Hobby/Entry Level Tripod Sub-$100

Just looking for some feedback about the following combo:

Ball Head:
http://www.amazon.com …1?ie=UTF8&m=ATV​PDKIKX0DER

Tripod:
http://www.amazon.com …2?ie=UTF8&m=ATV​PDKIKX0DER

I know a lot of people will come in here and say +100-200$ to my budget and I could get something really nice. Thing is, I'm saving up for a trip to India this Winter, and $100-200 makes a big difference to me. I'm also looking at other lenses/filters I could buy with $100-200 for a tripod that will NOT be a workhorse for me.

consider this...not bad for $40 complete setup.

http://www.newegg.com …ca-_-30-997-652-_-Product

The "cheapness" of the Dolica kind of turned me away. Anyone have thoughts on it?

Given your budget, I think that Benro combo is hard to beat.

Since you aren't going to be spending much on the tripod, you might as well save the extra money and go for the Dolica, it has good reviews everywhere.

Otherwise take a look at Horusbennu stuff, they're cheap and get good comments too.

Save your money and get a good tripod. Buying an inexpensive tripod now just means you'll be spending twice because you'll have to replace it quite soon. Go on sites like Ebay and Craigslist and look for a Manfrotto 3021; they are very inexpensive and will last a lifetime.

the Dolica should be fine unless you working in veyr windy conditions

Get a Manfrotto aluminum tripod, the heavier the cheaper. Such as this one.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …tion_Aluminum_T​ripod.html

Both the tripod and the head will last a lifetime. They are very stable. You can spend more money for lighter stuff, carbon fiber, fancier ballheads, but this will take you anywhere you want to go.

These are quality products, guaranteed by the company and B&H. If you go cheaper, you will only end up with poorly made stuff. For most other brands at this price, look at the warranty. If you use it regularly, that's when the item will fall apart.

tvphotog wrote in post #12587249
Get a Manfrotto aluminum tripod, the heavier the cheaper. Such as this one.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …tion_Aluminum_T​ripod.html

Both the tripod and the head will last a lifetime. They are very stable. You can spend more money for lighter stuff, carbon fiber, fancier ballheads, but this will take you anywhere you want to go.

These are quality products, guaranteed by the company and B&H. If you go cheaper, you will only end up with poorly made stuff. For most other brands at this price, look at the warranty. If you use it regularly, that's when the item will fall apart.

Would this support a gripped 7d with a tele lens?

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

xghostx wrote in post #12587314
Would this support a gripped 7d with a tele lens?

Don't think I would try it. It says the load capacity is 8 lbs. The 7D and a long lens is about 5-6 lbs. A good gauge is that the load capacity should be three times what you're putting on it.

There's a lot of talk about how load capacities are not standardized, etc. However, I think you're safe if you follow the 3X rule.

I would recomend a table tripod... like manfrotto 709b

I have had mine for 15 years, and it is still working. It is excelent to bring with on travel. It is cheap, and when you buy a bigger one, you will still love to use the small one when it is more practical to go light weight. Don't let the size scare you, there is always a tree, car, wall or something to put it on.

So, instead of buying a tool that you would love to get changed into something better. Buy something that almost fits youre needs and will be useful even afther you have bought youre dream tripod.

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

Any other thoughts on this one?

The main issue I have with the OP's post is that the gear could end up on the ground - HARD. Cheap tripods are just that - cheap. Save a few more pennies and buy a good used one. I just picked up a great Benro here and saved about 100 bux off of the new price. If the gear falls than that cheap tripod becomes very expensive.

At one point, I was looking at a $150ish price range for a tripod but after reading and looking around, I decided to save up and get a better tripod for the $300 range. It's a bit more one heres why I waitied
-Tripods are universal, one buy and be done instead of buying another one and spending more money
-Putting a $1000ish equipment on a $100 cheap tripod that can break easily, not a good idea
-I plan on getting tele lens so more weight and the 8lbs limit is cutting it real close to my comfort zone
-Even though legs and head can be sold so you can trade up, it's just easier to spend a bit more at first and not worry about selling and getting another one

The one I'm looking at is Manfrotto 055xPROB legs and Manfrotto 808RC4 head. I love pan heads over ball head. Just personal preference.