Good, inexpensive tripod for beginner

[tycho55]

Hey folks!

I've just begun my adventure into the world of photography and am really looking into buying a tripod. There's so many occasions in the past with low-light levels that it would've really helped. And as much as I'd love to buy a Gitzo or a Bogen, I just can't afford it right now, and my camera doesn't warrant one. (I have a Canon PowerShot A95 -- yes, don't laugh. I start small.)

I have a $25 off coupon for Buy.com that I'd like to use, and have narrowed it down to the Slik U9000, Velbon DF-60, or Velbon CX-690. But I have no idea which one to buy. Considering my camera isn't very heavy at all, I'd still like a tripod that's relatively rugged, grips the camera well, and won't slide. If you have any experience with these, or any help in general finding a good, inexpensive tripod for a beginner like me, I'd truly appreciate it.

Thank you so much!

[jjonsalt]

In the $50 range http://www.amvona.com/v7/shop/?page=shop/flypage&view=1&product_id=1923

[Mitcon]

I don't know those models off-hand that your looking at but all I can say is you don't need to spend a fortune but don't buy something too cheap/nasty. Doesn't matter what camera your shooting with you want something that will work well, easily and keep your camera safe. A decent tripod will help you not only shoot better but to shoot more as it will be a pleasure to use instead of a nightmare.

jjonsalt has posted a link to Amvona, I don't know what that model is like but they do have some very good quality gear at good prices. They also have a eBay store where some very good bargins can be had dirt cheap. I myself use their best carbon fibre unit and I'm very happy with it but I think it's the cheapest tripod I'vve ever owned lol.

I'm not saying go buy the best there is, keep whatever you get in your budget restraints but just buy smart and make sure it's easy to use, suits the purpose you need it for and is well built.

[AlexMa]

From the sounds of it, you will be getting deeper and deeper into potography.

Just a thought, you don't want to spend money upgrading tripods.

Spend a little more and get a quality one.

With a smaller camera, you don't want a tripod that is too light. A good gust of wind can tip it over.

Just something to think about.

BTW: what is your price range?

[mijbril]

Aye, you want something that can hold the heaviest lens set up you will anticipate having, with tripods, plan for the future & get a decent one first up rather than continually upgrade (unlike a consumer lens which will be acceptable for the money spent, a tripod has to be a rock solid for your shooting platform or it will quickly be downgraded for use only with your P&S as you spend more money on a better one)

[col4bin]

I am new to photography and had a very difficult time choosing a tripod. I went with the Slik 713CF II. As much as I wanted a Gitzo, I could not justify the cost (meaning the wife said no!!!!). All kidding aside, weight and folded length were concerns for me. The lightest manfrotto's I could find were coming in at over 5lbs with the head. That does not sound like much but being a hiker and backpacker every pound counts. The Slik I got is 3lbs (4 with the Giotto head) and folds to 22". It has a hook for counter weighting as well as a rock bag to attach to the legs easing any concerns about stability. I wound up paying about $430 for the setup and I am quite happy with it.

[madferrit]

This is good advice. I made the mistake of buying a Velbon and thinking that it would outlast my camera, but the issue of lens weight along with camera body, and then avoiding camera shake is critical.

Amvona have an ebay shop, but it from there, don't buy it from their online store. Why? well, i recently made a purchase and got my tripod delivered to the Uk for $70, you'd get it cheaper as most of my payment was postage and packing.

The tripod is solid, and has a quality feel about it. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them again and again. Do a search for Amvona or Dynatran on this forum to see what other people have experienced.

[tycho55]

Well, I just bought the Amvona AT-3770 that jjonsalt recommended through eBay and am pretty excited. I'll be camping in Big Bend NP soon and wanted to try it out. While the Slik and Velbon looked appealing, I decided to get something a bit more hefty and durable, and the AT-3770 seemed to be highly recommended on Amvona's website.

I plan on using the Canon A95 for a while, just to get comfortable with photography and make the most of what I have. No use in upgrading my camera to bigger and better if I'm not comfortable with the basics. And if (hopefully when) I do upgrade to something that warrants a new tripod (like a 350D or, if the tooth fairy is generous, a 30D), $35 won't have been too much of a loss. :)

Thanks to all for your help!

[col4bin]

Congrats on your purchase and have fun with it

[rklepper]

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=142810

[TMR Design]

I recently got the Manfrotto (Bogen) 728B. It was not cheap but when I was actually in the store trying each one and checking out how sturdy it was compared to others the choice was clear. I paid $120 for this tripod and could have gotten away with the 718B for about $10 less but for $10 it made sense to get something really great. I use an A620 now but I can see that I am heading towards a DSLR and I wanted something well made that sould support a larger and heavier camera with larger lenses.
Some of the really lightweight tripods wobble and when the legs are extended all the way the narrowest telescoping length has no real strenth. With the tripod I got I can feel how sturdy it is with no wobble whatsoever.

I am sure the other manufacturers make good tripods but this one is outstanding.

[tycho55]

Okay, a question on the Amvona AT-3770 (and I apologize if it's silly, but I'm still learning). I noticed it uses a quick release system, but does it include a mounting plate? If not, where do I get one? Is that what the "1.05x0.9" on the product page refers to? They don't seem to be listed anywhere on their website. I'd like to use a mounting plate rather than continually screwing and unscrewing the camera. Is that how these things work? Thanks again... :)

[cfcRebel]

I started with AT-663S. Then upgraded to their carbon fiber series.