Help me find a tripod?

[Mathias927]

I have searched a lot and although found a lot of useful information, I though it would be more beneficial for me to make my own thread.

I do not plan to be using it for long night time exposures, or any long exposures really, so it doesnt have to be the absolute best when it comes to stability. I do want it to be stable enough though so I can trust it to not fall over if I am doing a self portrait, or if I walk away for a couple minutes.

I do not care how much it weighs. I will be going to the Marine Corps, so a little weight will not bother me.

I would like something I can maybe upgrade in the future, so if I get good legs now, and a better head later, or visa versa.

I am open to buying legs and a head seperatly, if it means a better tripod for about the same price as buying them together.

Now the reason I do not want to spring for a really good tripod now is because since I will be joining the Marines, I dont want to spend hundreds on a tripod only to use it for a couple months and have it sit while I am gone in boot camp. I know I will always have the tripod when I get back, but just dont have that kind of money right now anyway.

My budget is about $125, so if there is anything in my price range you can suggest to me, I would appreciate it. I can spend more if there is a really good deal on a good one. Thanks.

[RPCrowe]

I would suggest that you look on eBay and find a used Bogen Manfrotto 3001, 3001P or 3021P leg-set with a ball head (if possible) or with a pan/tilt head (if not possible).

You chould be able to get a setup like I described for well under your $125. It is a very viable combination which you can use for a long-long time.

I used a rig like this for years and still keep it as a back-up to my Giottos Carbon Fiber MT-8180 Tripod.

[Wilt]

I second the suggestion for used aluminum Bogen 3021 (or 3221 blackened version) leg set, with your choice of ballhead. Real Marines would not carry a 3001, that would be left for the Army WACs. :p

[Sparkz]

Ditto on using Ebay. I just purchased a mint condx Manfrotto 055XPROB for only $125. It's a great tripod, very versitile and the weight is reasonable. With a good ball head you won't even have to raise the center column (I'm 6'3") unless you want a really high point of view. (I think the Bogen 3021 is the older version of the 055XPROB). Check it out on Google and you'll see it's very highly rated.

[Mathias927]

After looking around more, before I saw your answers, I decided to go with 3021 legs. I found some on craigslist, so hopefully the guy accepts my offer.

[jr_senator]

...the Army WACs. :p

Wlit, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but........