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Why are tripods so expensive.
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Apr 5, 2018 19:49:52   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
DJO wrote:
this quote came directly from the Really Right Stuff website:

"Nothing beats mass when it comes to stability".


Yes, this is physics 101 - what I have been preaching - that no one seems to understand - and oh, BTW, , mass= weight !

..

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Apr 5, 2018 20:01:07   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
bking3 wrote:
There are plenty of Tripods that are inexpensive and do a good job. I bought a SILK heavy duty aluminum tripod about 10 year ago and a generic gimbal head (those I replace every 3 years, but at $100/ea it will take me 18 years to make the difference for a wimberly) and I've used it through 3 1 Series cameras and 2 different 500mm primes. So for me, my 1DX and 500F4L IS is around $12,000 in gear and a ton of weight, but it still sits fine on top of $220 worth of tripod and head. I've been tempted to get a new set of carbon fiber legs and maybe one day buy a Wimberly but there's always a new lens or body I want more and the setup I have does the job.
There are plenty of Tripods that are inexpensive a... (show quote)




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Apr 5, 2018 20:16:24   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
bittermelon wrote:
Newbie here. So here is my first question: why are tripods so expensive?

For example, I can buy a reasonable camera for about $1,000. This is a piece of equipment with sophisticate mechanics and electronics, controlled by advanced software. It also comes with a lens with advanced optics.

Then if I want to buy a tripod to go with my camera, I am expected to spend in the range of $500 and up. Mind you, a tripod has no sophisticate mechanics and no electronics at all, no software, no optics. It's just some mechanical parts, not even too advance in design.

So why do tripods cost so much, compared to cameras?
Newbie here. So here is my first question: why a... (show quote)


Because rich people are willing to PAY for the prestige

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Apr 5, 2018 21:44:13   #
cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA
 
mizzee wrote:
Because they can! However, I just got a highly rated Sirui carbon fiber tripod for under $200. Whatever you choose, it undoubtedly won't be your last!


That is, unless you buy a VERY good one NOW!

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Apr 5, 2018 21:47:40   #
anotherview Loc: California
 
Well put.
PGHphoto wrote:
They don't have to be - very good carbon fiber tripods can be found under $175. They are only expensive if you buy into the hype that a certain name printed on the tripod makes it 'better' than another. These people who perpetuate the myth of 'name brands' being better than anyone else's products don't understand that in many cases, the same company that makes the 'name brand' also makes the no name equipment that sells for a fraction of the price. This applies to tripods, batteries and any photographic accessories. Its called marketing and shows how we have given up so much of our ability to reason because of advertising. Do the homework and see for yourself - you will find that people buy the sizzle, not the steak ! (that is an actual advertising moto)
They don't have to be - very good carbon fiber tri... (show quote)

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Apr 5, 2018 21:55:46   #
Brent Rowlett Loc: Atlanta, GA
 
cjc2 wrote:
That is, unless you buy a VERY good one NOW!


Exactly! I purchased the top of the line Gitzo 6 years ago and a HD Majestic precision 20 years ago and will never need another in my lifetime. My Bogens and Manfrotto are light stands and tether tables.

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Apr 5, 2018 22:23:18   #
DJO
 
imagemeister wrote:
Yes, this is physics 101 - what I have been preaching - that no one seems to understand - and oh, BTW, , mass= weight !

..


Thank you.

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Apr 5, 2018 22:50:59   #
DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca
 
You can get a lot of really good tripods for $150 - $200. If your looking at a local camera retailer - don't. Do your hands on research there then shop B&H or Adorama online. I'd Say Amazon but I found there isn't a very good selection. Just know in most cases quality takes cash.
bittermelon wrote:
Newbie here. So here is my first question: why are tripods so expensive?

For example, I can buy a reasonable camera for about $1,000. This is a piece of equipment with sophisticate mechanics and electronics, controlled by advanced software. It also comes with a lens with advanced optics.

Then if I want to buy a tripod to go with my camera, I am expected to spend in the range of $500 and up. Mind you, a tripod has no sophisticate mechanics and no electronics at all, no software, no optics. It's just some mechanical parts, not even too advance in design.

So why do tripods cost so much, compared to cameras?
Newbie here. So here is my first question: why a... (show quote)

Reply
Apr 5, 2018 22:51:54   #
anotherview Loc: California
 
First, you may not even need a tripod. Read this strong opinion before you buy one: https://kenrockwell.com/tech/digital-killed-my-tripod.htm

The critique continues here: https://kenrockwell.com/tech/tripods.htm

Second, agreeing with KR, but from experience, I have found most of my photography simply does not require the use of a tripod since the advent of Image Stablilization.

