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Which tripod?
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Jan 15, 2018 21:38:05   #
mas24 Loc: Southern CA
 
preachrbill wrote:
Just bought my first DSLR, Canon EOS T6i and was wondering which tripod I should buy. I will not be using any extra long lens (55-250) max right now.


Another thing to consider too, is what height do you want on a tripod. And the weight limitations of the tripod. A 52 inch tripod doesn't work for everyone.

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Jan 16, 2018 02:49:54   #
speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho
 
preachrbill wrote:
Just bought my first DSLR, Canon EOS T6i and was wondering which tripod I should buy. I will not be using any extra long lens (55-250) max right now.

Make sure to read the specs, which state the load capacity. A tripod is one of the best "investments"one can make, that is true also, when just starting out. So far you have a very light outfit, but I bet, it will not stay this way, so a tripod that can hold a few extra pounds in a steady manner is the way to go! A tripod will come in handy at about all times and will free your hands! Have fun! If you have the chance to buy it in a store, try it with different heads ( pan $ tilt, or ballhead) to see what suits you the best, also check out which locks (twist, or flip) you like best, anything and everything that makes handling (set-up and take-down, etc.) more comfortable for you. Pay attention too, that if folds to a small size, but extends enough, to be comfortable for you when standing up straight! See how it feels carrying it, you may like a bag with it! You may also want a tripod, that has interchangeable collumns, so you can use it close to the ground, also the column should have a hook, so you can attach extra weight, or ty it down in windy situations.

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Jan 16, 2018 06:12:29   #
Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina
 
Really Right Stuff has helpful information about selecting a tripod on their website.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

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Jan 16, 2018 06:24:32   #
John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK
 
I wouldn't disagree with the 'Don't buy cheap' statements, but I do believe there is room for a cheap tripod if you do the right research first. Even a cheap tripod will steady the camera better than many people's hands but you'll just have to shoot at a little higher speed to allow for budget construction.

I have a £225.00 GIOTTO CF tripod and ballhead (no longer available, I believe), but I still have my VELBON CX mini (which will hardly get 30" of the ground but it's good on a car bonnet or a rock). I paid £22.50 for this - it's reasonably sturdy, light and easy to carry and more importantly, I learnt a lot from it with regard to what I wanted when I got a 'proper' tripod.

Finally, when you buy your 'proper' tripod, unless it has a universally recognised plate like an ARCA (you'll know by then what this is) get several spare feet. I keep one on my camera, one on my zoom, one on my telephoto, and a spare. Also gave one to my son so there's no faffing about when the tripod is required - just clip in and go!

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Jan 16, 2018 06:28:29   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
preachrbill wrote:
Just bought my first DSLR, Canon EOS T6i and was wondering which tripod I should buy. I will not be using any extra long lens (55-250) max right now.


Tripods are difficult. Prices and quality are all over the place. It's not hard to spend more on the tripod that on the camera. Some good links below.

http://www.bythom.com/support.htm
https://digital-photography-school.com/everything-about-tripods-phil-steele/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIWvjfI_-PA
http://digital-photography-school.com/build-ideal-tripod/
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/5-pros-and-5-cons-of-using-a-tripod/
http://www.lightstalking.com/tripod-heads/

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Jan 16, 2018 06:51:56   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
preachrbill wrote:
Just bought my first DSLR, Canon EOS T6i and was wondering which tripod I should buy. I will not be using any extra long lens (55-250) max right now.


THE ONLY WAY TO SHOP FOR A TRIPOD IS TO GO TO A LARGE CAMERA STORE AND TRY THEM ON. SAME AS BUYING SHOES.

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Jan 16, 2018 07:14:09   #
Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina
 
While I agree that it is nice to see and try things in person it is not a reality for most people. Even the better camera stores here in Charlotte only carry a couple brands of tripods and in the lower to mid price range. Sure you could find a couple to choose from in these price ranges but the selection is very very limited. I think doing your own research and the experience of others is going to work much easier unless the OP is going to make a trip to NYC to search for an inexpensive tripod. That would hardly be economically viable.

billnikon wrote:
THE ONLY WAY TO SHOP FOR A TRIPOD IS TO GO TO A LARGE CAMERA STORE AND TRY THEM ON. SAME AS BUYING SHOES.

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Jan 16, 2018 07:30:24   #
preachrbill
 
Good thoughts, thanks!

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Jan 16, 2018 07:32:51   #
BenSanford Loc: Falls Church, VA
 
I just went through the process of buying a tripod, and ended up with the Gitzo 1555T, and an Acratech ball head. Expensive, but I was looking for small size, light weight, etc. Something less expensive and heavier might be the place to start, and then after a bit you will have a better idea about what your requirements really are. Even an inexpensive tripod is likely better that handheld at 1/30 second...

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Jan 16, 2018 07:44:22   #
berchman Loc: South Central PA
 
Joe Blow wrote:


Two things you might want to keep in mind are a detachable head and a weight hook. The detachable head allows you to remove the camera and hand hold quickly. I keep my head on the camera at all times so I do not need to screw in on when needed. The head/ camera combination takes up no extra space in the bag.


Detachable head?

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Jan 16, 2018 07:48:18   #
Joecosentino Loc: Whitesboro, New York
 
Check out induro. Mine are 10 years old and still going strong. They are 1/2 the price of a gitzo and just as good if not more rugged. I lead workshops and have seen more issues with horizontal and manfroto tripods then any other brands just my two cents

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Jan 16, 2018 07:48:19   #
Joecosentino Loc: Whitesboro, New York
 
Check out induro. Mine are 10 years old and still going strong. They are 1/2 the price of a gitzo and just as good if not more rugged. I lead workshops and have seen more issues with horizontal and manfroto tripods then any other brands just my two cents

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Jan 16, 2018 08:00:00   #
Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina
 
I expect what is being called a detachable head is a quick release plate on the camera rather than using the screw to mount the camera to the tripod. Of course there are also Arca Swiss plates that do enable the whole head with or without the camera mounted to be removed from the tripod. An example would be changing out a ball head for a gimbal head.

berchman wrote:
Detachable head?

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Jan 16, 2018 08:34:43   #
Brent Rowlett Loc: Atlanta, GA
 
preachrbill wrote:
Good advice and thanks. My budget would around $125


Wait until you have saved more money before purchasing. You will soon be giving that $125 tripod away.

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Jan 16, 2018 08:52:27   #
mas24 Loc: Southern CA
 
Notorious T.O.D. wrote:
While I agree that it is nice to see and try things in person it is not a reality for most people. Even the better camera stores here in Charlotte only carry a couple brands of tripods and in the lower to mid price range. Sure you could find a couple to choose from in these price ranges but the selection is very very limited. I think doing your own research and the experience of others is going to work much easier unless the OP is going to make a trip to NYC to search for an inexpensive tripod. That would hardly be economically viable.
While I agree that it is nice to see and try thing... (show quote)


Agree. Most Camera Shops don't have a large inventory of tripods. They will show you only what they have. Very few. And sometimes not what you're looking for.

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