Inexpensive tripod recommendations for beginner
Hi all
I'm new to the forum - mostly just read and check out some photos. I really enjoy the forums. I'm just getting into photography as a hobby, recently bought a Canon T3i after many years of using a point and shoot. I just do it for fun, mainly take pictures of my kids. Anyway, I wanted to get a tripod, as I'd like to experiment with some time lapse creations, especially for Xmas. Any recommendations? I don't need anything crazy - something lightweight yet sturdy. Thanks in advance for your help.
I just noticed that this was your first post !! WELCOME, and we hope you will stay awhile !!!
I was hoping under $50, but being a newbie I am not sure that's even possible. Thanks.
Pepper
Loc: Planet Earth Country USA
Check these out at B & H Photo.
Monfrotto 681B Monopod or comprable tripod.
Monfrotto 234RC Tilt Head
BTW Welcome to UHH
Welcome to the hog.
You need a tripod that will hold a least one and half times the total weight of your camera and largest lens.
And for the voice of experience, cheap may not be the way to go.
Light-weight and sturdy are usually diametrically opposites concerning tripods. Unless you have the big bucks. And buying one online can cost a fortune in UPS charges.
Also, a tripod head is usually a separate purchase for a decent tripod. Swing & tilt is traditional and affordable. Ball-heads can be expensive.
You will rapidly outgrow a small or inexpensive tripod. This is a piece of equipment you should not rush. I am using a tripod that I purchased 30-years ago, and I am still pleased. I have hauled it to waterfalls, use it for star trails, as well as family group shots.
Best advise: do your homework.
Thank you GC Likes Nikon Been on here for quite sometime and find it really helpful. Today I finally registered and posted
Mes08 wrote:
Thank you! Been on here for quite sometime and find it really helpful. Today I finally registered and posted
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Nikonian72 wrote:
Mes08 wrote:
Thank you! Been on here for quite sometime and find it really helpful. Today I finally registered and posted
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Oops. Thanks! Did not even see that.
donnz
Loc: Auckland, New Zealand
My question to you is if you are shooting in the home why would you want lightweight.?
A tripod has to be sturdy to stop shake so in my mind anyway from using telescopes the heavier the more solid.
I recently did what you are doing and asked questions and did lots of legwork
I was shocked at the prices some more than my camera,and when I saw them they wobbled like crazy.
I bought a metal tripod and a ballhead at 200 bucks a piece, it will last me for the rest of my life.
others will say buy lightweight and hang a bag of rocks off it, that seems to me anyway defeatist, oh the bag is provided free with the expensive tripods
Don
I am using a bridge camera, not dSLR like yours, but have found that many of the tripods under $50 are just not capable of even doing a good job of holding my camera still.
Manfrotto tripods are VERY good and can be purchased starting around $60 or so for the smaller ones. Sunpak models at Walmart for $50 plus aren't too bad, but not up to what you will get at camera stores.
I recently got a "ProMaster" tripod from the Porter's Camera Store outlet for $50 and when I got home I looked it up in their catalog and it lists for close to $100. It is compact, but weighs a fair amount more than the old tripod I used with my film SLR. It also doesn't go as high as my old one, but does get as high as I need. Before purchasing the salesman got a full-size dSLR with a medium sized telephoto and mounted it so we could check how solid it was. I then put my hand on top and tried to wiggle it, with very little movement. I will not use a lighter weight tripod for anything other than a small P&S and will not extend the legs all the way on any cheap tripod.
Compare a tripod to tires on your car. You do not want the cheapest, but you do not need oversize knobby tires for every day street use. Some tires are made for high speed, and others for off-road. Some tripods are light-weight for backpacking, some tripods are heavy for studio use. You need to find the compromise tripod that will work for 80% to 90% of your needs.
I have used this tripod since the mid 1970s.
Bogen 3040 Tripod with 3047 Head
Welcome.......Take a look at the Hahnel 100 on Amazon.......I'm a recent beginner to DSLR and think for the price it's unbeatable....
All metal construction including large Ball head......
Mes08 wrote:
Hi all
I'm new to the forum - mostly just read and check out some photos. I really enjoy the forums. I'm just getting into photography as a hobby, recently bought a Canon T3i after many years of using a point and shoot. I just do it for fun, mainly take pictures of my kids. Anyway, I wanted to get a tripod, as I'd like to experiment with some time lapse creations, especially for Xmas. Any recommendations? I don't need anything crazy - something lightweight yet sturdy. Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi all br br I'm new to the forum - mostly just ... (
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If you're on a strict budget, try eBay. Look for Manfrotto, Gitzo, and similar quality tripods. Unlike cameras, lenses etc, tripods don't go 'out of date'. Granted, they get a bit lighter and easier to use, but they never stop being what they are.
Check prices on Amazon etc. to avoid getting caught up in a bidding war and paying more than the new price.
With tripods it's a case of 1. Quality. 2. Economy. Pick one!
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