With IS and good hand holding technique, a careful photographer will need a tripod for only certain conditions. KR discusses this side of the matter, too.

Stop fretting. Forget about a tripod. Shoot hand held -- until the conditions of your photography call for the use of a tripod. Then buy a medium priced one. Read online reviews. Adorama carries tripods.
bittermelon wrote:
Newbie here. So here is my first question: why are tripods so expensive?

For example, I can buy a reasonable camera for about $1,000. This is a piece of equipment with sophisticate mechanics and electronics, controlled by advanced software. It also comes with a lens with advanced optics.

Then if I want to buy a tripod to go with my camera, I am expected to spend in the range of $500 and up. Mind you, a tripod has no sophisticate mechanics and no electronics at all, no software, no optics. It's just some mechanical parts, not even too advance in design.

So why do tripods cost so much, compared to cameras?
Newbie here. So here is my first question: why a... (show quote)

Reply
Apr 6, 2018 01:12:27   #
ledoux Loc: New Orleans
 
I own two Sirui tripods. Have been very pleased with them both. One with aluminum legs and more heavy duty. With the right head can mount my medium format field camera providing necessary stability. The other with carbon fiber legs, (bought used on eBay), that is quite light and works well even in salt water. (Recommend thorough rinsing after salt water.) They have traveled to India several times and remain in perfect working order. They will not break the bank compared to others with more of a cache' name.

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Apr 6, 2018 02:24:34   #
Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA
 
I just bought a solid (and heavy) Vivitar Model 1321 tripod. Cleaned it up and it is as good as new. It is vintage 1975 and darn near perfect. So stable I am amazed. Holds my D810 and 200-500 lens without breaking a sweat. I paid $80.00 for it. Look at old camera stores with "boneyards" or camera swap meets.

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Apr 6, 2018 09:56:07   #
Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.
 
imagemeister wrote:
Yes, this is physics 101 - what I have been preaching - that no one seems to understand - and oh, BTW, , mass= weight !

..


I'm sorry, just because one tripod might be heavier than another does NOT mean it will be mote stable. Design and material are just as important as weight. or even more so. for instance, an aluminum tripod with all other criteria being equal will not absorb vibration as well as a carbon fiber tripod.

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Apr 6, 2018 19:36:58   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
Rich1939 wrote:
I'm sorry, just because one tripod might be heavier than another does NOT mean it will be mote stable. Design and material are just as important as weight. or even more so. for instance, an aluminum tripod with all other criteria being equal will not absorb vibration as well as a carbon fiber tripod.


this quote came directly from the Really Right Stuff website:

"Nothing beats mass when it comes to stability". - What part of this do you not understand ?? ......

..

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Apr 6, 2018 19:49:59   #
The Fat Engineer Loc: Scotland
 
I am a Civil Engineer. I use modern surveying instruments; far more expensive than amature and hobbyist cameras and some professional ones: and if I want a really steady tripod, I use a wooden tripod which cost £250 and supports a Leica Nova Robotic total station which cost £35000. So, apart from the weight of the wooden tripod, I an happy to use it for my £1000 camera. I also have Alloy tripods for my survey equipment which cost from £60 to £300. They are of course a bit more bulky than dedicated photography tripods but they are definitely stable.

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Apr 6, 2018 21:25:22   #
Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA
 
imagemeister wrote:
this quote came directly from the Really Right Stuff website:

"Nothing beats mass when it comes to stability". - What part of this do you not understand ?? ......

..


There are many factors which can effect stability, mass being one of them. Unfortunately, larger mass (weight) in a tripod can also result in one that is far from practical for most photographers. We can’t all lug around a surveyor’s tripod on a four mile trek into the desert! So, in the interest of practicality, we have to look for alternatives to provide stability. In such alternatives, mass may become less important compared to other qualities of the materials used. Carbon fiber is lighter than metal yet it has superior vibration dampening qualities, especially if made with more fiber wraps, wraps perpendicular to each other, thickness, tube diameter, etc. To also reference RRS, they attribute the stability of their tripods to their large diameter, thin walled tubes. Not the mass of their tripods. Sometimes practicality trumps a basic generic physical law.

BTW, can’t find that quote on their site. Maybe you can supply the link so we can see the context of where they made that statement. (I can’t seem to find it)

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