jnurm99 Loc: Clarkston, Michigan

I am looking to purchase a tripod for my Nikon D7500 camera. Any suggestions on what type or brand to get? What are some features to focus on and materials to steer clear of? What about ZOMEi Z818? Is this a good buy for 110?

JD750 Loc: SoCal

You have come to he right place! On UHH you will get (1) expert advice, (2) strong conflicting opinions, and (3) completely wrong answers. It’s up to you to sort it all out.

What is your price range? What do you intend to shoot? What lenses will you use?

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

As JD750 indicated - camera, lens(es), subject material - very important - if you aren't sure how to answer these basic questions, then you probably don't need a tripod. BTW, Zomei is total junk, and it will only add $110 or so to the price of the tripod you need once you figure out what you need. I know it sounds circular, but you won't need a tripod until you start experiencing blurred images because you don't have a tripod. Are you there yet?

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Buy a Manfrotto. A good Manfrotto with ball head will cost about $300

Timmers Loc: San Antonio Texas.

Purchasing a tripod requires several informed aspects to tripod technique.

The first has to do with no tripod. In your camera bag or pocket you will need a length of medium nylon rope to which you have securely fastened a short 1/4-20 standard bolt. Remember that nylon will liquefy/burn when exposed to open flame so you can melt/seal the nylon rope to the bolt. This bolt screws into your camera's tripod lug in the base of the camera. allow the rope to fall to the ground in front of you, step on the rope and pull up on the rope and you will add to the camera's stability. After a time you will find the sweet spot for the rope's length and can create a loop with a fuse knot at the correct elevation for you.

Next, and this is extremely critical, there must be some way to attach a small nylon bag (a small laundry bag is perfect) to the bottom of the center column. Into this bag one places a heavy object to create stability and weight to the entire tripod. In the field you simple use a found rock or such (a water bottle is also a perfect source of weight). This stabilizing force to the entire tripod can not be overestimated.

Last, to shoot lower to the ground with your tripod attach a Bogen super clamp with 1/4-20 male accessory adaptor. You can add a small ball head or if your tripod head can be easily removed you can transfer the existing tripod head to the mount of the Super Clamp. Be mindful that the Super Clamp can be used as a substantiate for the tripod, attaching the camera to tree limbs, doors and door frames. In addition, to prevent marring to your tripod, a tree limb or that door, in grocery stores selling kitchen accessories are heat proof covers from fingers and thumb. These slip nicely over the jaws of the super clamp to protect against marring surfaces.

Perhaps I should publish a weekly column in a news paper for photographer and become the 'Ann Landers' of photo tech! LOL!!!

jeof1000

To answer the question: Sirui T-2205X carbon fiber.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

This statement should appear at the top of every page.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

My main concern with a tripod is good build quality. There's inexpensive, and there's "cheap." I don't want "cheap." Nothing is going to prevent all types of vibration and wind from affecting your camera, but virtually all tripods will hold the camera steadier than you can. If a thousand-dollar tripod sounds reasonable to you, go for it. I have tripods of varying sizes, and none cost over $200. My best are a pair of Vantage Trackers that cost about $180 each. They are big, sturdy, and heavy.

Good links -
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/

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

You will not get a very good tripod for $110.00. Benro makes a good tripod for the price. If your walking or hiking for any distance a carbon fiber tripod is nice buy aluminum will give you good support for less money. Plan on spending at least $200.00 to $400.00 for a good tripod. Plus these tripods need a HEAD. A ball head is very versatile and will serve you well. Plan on $100.00 to $200.00 on a decent one.
Yes, you can spend less for a tripod rig. But your better off hand holding for the lack of support these will give you.
I believe your best bet is a good USED tripod.
The height of the tripod is important, you DO NOT want to extend the center post to shoot, center post must remain DOWN. SO, consider this when looking for the right height. Many tripods are listed with height without center post extension and with center post extension.
A refurbished is listed below.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Benro-TMA37AL-Long-Series-3-Mach3-Aluminum-Tripod-Max-Ld-35-3-lb-16-kg/113380887234?hash=item1

Bipod

It's a tradeoff between portability and stability.

If you are making large landacape prints, you will naturally favor enormous, heavy
wooden, steel, fiberglass or aluminum-alloy tripods. But if you are taking vacation
snapshots, you will naturally favor one of them many excellent carbon fiber,
light-weight tripods. I use both.

A windy day is particularly challenging for tripods. Nothing damps vibration like inertia.

Next time you see a survey party with a laser transit, look at the tripod they are using.
That is what a really stable tripod looks like. A laser transit (directed at a roof prism target)
is an instrument of exquisite acccuracy.

There is no "one size fits all". You need the right tool for the job.

And if you are in a hurry, you will pay full retail.

billnourse Loc: Bloomfield, NM

I have a Benro TravelAngel 28 in carbon fiber. It is light enough to travel with, but still sturdy enough for all but the most demanding applications. Mine came with a very good ball head from Adorama for 399.00. You can get the lighter version, 18 I think, for about 349.00 from the same source or an aluminum model for 100 or so less.

Mine has fallen off the top of a jeep at 50 MPH and skidded down the pavement with no ill effects other than cosmetic.

Bill

Satman Loc: Indy

I was in Roberts, Indianapolis and a customer ask the same question, while stating he wanted to spend about $100.00.

The salesman ask him what amount of weight he expected it to hold..

A 600 mm lense he said.

He walked them back to the used department,

I thought the salesman did an excellent job, of qualifying the needs, and funds available

Benro TA was my pick also..back then never thought about weight and camera shake..

Michael1079 Loc: Indiana

The truth will set you free! Loved this response.

As far as the OP question, I have a Manfrotto and am very pleased with its ease of use and quality build!

(No advice, no conflict, but this may be a completely wrong answer! )

lsaguy Loc: Udall, KS, USA

I bought this model Zomei about 10 months ago. I am very happy with it. It is all metal except for plastic grips on the tightening screws. Fit and finish of all metal parts is amazing. As a machinist I can appreciate the design and fit. The leg tightening nuts provide a firm and stable adjustment as the legs are extended. I've not measured how much weight the ball head will support but it handles either of my Pentax cameras, a K20D and a K50, with ease even when I put on the heaviest lens I own, an ancient 70 to 250 all metal Sigma. About the only criticism I have is the lacing cords on the case. Individual threads have started to break giving it the look of a hairy caterpillar. Other than that, it's a great tripod. You will not regret your purchase.

Rick

billnourse Loc: Bloomfield, NM

I often hang a camera backpack or other weight to the hook on the Benro to give it more stability. The TA28 is rated for 27#.

Bill