tripod for $100 or less.

[Nimitz87]

looking to get one for Christmas, not going to be hanging any big heavy lens on it, only have a nifty 50 and the kit lens for the rebel XTi just looking for something I can use to photograph cars at night and in low light situations.

any recommendations? seems all the tripod threads/reviews are for high end setups.

Chad

[SkipD]

The fact is that most tripods sold NEW for less than $100 US are not worth buying. They are often flimsy (won't hold a camera steady), often poorly built (can literally fall apart), often don't have the geometry and weight to hold a camera safely in less-than-ideal conditions such as a little wind and on a non-level surface.

[Nimitz87]

The fact is that most tripods sold NEW for less than $100 US are not worth buying. They are often flimsy (won't hold a camera steady), often poorly built (can literally fall apart), often don't have the geometry and weight to hold a camera safely in less-than-ideal conditions such as a little wind and on a non-level surface.

man $100 don't go very far these days huh?:cry:

what would you recommend then? I'm trying to keep it at a reasonable level as photography is very new to me...

Chad

[TheReal7]

I've had a few $100 or less tripods and they are all the same. Cheap plastic and eventually break. Mine normally don't last more then a year before having to be replaced. After the second one died, I spent more and got a really good setup. Nothing crazy expensive, but much better build quality.

[Nimitz87]

I've had a few $100 or less tripods and they are all the same. Cheap plastic and eventually break. Mine normally don't last more then a year before having to be replaced. After the second one died, I spent more and got a really good setup. Nothing crazy expensive, but much better build quality.

whats your setup? and cost?

Chad

[SkipD]

What I recommend these days for a moderately priced tripod that does a very good job and will last a long time is the Manfrotto 055XProB with the Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505863-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html) . The going price these days is a little under $275 US.

It wouldn't take long to spend this much on several cheapies, so why not get something that will work well and last a long time up front?

[TheReal7]

After researching and trying out different combinations in the store I went with a Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod and Manfrotto 804CR2 head. It was about $300 cdn. You could probably find that combo for less.

[bps]

What I recommend these days for a moderately priced tripod that does a very good job and will last a long time is the Manfrotto 055XProB with the Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505863-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html) . The going price these days is a little under $275 US.

It wouldn't take long to spend this much on several cheapies, so why not get something that will work well and last a long time up front?

I agree with Skip, if you're on a budget, this is a great set-up if you can spend a little more. However, if you really need to stick to $100 or less, than you may want to consider the Slik Able 300 DX which can be found here (http://www.adorama.com/SL300D.html?searchinfo=slik%20able%20300%20dx&item_no=1) for $99 with free shipping. I've used one for the last year and it's worked well.

Keep in mind that if you continue to grow in photography, you will absolutely want a better tripod sometime in the future. All of us have been down this road to some degree, and all serious enthusiasts eventually end up arriving at the same destination, a place called Gitzo. Some will detour and visit many different cities along the way, while others will hop on the super-highway and go straight there. Regardless, if you stay in photography long enough, you'll eventually end up there.

This article (http://bythom.com/support.htm) sums it up well.

Happy shopping, and as always, have fun!

Bryan

[Nick5]

Nimitz. I have taken Dr. Skip's advice. He has his Doctorate in Tripods.
The 055XPROB along with the 488 is a great combination along with the 190XPROB with the 804RC2.
For a little more than the $100.00 range, I recommend the SLIK 700DX. This includes a 3 way head. Very stable and well built.
You can buy this new for around $150.00

[sgogula]

Amvona tripods are really good for the price. you need to bid patiently in eBay to get it for much cheaper price. and forgot to say, they come with nice carry case.

[sonnyc]

man $100 don't go very far these days huh?:cry:

what would you recommend then? I'm trying to keep it at a reasonable level as photography is very new to me...

Chad

$100 can go pretty far in beer and chips but as you can see, not in tripods :lol:

Check out Dynatran (Amvona) on eBay if you want to keep that price range.

[luant16]

i used slik u9000 ($40-50) for 4-5 years, it doesnt build like a tank but its sturdy enough based on my experience.

please see my comment and sample pics here
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=602909

[Nathan]

The tripod setup I have in my signature I got on eBay new for $120. I won another Amvona aluminum tripod for $60 + a smaller used Amvona ballhead for $20. The A03 supports my lens setups perfectly.

[René Damkot]

what would you recommend then?

Buy used, or have a look at Amvona, Benro and the likes...

[Persephone]

Yeah, don't get cheap tripods.

I used my mom's tripod to shoot sports - a rogue soccer ball struck the tripod - the leg was bent and my 20D with the 300mm nearly toppled over. Luckily it didn't and I learned not to leave my equipment unattended for any reason at all.

[Mark1]

Spend the money. The tripod is one thing you can keep no matter what you upgrade to or change systems. It is really the only part of your gear that really is the closest to an investment.

[hypertech]

I got my 190XB with 486RC2 for $180. Its not a $100 but it isn't as much as some of the other suggestions either.

So far, I'm very happy with it.