Tripods (Page 4): Be on the lookout at yard sales, etc. I found a Gitzo with one leg stripped at one of the adjustment rings. Gave $25 for it and sent it back to Gitzo and took...

Georgia Peddler Loc: Brunswick, GA

Be on the lookout at yard sales, etc. I found a Gitzo with one leg stripped at one of the adjustment rings. Gave $25 for it and sent it back to Gitzo and took advantage of their lifetime warranty. Was returned to me with the needed repair and the entire pod gone over completely. Ended up with a $250+ pod for less than $40 (cost plus freight)

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

I don't happen to subscribe to the "one tripod fits all" theory. In my opinion, if you purchase a tripod strong enough for the heaviest outfit you expect to get in the future, it could be overkill and very inconvenient for your present purpose. I would recommend for now something rated at 5 or 6 pounds. The head is more important than the legs - many of the low price plastic jobs do not operate smoothly, a royal pain. Since you're on a budget, I recommend you take a look at Smith Victor ball heads - about the best for the money. If you move up to a heavier camera and lens later, expect to pay considerably more.
At a store like B&H's website, you can check the specifications on legs only or heads only, within your price range, which should help you make the best decision. Remember, facts trump opinions any day!

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

There are many $100.00 tripods out there, but very few are any good. In fact, they are a danger to your equipment. I suggest you save your $100.00, until you can afford a "really good" model. Also, don't forget the mount that goes on top, those cost money too. As you progress through you life in photography, you'll see how to handle your gear budget. It's always best to buy the best, so you only have to buy once.

B

UnclePaul Loc: Minnesota

I'd definitely recommend waiting and spending a few more $. I've used my Slik PRO 700DX for 4+ years with my D5000 with never any issues whatsoever. It's strong, relatively light weight, very quick to set up and adjust. It weighs about 7 1/2# and collapses to 32". And when I needed a few small parts for it last year, their customer support was terrific. Amazon has it for $139 right now w/free shipping.

Earworms Loc: Sacramento, California

Excellent suggestion!

UnclePaul wrote:

I'd definitely recommend waiting and spending a few more $. I've used my Slik PRO 700DX for 4+ years with my D5000 with never any issues whatsoever. It's strong, relatively light weight, very quick to set up and adjust. It weighs about 7 1/2# and collapses to 32". And when I needed a few small parts for it last year, their customer support was terrific. Amazon has it for $139 right now w/free shipping.

RRS Loc: Not sure

gravedigger611 wrote:

I just bought my first dslr (nikon D3300) I am looking to buy a tripod there are lots of choices out there I'm looking to spend between $20-$60 not 2 or $300 not yet anyway any suggestions on what to look for and where to buy (preferably amazon)

As some have already said, you'll need a head for your tripod too and one with a quick release. If you just go and buy a tripod that is a pain to use, you'll never use it. Think about you future lenses and their weight. If you buy or have a lens with a rotating collar mounting is easy, if not see what attachment you will need to attach to the bottom of your camera you won't have to screw your camera to the tripod each time. If there is a camera store near you go and look firsthand what they have. If you do find something tat you want but is more then you want to send just save a little longer instead of buying two or more tripods. Been there and done that, I have 5 tripods...Ron

AP Loc: Massachusetts

gravedigger611 wrote:

I just bought my first dslr (nikon D3300) I am looking to buy a tripod there are lots of choices out there I'm looking to spend between $20-$60 not 2 or $300 not yet anyway any suggestions on what to look for and where to buy (preferably amazon)

HELLO, Gravedigger611. Without question, check "ebay" first. You'll find many tripods within your price range. Take your time and read the spects, do not be afraid of buying from China. Also, pay close attention to shipping, many adds post "FREE-SHIPPING".

