and needs some help. I have a really good Manfrotto tripod but it's too expensive for him on his limited budget.
Has anyone got any clues on a good cheaper tripod, it will also need a ball head or similar.
Keep in mind, I'm in Australia.
Cheers,
Ron.

"Good cheaper tripod" is the Leprechaun of photography. Catch one and you become rich. Much greater chance to catch the leprechaun.

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

SX2002 wrote:

I'm looking for a reasonably priced tripod for a mate of mine. He's just stated into photography and needs some help. I have a really good Manfrotto tripod but it's too expensive for him on his limited budget.
Has anyone got any clues on a good cheaper tripod, it will also need a ball head or similar.
Keep in mind, I'm in Australia.
Cheers,
Ron.

Hard to recommend anything without knowing anything about its application. The tripod for landscapes is far less costly than one that will work for shooting wildlife or macros. More info will get you a more targeted recommendation.