whitewolfowner wrote:
bassman, the height of the tripod is up to you. If you don't want to be stooping all the time (rough on knees and backs) get one that goes to your eye level standing up. Extending the top post, weakens the sturdiness of the tripod, so I would save that for times when you are on uneven ground and need that extra height. If you intend to shoot the stars, you will need extra height beyond your own to get the angle for tilting the camera upwards. Not sure of the brand you have chosen and have no idea of the quality of it. (Someone else may be able to help.) Manfrotto makes great tripods and of good quality, I know that. The sturdier the tripod, the greater the weight unless you get the carbon fiber ones and they are very expensive. Also, most quality tripods come without a head and they are extra. This is because different types of shooting favor different types of heads. You will have to find the balance that suits you. A cheap compromise, and very light weight would be a monopod. Giotto makes a really good one, model #9780 and Amazon sells it for 53.22. It weighs 1.4 lbs and holds large lenses up to a total of 33 lbs. Doubt you will ever outgrow it. Comes with a carry case too.
One more thing I'll caution you about and that is the extension legs on a tripod. They come in two versions; snap clips and screw threads. The snap clips are great until they break or loose their grip. The screw threads, you just keep tightening them a little more if they get loose. I have had 2 tripods that are junk now because the snap clips break, so now I only buy the screw threads.
Good luck and remember that any tripod is better than no tripod and in time you may own more than one.
bassman, the height of the tripod is up to you. I... (
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I am 6'1" with shoes on, and slightly taller with boots, but not sure my eye level.
Bending and stooping are definitely not optimal if I want to enjoy taking pictures.
It seems a monopod and tripod are both necessary for different occasions.
I will look again at the Costco ones linked here also.
I would rather save money, but not means breaking equipment and/or buying new tripod when it beaks.