kerry12 Loc: Harrisburg, Pa.

If you check you will find that the reviews are very good. Most expensive does not always mean the best.

PhotosBySteve

My one and only suggestion is... Don't buy cheap! Purchase a good quality tripod and a good quality head, not necessarily the same brand, that will last you a lifetime.
My experience, after purchasing several cheap combos, for $50-$250, was a waste of time and money. I don't believe a quality combo can be had for less than $400 new. My combo cost close to $800. There are many good quality units available from many manufactures. DON'T go CHEAP!

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

OK, I'm also looking at tripods as right now I'm tripodless and I really need one for my close-up photos. I want a super-steady one so I'm thinking the Manfrotto MT055CXPRO4 055 Carbon Fiber at $469 on Amazon. More expensive than the Neewer $99 one. Then there's the ballhead mount. If I get the good tripod can I get by with a lesser quality head? The tripod is a budget-buster for me so I'm justifying it as my Christmas gift to myself.

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

If you are like me & wish to purchase only one (1) tripod in a lifetime -- Then I recommend purchasing the "right sized" for your specific needs GITZO -- They are not at all cheep -- But then again if you choose wisely you only need to buy one of them

JohnFrim Loc: Somewhere in the Great White North.

The more I read this thread the more inclined I am to liken tripods to lenses -- why would anyone think that one tripod will satisfy all requirements? At one extreme are the rock-solid heavy beasts that are best kept in a studio; at the other end are the clamp-on devices that can be carried in a pocket and will serve to get a selfie, night shot or macro shot on a few occasions; of course, there are lots of options between these extremes.

Perhaps the best advice is not to spend heavily on a single high-quality does-everything tripod, but rather consider perhaps two tripods that cover the gamut of expected needs.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

The tripod and the head are a team - each plays a role in stabilizing the camera and the lens. To get a head that is not able to support the weight of the camera and lens would be a mistake. What you would experience would be "slipping". This is when you carefully compose your shot, tighten the ball head, then you realize the lens is now pointed a bit farther down from where you set it. Bigger lenses will have a lens collar that is mounted on the tripod instead of the camera itself, but slippage will still be a problem because the camera has weight as well! Very frustrating to have to re-compose with that movement in mind, and it still may not be right...

Do some research on the tripods you are considering, and check the diameter of the legs. Amazon does not provide a lot of information, but if you go to a website like B&H, you can look at the specifications. Or the manufacturer's website. You could look for professional reviews, as well. The only one that comes to mind is DP Review, but reading other threads on the subject of choosing a tripod and head will reveal others to explore.

From what I have learned, it will be hard to find a carbon fiber tripod that is solid for less than ~$500. That is new, perhaps used you could. In addition to the more pricey [and top-quality] tripods and heads such as ReallyRightStuff and Gitzo, I have heard from several very reliable pro photographers that Feisol is very good - worth checking out.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

While that inexpensive, light duty tripod might work fine for your current camera and lenses, it will be inadequate for things you plan (or hope) to buy in the future. Also, many Manfrotto use their own, proprietary quick release system, which isn't compatible with anyone else's QR. Otherwise, Manffrotto tripods can be pretty good, though the aluminum ones can be pretty heavy.

When bought right, a tripod can be a once in a lifetime purchase. Buy the wrong one and you'll be spending more to replace it soon.

Rather than me trying to recommend a specific tripod that works well for me and may or may not be a good choice for you, read the following for general information about what to look for, but also might include some recommendations:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/content/use-tripod-boost-image-quality-composition-and-creativity
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/tripod-explained
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/tripod
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/travel-tripods

There may be some other articles at the B&H Explora website or elsewhere online. Do your research. It will help you decide what's important and what to look for in a tripod for your specific needs. You need to look at the load capacity versus the weight of the tripod... the size, materials and design versus stability and your own comfort using it versus how compact it is to store and carry. Too short a tripod will be uncomfortable to use. But a tripod that uses as fewer leg sections and doesn't require you to raise a center column to get to working height (your camera's viewfinder eyeport at eyelevel or a little higher) will be the most stable, but won't fold up as small for travel. People like carbon fiber for it's lighter weight, but it also absorbs fine vibrations better than metals. And there can be other considerations.... For field work I prefer a tripod with "twist" type leg locks, rather than the protruding lever or thumbscrew type. The twist locks also are self adjusting, while the lever type might wear and need occasional adjustment or even eventual replacement.

But, basically.... $150 isn't much to put toward a quality tripod. Especially considering that you plan to upgrade to some larger, heavier gear and longer lenses in the future, you would probably be better served spending quite a bit more to start with, then not have to buy again (or again, again and again) when you get the future gear. And a tripod that you're comfortable with.... that you enjoy using... you will be more likely to use and less likely to leave at home gathering dust in a closet. That will be good for your photography!

