First tripod for 20D

[sn4il]

Hi.
I'm pretty new to photograpny. I recently purchased 20D with 17-40 L and been practicing for a while. I'm looking to get my first tripod. I've never used one before but I'm looking for something stable. I would appreciate all suggestions and tips.
Max

[tim]

My main suggestion is not to buy a cheap tripod, you'll just get sick of it and buy a better one later. The key is to find a good ballance - you can pay anywhere between $50 and $1000.

One main choice is the type of head: ball head, or tilt head. Have a read of this (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=53864), and the threads it links too.

After much delibrations I just ordered myself one of these (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=353324&is=REG).

[DocFrankenstein]

Hi.
I'm pretty new to photograpny. I recently purchased 20D with 17-40 L and been practicing for a while. I'm looking to get my first tripod. I've never used one before but I'm looking for something stable. I would appreciate all suggestions and tips.
Max
More info...

How mobile? Are you thinking of longer/heavier lenses? Can u afford a 300$ tripod?

[Todd Jacobsen]

Hi.
I'm pretty new to photograpny. I recently purchased 20D with 17-40 L and been practicing for a while. I'm looking to get my first tripod. I've never used one before but I'm looking for something stable. I would appreciate all suggestions and tips.
Max

I would recommend starting in the $100-150 range. Once your use/need grows, you'll buy exactly what your needs are and use the first tripod as backup (or light holder).

My Examples:

Velbon Chaser 4L. Middle of the road, three degree head, two degree steerable, non-pan $115. Easily accomodates my 20D w/grip, 24-70 2.8L

Velbon Carbon. Three degree pan head, reversable column, light, comes with stone bag,carrying case, good for 25lbs, $330.

[pixelator]

I've taken pictures for some time now as a hobby. I've had a Cannon EOS10S and had a cheap tripod for this and it was frustrating. I"m tall and it was short so I was also bending over to take shots and it wasn't very sturdy. I just got a Cannon 20D and searched for a good one. The one I choose is the Slik U212 Universal Delux Tripod. I got it from Adorama for $99.95 (search for SLU212Don their site). It weighs about 5 pounds and I've been VERY happy with it. I think its well worth the money!

pixelator

[MarkoPolo]

I have the Velbon Chaser EFL-4 as my light weight travel tripod, but my serious one is the Gitzo 2200 and Kirk Bh-3 ball head. Not especially cheap ( Well it is compared to carbon fiber) but rock stable and able to get in the most unusual positions. You probably won't outgrow that combination anytime soon. Hope this helps.