tripod recommendations, i don't know where to start

[caoless]

Well i don't have much of a camera setup but on my sig below has my gear list. I'm looking for a really great budget setup about 200 or under.. maybe even 250.. I'm loving the Gitzo tripods but to spend that kind of money for me to only use it very little is a waste of money. I will only be using this tripod for occasional use and i don't see the benefit to spend about 500 + for a nice setup. So far i did my serach and found the Manfrotto setup people have been using here to be good and i want to see if anyone would recommend any other tripods? looking for something very sturdy but somewhat lightweight for my price range..

If anyone could chime on this, that would be great!!!

so far i'm seeing that Manfrotto or Giottos will be the best budget brand setup with good stability. Are there any other brands to look at?

[Jon]

A good place to start is with the Tripod FAQ (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=53864). Then come back with specific questions . . .

[jft158]

When u find what u want, try ebay for used ones,,got a killer deal on a Manfrotto. I'm not to concern if my tripod is used since it will get beat up anyhow.

[caoless]

well i was looking into a decent ball head with some aluminum ball material but other then that anything goes... although i would really love carbon fiber legs to go with my setup but those gets tooo pricey...

[medic-on-fire]

There are lots of threads on this topic in the forum...You could probably spend the better part of a day reading through them all! ;-)

That said, I have been using a Bogen Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with a Bogen Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head as my "foundation" for better than a year now. I love this rig! It wasn't the cheapest tripod / head system available, but it also wasn't the most expensive that was available. I think if you have the extra $$$ just sitting around, burning a hole in you pocket, the carbon legs would be great. But if you're trying to be a good steward to your budget, while attempting to get a solid set up, the 055XPROB and the 488RC2 are the way to go!

Good luck! ;)

[randy.wick]

There are lots of threads on this topic in the forum...You could probably spend the better part of a day reading through them all! ;-)

That said, I have been using a Bogen Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with a Bogen Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head as my "foundation" for better than a year now. I love this rig! It wasn't the cheapest tripod / head system available, but it also wasn't the most expensive that was available. I think if you have the extra $$$ just sitting around, burning a hole in you pocket, the carbon legs would be great. But if you're trying to be a good steward to your budget, while attempting to get a solid set up, the 055XPROB and the 488RC2 are the way to go!

Good luck! ;)
I ordered that setup a couple of days ago on eBay. Can't wait to get it on Wednesday! $252 new after 8% live.com cashback on eBay.

[medic-on-fire]

Randy ~

I think you're going to find yourself to be a very happy photographer when your new gear shows up in a couple days!

Enjoy!

[randy.wick]

Randy ~

I think you're going to find yourself to be a very happy photographer when your new gear shows up in a couple days!

Enjoy!
My god this tripod is amazing!

[medic-on-fire]

My god this tripod is amazing!

I knew you would love it!

Enjoy!

[jr_senator]

so far i'm seeing that Manfrotto or Giottos will be the best budget brand setup with good stability. Are there any other brands to look at?

Yes,the Slik 790 DX Pro.