I have a big, old Manfrotto that I paid about $400 for.... around 30 or 35 years ago. It's a rock steady beast with three section legs, cross braced to a geared center column and a heavy duty pan-tilt head. I hauled it around and used it with all sorts of cameras, up to and including large format. But I ain't gettin' any younger and got tired of lugging a 20 lb tripod (along with everything else). So it's pretty much retired to be a "studio only" tripod now. And I use several Gitzo Series 3 Systematic tripods in the field. Those are carbon fiber and plenty sturdy too... able to handle about 3X my heaviest camera and lens. Two of them use 3-section legs and don't have center columns. A third is taller with 4-section legs, but I rarely need to raise it that tall. That taller one also has a center column, but I only use it reversed under the tripod for low level macro work. Those Series 3 tripods aren't exactly light (and I have some rather heavy duty accessories installed on them)... are about 8 or 9 lb. If I were traveling by air, train or ship a lot with a tripod, I'd probably want something lighter and more compact. But mostly I travel by car now and it's not an issue.

I mentioned quick releases earlier and the most universal and versatile system is the "Arca-Swiss" style, which are standardized across many manufacturers (even Manfrotto and Gitzo have started making some compatible heads and plates). These are especially important when using a large telephoto lens with a gimbal mount, to be able to adjust the equilibrium so that the camera and lens can be moved smoothly and quickly with a light touch. With a macro lens fitted with a tripod mounting ring, an Arca-style lens plate also can neatly serve as a simple, low cost "macro slider" for focusing. It's much less bulky, heavy and expensive as a true macro focusing stage.

Ultimately, depending upon what you shoot and how you need to use the tripod, there can be other considerations. So do your research. Unless you want to buy again (and again, and again) in the future, I'd also recommend you spend more than you planned. (Hey, that's why we have credit cards, right?).

agonzalescoach

Thank you again for all of your posts. I will be analyzing the information I have been given. In a short, I think I will need at least two different tripods, if not more. One to use with my Canon Rebels with my 75 - 300mm lenses, etc..., and one to use with my heavier Canon 5D Mark IV, with up to 600mm lenses. two different purchases, two different tripods. One tripod lighter, one tripod heavier. Ball Heads, and Pan Heads to be considered a must have. Probably Carbon Fiber, with large sturdy legs, 37-39mm, or 41-43mm legs. Also I think I want a universal and versatile system of quick releases, like the "Arca-Swiss" style. I have a lot of research to do. Again, thank you all for all of your comments. I will be posting photos later. I have a lot to learn about Photography, and taking really good pictures.

agonzalescoach

You guys are so Awesome. What would I do with out you.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

Thanks for the great detailed tips from everyone. I'm not upgrading to much heavier lenses like the OP plans on doing, though I plan on adding a 70-250 telephoto sometime before our next vacation in April. Mostly I would be looking for the stability, stability, stability, and reliability. Sounds like Gitzo is the one to beat. A bit more expensive but not that much more. Good tip about carbon fiber and vibration. I have experience with the clamp-type leg adjusters. My old tripod has stiff ones and as I get older the screw type like Gitzo's seems more and more appealing. Mine is over 40 years old and the clamps show no signs of failing but the adjustment screws aren't as tight as they should be, and that's where the age is showing. Many of the fitting holes are getting worn (aluminum I think).

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Really Right Stuff is right there with Gitzo.
There is information on selecting a proper tripod on the RRS website too...

Best,
Todd Ferguson

papa Loc: Rio Dell, CA

Manfrotto makes excellent tripods and they back it up with a 5 year warranty. I see that it's rated at 17.6 lb capacity, but in just looking at the pics I wouldn't trust my 5D Mark III with my Tamron 150-600 on it. Well, maybe in a pinch. If you're going for only one, best be heavier. If, like me, you'll have more than one tripod this one looks great for hiking, biking, etc. Those 5 sections get quite small and flexible. I have two lightweight Sunpaks bought for $28 each that are good for a light rig, but I find they don't get much use since I bought a minty old Gitzo Studex 320 base($78) and later a NIB Gitzo Offset Ballhead 2750($99). Now that's a tripod and it cost me a total of $177; which is right at your budget. Have fun shopping it. I did.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

Thanks for the Gitzo info. Stability is a must for me and the more I hear the more Gitzo seems the best. I was a little worried about Manfrotto's skinny legs. I want one for the long haul not for hauling long distances.

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

But cheap almost always means inadequate at best, dangerous in the worst case. Nothing is more sobering than seeing a pile of broken glass, plastic and twisted metal that was once your camera and lens. Not making this up, it really happens. I found out the hard way . . .

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

A heavier tripod and head can be used with both your heavy and your light-weight gear. The benefit of stability works in your favor regardless of which camera/lens combination you use. When I decided to purchase a good, own-it-forever tripod, I chose ReallyRightStuff and their ball head rated for higher weight. I still don't have one of those very heavy long lenses [in my future!], but won't have to buy another tripod when I do purchase one. Expensive, but I won't likely ever need another one. The only reason I can see for having a second tripod is for travel or long hikes when size [for packing a travel bag] and weight [packing or carrying] is an issue. However, you also need to make sure the travel tripod is rated for the camera and lenses you will be using on it. Too much weight at the top will be an accident waiting to happen!