Portable Tripod for S3 / Fuji S2

[Edhi]

Hello forums!
I have a Canon S3 IS and want to get out and about this summer with it. Low light is a weak point with a camera + me combination (not the steadiest of hands at the best of times) and I think trawling around a city taking pictures (as I'm planning on doing), a tripod could come in handy.

It needs to be pretty solid (obviously) but also portable (i.e. light) and easy to setup. If it came with a carrying bag of its own that would be juuuuuust peachy! (as Weird Al would say)
I have a Lowepro camera bag for the S3 itself, and being able to sling the tripod over my back when I'm not using it would be great.

I'm not yet 'good enough' to justify spending big money on camera equipment yet, so the fancy carbon fibre tripods - whilst really nice - are well and truly off the list.

A friend of mine (who will hopefully be accompanying me on said city photography trips) has a FujiFilm S2 DSLR, which (when plus flash) is a fair bit heavier than the S3. He's also looking for something similar.

I'm just not really sure what manufacturer names I should look for/avoid, as such any advise is highly appreciated http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[SimpleGirl2008]

Hello forums!
I have a Canon S3 IS and want to get out and about this summer with it. Low light is a weak point with a camera + me combination (not the steadiest of hands at the best of times) and I think trawling around a city taking pictures (as I'm planning on doing), a tripod could come in handy.

It needs to be pretty solid (obviously) but also portable (i.e. light) and easy to setup. If it came with a carrying bag of its own that would be juuuuuust peachy! (as Weird Al would say)
I have a Lowepro camera bag for the S3 itself, and being able to sling the tripod over my back when I'm not using it would be great.

I'm not yet 'good enough' to justify spending big money on camera equipment yet, so the fancy carbon fibre tripods - whilst really nice - are well and truly off the list.

A friend of mine (who will hopefully be accompanying me on said city photography trips) has a FujiFilm S2 DSLR, which (when plus flash) is a fair bit heavier than the S3. He's also looking for something similar.

I'm just not really sure what manufacturer names I should look for/avoid, as such any advise is highly appreciated http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif


Whats the price range you are looking for?

[Edhi]

Up to £100, but I don't know if this is pitifully little for a half-decent tripod, or a lot more than I'd need to spend.

[Edhi]

Perhaps over £100 is advisable ?

Giottos MT9260 Classic Pro Alu Tripod with MH7302 Fluid Head (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1017920)

Giottos MT9340B Adjustable Column Aluminium Travel Tripod (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1025880)

I've read the name 'Manfrotto' in a lot of places. This one is a kit for tripod and head
Manfrotto 055XB486RC2 Kit (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=10000335)

Any of these look half decent or am I barking up the wrong tree?

[RPCrowe]

You can often get a used tripod in very good shape on eBay for a small percentage of its original cost. Of course, since you reside in the U.K. (which I am guessing from the currency that you use), you would need to get the tripod on a U.K. listing (shipping would probably eat up any savings from other than a U.K. seller) and I am not familiar with the availability of U.K. eBay listings for tripods.

The Manfrotto 3001 (series) or 3021 (series) tripods are often listed on eBay and I got a set of those legs for about $50 USD. I got a Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head for another $50.

I mantion the 3001 or 3021 (series) legs because they are older but still very viable ripods and will usually sell well below the newer and more flashy models.

[Edhi]

Cheers, I'll check out those series now :)

There are a couple of 486RC2 ball heads for ~£50

No 3001 or 3021 series tripods unfortunately :(

[Edhi]

Well after bumbling around and reading more posts on here, I eventually went with a set of Manfrotto 190XBPRO legs and a 488RC2 ball head (after reading a few posts that recommended the 488 was better than the 486 on those legs)

Now all I need is a decent bag to carry it. The Manfrotto backpack that the retailer had was far too small :(