AzYooper Loc: Sun Lakes AZ (Almost Phoenix)

For a good, economical, quality tripod, check the Sirui line. It is my #2 small travel for light use behind my RRS TVC34L with BH55. I recommend the RRS, but you may not want that much beef.

Hip Coyote

Buy once cry once. Buy a cheap tripod and you will regret it. I use a big Manfrotto aluminum frame when weight is not an issue and a Manfroto Befree when it is.

MrGNY Loc: New York

Take a look at 3Legged Things. Nice tripods at decent prices. I bought 3 different tripods and returned them before going with 3Legged Things.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I have two points:

1. You do not necessarily need a tripod at the Grand Canyon if you shoot during daylight hours. I was at the Grand Canyon two years ago and had my tripod but didn't use it because I could shoot fast because of the lighting conditions. If you shoot sunrise and sunset at the Canyon, then yes, you will need a tripod.

2. If you decide to buy a tripod -- don't go cheap. I made that mistake when I first got into digital photography and almost trashed my D40 and 55-200 lens! It actually fell off of the camera with the shoe device intact when I put it into portrait mode -- the camera and lens were not heavy!

3. I decided to make a third point! If you're going to use a tripod then definitely use a remote shutter release. You might as well go all the way with a stable shooting platform!

Daryl New Loc: Wellington,New Zealand

Buy the best you can afford....

Bill P

I own several tripods. The biggest and best is Gitzo 1320 legs with a manfrotto 420 geared head. Although I've never had the opportunity to confirm this,, I think it would comfortable support the heaviest 8x10 camera. It is, however, nothing suitable for a long hike. What it is is not cheap.

My most used tripod is a Tiltall, from the Uniphot era. It is suitable for cameras up to and including 4x5. I've used mine extensively with Hasselblads and all manner of 35's. It is good for moderate hiking, but still not light. Both of these have three section legs, which I consider an ideal blend of strength and length. I will say the Tiltall is at full extension without the center section extended, only up to my neck, so in use I must hunch.

Several years ago I purchased an inexpensive carbon fiber tripod, sold under the Polaroid name. No, it does not develop itself. It has 4 section legs, and is small and light. I got it for a specific use, and it was just ok. But at that it was still just under $100.

On another subject, I use foam pipe insulation from Home Depot on one or two leg sections. It improves comfort for carrying on the shoulder.

tenny52 Loc: San Francisco

My 2cents advice: if you might use it on hiking trip, consider a Zomei with ball head or brands with similar construction.
One leg can be used as a monopod, and 17" folded into your backpack.
You can have a choice of turn or snap lock, carbon or alum.
Very solid and won't break your bank.
You don't need to spend on one over $500 which you can hang yourself.
Just follow good utilization of tripod, firm ground, hang your camera bag at the center hook, and use delay shutter, I think it is good for most situations except in the middle of a storm.

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

You should select a tripod based on magnification - long lenses used at short distances or macro will be the most demanding, and will require the more expensive tripods. Landscape and wide to short tele will be served ok with a middle of the road tripod. Beware of anything selling for less than $300 - there is a floor to what you should be spending on a tripod and it is not $50 or $15. Manfrottos are ok, but heavy and you get a center column that you usually can't remove and just adds instability. Sirui, Benro, Feisol and a few others offer nice carbon tripods. DO NOT RELY ON USER REVIEWS! These people are not experts, especially in the low cost range - and have no basis for comparison. They will recommend it because they like it, and you won't find any reliable analyses to base your purchase decision on.

rjandreoff Loc: Hawaii

I have made TWO tripod decisions over the past 4 years that have worked out well. Wishing to avoid the "too much unused photography gear sitting around" syndrone, the focus was overall value, with performance aligned with my needs, AND buy right the first time. My choices: #1: For supporting a 14-17 lb rig for wildlife, the Induro Stealth CLT 303 Carbon Fiber won the deal. Long and short extensions included, foot spikes, 10 year warranty, 44 LB rated, very stable, GREAT carrying bag, @ $379 from B&H. VERY pleased. #2. The Mefoto Global Traveler. Aluminum (3/4 lb heavier than the Carbon for about $100 less), exceptional design/build, quick set up/tear down, 22 lb load factor (verified), very stable, AND folds up neatly, easily fitting into a 22" standard roll on for baggage checks. After nearly seven months of global travel over the past TWO years, totally thrilled. @ $199, again from B&H. GOOD LUCK!.

latebloomer Loc: Topeka, KS

Look up Gene 51! It's vibration that's really important.

gompfer

Make sure the tripod is taller than you. If you are bending over when taking the shot the horizon may not be level. Plus if it is taller than you and you shoot from a hillside or stream side then you won't have to bend over. I also recommend no center column because when it is extended it is not as stable as no center column. Unfortunately tripods with no center columns are only found on the more expensive tripods. Ebay is a good place to find a good used tripod. Carbon fiber is nice for weight, but I find if you shoot in the snow, sometimes the carbon fiber doesn't drive into the snow as well as metal. Sirui makes some nice carbon fiber tripods realtively inexpensive tripods and ball heads.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Thanks for the tip on height, it makes sense.

MtManMD Loc: Beaverton, Oregon

If you ask here, you'll get a hundred different conflicting opinions and some sales solicitations. Well, here is mine and these are what I have and use constantly in all kinds of situations without any regret. Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 055 Carbon Fiber is the larger version. You can stand up comfortable with this one. Manfrotto MT190CXPRO3 Section Carbon Fiber if you want a more compact version, but you will have to bend over a bit without center pole extension. Both are carbon fiber, very light, but rock solid. Shoot vertical as normal, flip center post to horizontal for macro, or change the angle of legs independently for low-to-the-ground or uneven ground shooting. Will do anything you want and do it well. I use each with a Manfrotto ball head and RC2 quick release (I have a significant investment in this mount with a release plate on every camera, lens, spotting scope, etc.). Also, both of these models come with the flip type leg locks, which I much prefer (immensely easier that screw types if you have a little arthritis in your thumbs on a cold frosty morning).

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Yes, AND, they make a HUGE footprint !...

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williejoha

Induro makes some very good and reasonable priced tripods that extend to 72" without raising the center column.
WJH