Again, take your time looking and do not make a fast decision. Their are a tremendos amount of TRIPODS out their. You may find a good one better than you thought later in your search. I know you will have much luck! AP

jsharp Loc: Ballwin MO.

gravedigger611 wrote:

I just bought my first dslr (nikon D3300) I am looking to buy a tripod there are lots of choices out there I'm looking to spend between $20-$60 not 2 or $300 not yet anyway any suggestions on what to look for and where to buy (preferably amazon)

check with your local pawn shop.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

RRS wrote:

As some have already said, you'll need a head for ... (show quote)

You sound like a very practical photographer. Each one WAS purchased for a particular use, right? :)

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

gravedigger611 wrote:

I just bought my first dslr (nikon D3300) I am looking to buy a tripod there are lots of choices out there I'm looking to spend between $20-$60 not 2 or $300 not yet anyway any suggestions on what to look for and where to buy (preferably amazon)

I've had great luck with Dolica tripods. They are reasonably cheap--about $6 at Costco--sturdy, and well-made. Not as light as the $300+ carbon fibre, but not too bad either.

RRS Loc: Not sure

RWR wrote:

You sound like a very practical photographer. Each one WAS purchased for a particular use, right? :)

Why yes of course! First two are identical except for the color, one chrome and one black. Purchased about three years apart when I was working as a professional wedding photographer. Next one, somewhat smaller for packing along to Europe to shoot weddings, got tired of packing one of the first two in a Samsonite hard shell case. Next one for travel to Yellowstone shooting wildlife, but not big enough for the bigger and longer lens that I bought after retiring. The RRS CF tripod was and is the last tripod that I will ever buy, would have been great for weddings but to big to carry to Europe. Fitted with a quick release and I can go from a ball head to a gimble head in seconds. All 5 acquired over 48 years.

azphotobug Loc: Scottsdale, Arizona

gravedigger611 wrote:

I just bought my first dslr (nikon D3300) I am looking to buy a tripod there are lots of choices out there I'm looking to spend between $20-$60 not 2 or $300 not yet anyway any suggestions on what to look for and where to buy (preferably amazon)

You might try Ravelli brand on Amazon. It's in the $60-$70 range and gets high ratings from many reviewers. You want it tall enough so you don't have to pull up the center mast which might make it unstable. You certainly don't want your new camera to fall off the tripod. Get a secure ball head as well. Good idea to go to a camera shop to get expert advice as well as seeing the tripod in person as opposed to a Best Buy type of store. Read on line reviews from sites that are trustworthy. You can speak to a real person at B & H Photo. They are very reputable.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

RRS wrote:

Why yes of course! First two are identical except ... (show quote)

Excellent. My comment was to mock those who recommended only the heaviest one would ever likely need. I bought my first tripod in 1958, when the longest lens I had for my Exakta V was 135mm. My experiences since have led me to believe that a tripod is most useful when it is matched to the application at hand. Thus my previous "no one fits all" comment. Mine range from a table top model to one that will support an RB67 about 11 feet high for those occasional overhead shots. Don't have room in my Jeep for a step ladder, so I stand on the hood.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

gravedigger611 wrote:

I just bought my first dslr (nikon D3300) I am looking to buy a tripod there are lots of choices out there I'm looking to spend between $20-$60 not 2 or $300 not yet anyway any suggestions on what to look for and where to buy (preferably amazon)

Target

Roughdraft Loc: Maryland

gravedigger611 wrote:

Any and all suggestions will help as I am coming from shooting with a smart phone to using a dslr I don't want the best I do want decent so nevermind the price range I gave and fire away Thank you

I have a D3300 also with two kit lenses, 18-55 & 55-300, I bought a MeFoto Globe Trotter from B&H for it. I've only had the unit for a short period of time but the test shots I've taken with this combination just in the yard have been more then satifactory. From birds sitting in the trees to shots of the moon the Globe trotter has performed well for me.

The additional feature of the Globe Trotter that attracted me to it was the monopod conversion. In both monopod and tripod configurations my camera with the 55-300 felt rock solid.

Keep an eye on pricing I got mine for $149 from B&H.

Highly recommend taking a look at the Globe trotter. Happy shooting.