Please recommend a tripod for under $400

A professional photographer in my area recommended this tripod for me when I mentioned I was on a budget that was similar to yours.

Feisol

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …CT_3442_Rapid_T​ripod.html

Or there is the Induro

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …204_2_stealth_c​arbon.html

That's a great advise. I am in no hurry, will wait until i find the one that i wanted. I usually do family portraits during travel and in town and do not have any plans for travel in the near future.

Here is my requirements:

1) Should be extendable to at least 65" as I am 6 ft tall and do not want to bend too much.
2) Should be foldable to under 22" (plus ~4 inches for ball head)
3) 4-5 lbs with ball head so that i can hang it to camera bag during travel
4) Tripod legs with flip locks, do not like twists.
5) Budget $400-$500

Is this reasonable to expect the above in my budget range?

Thank You. Looks like Feisol 3442 meets my criteria expect price. I would wait for the deal or used one.

Dont let the cheaper price point take away from the fact that I've owned two Sliks (one big, bulky, sturdy tripod and one compact carbon fiber for traveling) and have enjoyed them thus far. This is my travel tripod.

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …4_pro_824_cfl_c​arbon.html

That tripod has a tall height and lever locks instead of twist.

sgogula wrote in post #18400348
Thank You. Looks like Feisol 3442 meets my criteria expect price. I would wait for the deal or used one.

It's $399. I thought your budget was $4-500

that's including head.

This fits in my budget. Are you happy with Slik 824? I do not see any reviews in B&H, may be a new product.

sgogula wrote in post #18400348
Thank You. Looks like Feisol 3442 meets my criteria expect price. I would wait for the deal or used one.

I mentioned the Feisol tripods in my suggestion as two friends of mine have them - one has the 3442 and the other the 3342 so I have compared them directly. They are both very good! Though, personally, I prefer the 3342 as it is a touch more rigid, however if the folded length is an issue then the 3442 is very nearly as good but more compact for travel - decisions, decisions!

sgogula wrote in post #18400525
This fits in my budget. Are you happy with Slik 824? I do not see any reviews in B&H, may be a new product.

I have enjoyed it very much. After several years of using it, I've finally broken it beyond repair but that is simply because of my hard use on the poor thing. I'm actually going to be purchasing the Feisol 3442 that I mentioned above for my next set of legs.

Thank you. I just made a bid in Greentoe.com for $350 for Feisol 3442, hope some retailer accepts my offer... Next step is to research on Ball Head the research never ends on photo gear

sgogula wrote in post #18401237
Thank you. I just made a bid in Greentoe.com for $350 for Feisol 3442, hope some retailer accepts my offer... Next step is to research on Ball Head the research never ends on photo gear

Whats the budget on the ballhead? Acratech makes a great GP or for a bit cheaper the Acratech Nomad is amazing also.

Or for under $100 I've been using the Vanguard TBH-250 for the last few years without any issues. It was recommended to me by a local camera shop guy for best under $100.

EDIT: I will say though, it can be a bit cumbersome to clean the ball itself since you can't take it out of the socket. More expensive heads like the Acratech GP (I'm upgrading to it) allow for ball removal for cleaning. Something to think about.

Just a thought, I missed your point about flip locks, the Feisol 3442 has twist locks. Personally I won't have a tripod with flip locks - they are just not up to the job IMO.

--As to heads I like the Sirui K X series. A K20X or K30X should fit you needs nicely - the K30X would be preferable if you use your off a tripod a lot. Note most Arca style plates work well with the Sirui clamp, some Arca type plates don't work quite as nicely but they do work!

Twist locks, flip locks...it is all up to the specific implementation!

Way back about 35 years ago, I evaluated Gitzo aluminum with twist locks vs. Manfrotto with flip locks. I rejected Gitzo, and price was no factor in that rejection, the twist leg locks sucked by comparison.

I lived with Manfrotto quite happily for probably 25 years. Then Gitzo came out with their G-Lock and ALR legs, and I finally changed to Gitzo carbon fiber and have not looked back.

Another vote for a Sirui K30. Just do it.