Hobby/Entry Level Tripod Sub-$100

tvphotog wrote in post #12594043
With due respect, these products haven't been around for long enough for members to see if they'll fall apart. I'd go with the tried and true.

True enough, but based on first impressions I think its safe to say they're not shoddy built-from-broken-umbrellas-in-a-back-alley crap.

SkipD wrote in post #12594604
I'm not sure what you call "all over the place", but this thread is the first place I have even seen the name.

Chances are you aren't going to randomly stumble across a review for something unless you're specifically looking for it.

Sirrith wrote in post #12599441
Chances are you aren't going to randomly stumble across a review for something unless you're specifically looking for it.

One quite frequently sees Manfrotto and Gitzo, just as a couple of examples, in the titles of threads here.

I did a quick search for "Horusbennu" in thread titles and found a total of 6 threads - 4 of which were posted by the same forum member.

A similar search for "Manfrotto" in thread titles came up with 300 threads.

Horusbennu is bound to be something of a gamble until they've been around long enough to test the durability. The people here, including me, who've taken a chance with them are pretty much all happy with them as far as I know though. And in reading reviews on them elsewhere on the web, there wasn't much information out there but there were no bad reviews I could find from anyone who actually owned one.

I 100% agree though that it's a bit of a risk until they've been around to get more long term feedback. Functionally, the one I have is great but the big unknown is durability. Especially with the carbon fiber, there's no way that I'm aware of to really test how well made the carbon is and how long it will stand up.

I'm liking my tripod enough that I end up recommending them a lot in similar threads but I try not to come off as too overly optimistic about them until I've had them longer

I have to say Horusbennu is pretty innovative. But IMHO, overpriced and probably not really necessary for hobbyist.

mellofelow wrote in post #12615782
I have to say Horusbennu is pretty innovative. But IMHO, overpriced and probably not really necessary for hobbyist.

Horusbennu overpriced??? Really??? Wow. I thought the reason why people were wanting to know more about Horusbennu was to see if it was a reliable cheaper alternative to Manfrotto, Gitzo, etc. I guess I was wrong. What tripod would you recommend for the hobbyist then?

In case the OP hasn't made a purchase yet:

elogical wrote in post #12587913
I'd look HorusBennu (on ebay), Giottos, Benro and Manfrotto in that price range. I haven't used the cheapest Horusbennu ones but I'm very impressed with their higher end legs which are still quite a bargain so I assume the low end is at least decent.

I second this. While I too have heard good things about HorusBennu, as others have said, there's not much to go on yet. It sounds like it could be the way to go if you're on a budget. I'm picking up my FX-45Q ballhead tomorrow, and I'm excited to see what it can do.

xxhaxx wrote in post #12587345
Have you considered getting a slik tripod?
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …10_Able_300DX_T​ripod.html
I have one and it works perfectly for the last couple of years

Glueeater wrote in post #12587778
Any other thoughts on this one?

I don't know about the 300DX, but I know people rave over the 700DX.

mellofelow wrote in post #12597160
Seriously, look at Slik 700DX. Just the legs are less than $90 and it's SOLID!!! Spend the rest on a good head. My combo is Smith Victor BH8. You can spend 10x more but the pic will come out the same.

I also have the Dolica as a travel pod. Got some great shots during my 3 week trip to China. It works.. but nothing like the Slik.

Yeah, I would have to agree that if weight doesn't matter I'd go for something like this. It's a ~7lb tank that should (the legs at least) be able to handle just about anything new you throw at it. Even if you need to buy a new set of legs in the future, every photographer could still have a use for a ludicrously heavy and clunky tripod.

mellofelow wrote in post #12615782
I have to say Horusbennu is pretty innovative. But IMHO, overpriced and probably not really necessary for hobbyist.

overpriced compared to what? I know the durability isn't really tested at this post but price-wise, they sell for a fraction of most tripods with similar specs.

elogical wrote in post #12647370
overpriced compared to what? I know the durability isn't really tested at this post but price-wise, they sell for a fraction of most tripods with similar specs.

Fair enough. Please show me a Horusbennu combo that compares to my recommendation of Slik 700DX and Smith-Vector BH8 for $147.95. Legs are 70+" tall and head is rated for 40lbs.

I spent a lot of time looking for a similar pod.

I'm 6'5" and an affordable tripod was hard to locate.

I picked up a Davis and Sanford MagnumXG for $100
and so far I'm loving it.