Dtil2012 Loc: Festus, Mo

I do not want to spend 500 dollars so please if you can recommend a stable tripod.I spent 50 on one and it is very unstable and the head is cheaply made very difficult to level. in the ad said it was better than tripods costing 4 times as much. took there word for it, now all it's good for is to take pictures of it....Thank you Dennis

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

You get what you pay for in a tripod, for the most part. But quality once and it will last a generation or more.
Here is about the best bargain out there right now, WELL worth the price:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/718596-REG/Manfrotto_055XB_Tripod_Legs_Black.html

Thruhiseyes

MT- You are right on..that looks like a nice combo. I spent over 200 for just the tripod and another for the handgrip head.
So this really does look like a very good deal...Thanks...cause now I am just looking for the ball head by itself for the monopod.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

Any good tips on just a ball head for my "Beast" tripod? Again lower price, medium or upper quality for amateur/hobby work.

Thruhiseyes

Yep...go to...and see if they have what you need....

http://www.cowboystudio.com/category_s/197.htm

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

Thanks - just what I wanted - I think one of the $35+ will suit me fine.

Thruhiseyes

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

If you don't want to spend $200+, buy second hand. You won't easily get a GOOD, durable, new tripod and head for $200.

Cheers,

R.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

My "Beast" is a very good sturdy aluminum one and the Ball head I am going to order Friday (Payday) will top it off real well and will top off my economy/travel/most used tripod also.

molsonice Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

You don't have to here is the Dolica CX680P108 68-Inch Proline Carbonfiber Tripod with Pan Head (Electronics)
I purchased this tripod slightly hesitantly because I couldn't really find enough user reviews online. Hopefully this one helps some of you out there. I just received it today and I have to say, this thing is impressive. It is exactly what I was looking for. A solid, sturdy, carbon-fiber, pan-head tripod, with a quick release plate (it comes with two) and bubble level(s)... all this for less than $200. Plus the thing is freakin beautiful. It's polished with a great dull black finish, has the cushions on the top segment of all three legs for ease of handling and a hook in the middle for anything you can't hold while operating the camera. I haven't tested this but the maximum payload for this model, stated on the Dolica website is supposedly over 19 lbs. That in itself is astonishing. This tripod also comes with a solid well-padded travel bag. The only thing I was a little surprised by... the tripod is a bit heavier than I expected. Everything I've read states that carbon fiber tripods are supposed to be much lighter, but I did not find that to be the case with this one. It's not like it weighs a ton, but it's not what I would call a lightweight tripod either. That's the only negative though so far. Hopefully it proves to be durable and there aren't any unexpected snaps of the plastic leg clamps or anything like that over time. For now though, I highly recommend this tripod. You can buy it on Amazon.com less than $140.00

molsonice Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Dolica Proline GX Series Aluminum Tripod and Ball Head Combo for DSLR, SLR You can see it and get the reviews at Amazon.con $64.95

GDRoth Loc: Southeast Michigan USA

I recently got this ball head for $99 for my monopod....it's beautiful.....

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003IH72TY/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00

Scoutman Loc: Orlando, FL

The Ravelli APGL4, 70" Tripod is thought to be one of the best buys out there (under $100.00). Several reviews on Amazon and also a good demo on YouTube, not to mention the video there on "Choosing the Right Tripod." I like mine, but it's heavy. For my next upgrade, I will consider its carbon fiber model. Feisol also makes world class tripods a bit less expensive than Manfrotto, etc.

The the pistol grip that comes with the Ravelli obviates the need for an expensive ball head.

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

This is a very common problem that people have. Unfortunately a good tripod is expensive but consider this, how much did you spend on your camera and lens? I am sure that it was a considerable amount. Why then shouldnt you spend a good amount to protect your equipment. A good tripod is a good investment. You dont have to buy a new one, there are many good used tripods on Ebay. Your statement that you spent 50.00 and its a waste of money is primo example of what happens when you try to buy cheap tripods. Buy something good right off the bat and you will be happy with it.

George H Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Dtil,
This has been said so many times it is getting to be sickening. Good equipment costs money, real good equipment costs even more money. If you want something that lasts spend it now on the good stuff, so you don't wind up spending more on it later.

George