friend sent me a tripod head as a "getting started" gift

[not_timmins]

http://images19.fotki.com/v358/photos/1/1023118/4262552/P1010996-vi.jpg

where do I go from here? I plan on doing a lot of landscape photography. I don't know where to start but I want to make sure it isn't garbage and then I want to make sure I'm not buying the ultra-carbon-uber-tripod.

So, considering I have that head to work with... what are some decent tripods under $150? Or are my expectations unrealistic?

[newfly5]

Get either aq Giottos or Manfrodo tripod and you be good

[Mathiau]

^^^ 2nd that.

[Wilt]

Bogen 3021 in its various incarnations and model variants, the Manfrotto 190. Good tripods, buy one you won't need to buy another.

[DocFrankenstein]

That's a nice head - with the arca clamp and all.

Bogen 3021 is good, but a bit heavy. If you're doing landscapes, then you want a light one. Those pounds add up.

[Wilt]

I'll side against Doc's opinion of 'you want a light one'. A Bogen 3001 weighs 3.8 lbs. vs. the 3021 weight of 5.1 lbs. (legs alone). The 3021 works for someone tall, whereas the 3001 will induce stooping (back pain eventually) or use of the center column which reduces stability. Yes, you can put a camera on the 3001, but the 3021 will be less prone to vibration induced by the reflex mirror and the effect of wind on everything. It has been acknowledged for over a decade that 3001 is acceptable, but the 3021 is long acknowledged as the true 'minimum' for long term happiness with a tripod.

[DocFrankenstein]

Wilt - you'll find that your opinion doesn't really contradict my opinion, so there's no reason to be against the opinion. ;)

I meant that while 3021 is a good pod, it's a bit heavy. And if you want to go lighter, then you'll want a lighter, but a more expensive tripod like 3021 carbon fiber or some upper end gitzo. Not the cheaper lighter one - that's a sure waste of money.

[Digital_Duck]

hmm ...

I think my $60.00 tripod has been good to me!