camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

You need a tripod that will extend at least to your height. You need a tripod that will support the weight of your camera and heavier lens. Your choice decides between aluminum and carbon fiber tripod.
I have Gitzo and Manfrotto and my most used tripod with lighter gear is a cheap aluminum Dolica tripod that I bought for $45. I use good tripod techniques and it makes a big difference.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Good thoughts.

MrGNY Loc: New York

3 legged thing with a ball head.

lagunamike

Bela, look at the Moman travel tripod on Amazon. Aluminum but only 3 lbs, holds 33 lbs, folds to less than 14". I'm very happy with it - best inexpensive pod for$80. Reasonably sturdy for its size.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Whether amateur or pro, it is best to get the best you can afford. Even though your gear is not that heavy, you may eventually end up getting something heavier. Here are some things to consider:

Carbon Fiber - less transmission of vibrations let you get sharper images
Leg diameter - no less than 32" diameter for stability
- also, each leg should be able to move independently of each other
Center column - not recommended - it decreases the stability and increases the chances of motion
- you don't need it - just get the right height tripod for you
Tripod height - the basic requirement is that you should be able to stand comfortably to look through the
viewfinder, but it should also have the capability for leg extension so you can also point
it up and not have to stand or crouch in an uncomfortable position - leg extension is
also important to getting a level camera on uneven ground
Tripod weight capacity - important that it should support your gear, but also important is having a
broad enough base for stability
Tripod leg sections - in general, 3 sections are typical and more sections not recommended unless you are
purchasing one of the high end tripods with a design that prevents stability compromise
Tripod head - there are many types, but typically the basic head is considered to be the ball head
- other heads are more specialized, depending on what you are doing
- the head's weight capacity should be sufficient for the heaviest lens/camera combination
you may own, now or in the future

Here is a link to a run-down of the factors to consider. You may find their prices way beyond your budget, but the information provided will apply to any tripod you are considering.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/tripod-guide

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Some people do NEED it - like birding people and airshow people. The footprint of tripods without centerpost are unnecessarily LARGE contributing to safety/tripping conditions and an impediment for moving around a gimbal head.

..

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

Susan, as usual you are right on the money. Look at the best and strategically select what you are willing to trade off. Top leg section diameter and the size of the apex are those compromises that you DON"T want to make. And I am with you 100% on eschewing the center column, particularly in a lower cost tripod. It's just asking for trouble. Even if you don't raise it, it will be inherently less stable that a tripod that doesn't have one.

The argument that a tripod with a center column can give you the same height as a taller tripod without one is only partially correct. The big tradeoff is that a tripod with a smaller leg-spread is going to be a lot less stable, on top of the fact that the column extension brings it's own reduction in stability. What I used to do at airshows was simply reduce the leg spread a little to avoid people (and myself) tripping over the legs. The last two shows I attended I left the tripod home, being much more comfortable shooting with the long lens hand held.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

A center column is your choice, but be aware that you sacrifice stability and are more likely to get unwanted vibrations to blur your images. Can't blame that on a bird flying by too fast!

See Gene51's most recent post for the solution in tight spaces. My tripod has different "clicks" so the legs can be spread less or more and still be stable. And no center column! If truly worried about the footprint, a monopod would be another alternative.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Thank you Gene! One thing I forgot to mention about the center column: it changes the dynamic of the camera/lens/tripod balance. The most stable place for the camera and lens is close to the apex of the tripod legs! Not 6" or a foot above it...

MDI Mainer

My recommendation is to contact MT Shooter, a regular here on UH, for his advice. He has a camera store, the Camera Cottage in Billings, MT; sell on line; is a first-rate guy, and sells reasonably priced, high quality gear.

bela1950 Loc: Massachusetts

Thank you. Your detailed guidelines answered many of my questions. The link is great. Now I understand what I really need.

bela1950 Loc: Massachusetts

Thank you.

bela1950 Loc: Massachusetts

OK I will do that. Thanks

bela1950 Loc: Massachusetts

Thank you. That sounds interesting.

bela1950 Loc: Massachusetts

Thank you for the advice.