First TriPod

Hello all. I will start off by saying I have read several of the threads on this sub-board and I am WELL aware of the Cheap-Sturdy-Lightweight rule and it makes perfect sense to me.

That being said, I am very amateur with photography right now. I am interested in learning/developing more, but it is mostly a side hobby. I cant rationalize spending more than $100-$200 max on a tripod right now. It will mostly be to start messing around with some longer exposure stuff/night photography, and to take the occasional timed shot with the gf.

Any recomendations? I would like it to be as light and portable as possible. I have a vacation coming up that I'd like to bring it on. I am really not too concerned with sturdyness, other than protecting my equipment obviously. I want something that I don't have to be scared leaving my camera unattended for a few seconds on.

Any clear leaders/direction?

I recommend going to this site:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …eads/ci/2635/N/​4291756644

Use the filters on the left to enter some of the criteria that you are interested in (e.g., how much weight do you anticipate you will be supporting, how tall you want, what weight...)

That will help you narrow down the search. Then read the reviews, right there and anywhere -- search for it here and/or on google.

And, if you haven't already, read this thread: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=740131

Thanks!

Yea I have read through that thread, and taken a look at a lot of pods on B&H, I was just curious if there was any stand-out leader that you PON'ers would recommend.

I am not surprised that when, on the B&H site, I filtered on 0-$249 and ordered by "Top Rated" -- a Manfrotto came to the top of the list. I would guess that they are the most used intermediate tripods mentioned here.

But if you scroll down the page, you will see this one: 055XPROB Tripod Legs (Black) w/ 804RC2 Head

I believe that would be the POTH favorite in the <$250 category... though it is above your stated range.
And I prefer ball heads!

I have this:
http://www.amazon.com …60LG8/ref=wms_o​hs_product

A lot of people use this here in potn. Works well for my occasional needs.

For good standard affordable, manfrotto 190xprob ? Otherwise do what I always recommend check out the horusbennu stuff

gratchie wrote in post #14293362
I have this:
http://www.amazon.com …60LG8/ref=wms_o​hs_product

A lot of people use this here in potn. Works well for my occasional needs.

Wow that actually looks pretty promising. Which model do you have? The link leads to the 62" model but there is a 68" and 72" included as well.

I have the 62". The ballhead that comes with it works well too. A very good tripod IMHO.

Yea for the price i may get one just to leave in my trunk

Dolica is tough to beat at that price, also if you have Craigslist in your area you can find good deals there as well. I have found most photographers take care of their stuff and buying used can get you nice gear for less cost.

Just copied from another post:

Just got the Sirui N-1004 w/G-20 ball head.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com/c/produc...um_Tr​ipod.html

Load Capacity of 26.5 lb
One Leg Unscrews to Become Monopod
Folds Down to 17.3"
Weighs Just 2.6 lb

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com/c/produc...Ball_​Head.html

44 lb Load Capacity
Weighs Just 0.88 lb

BTW you can keep the ball head on the tripod and still get all of it in the bag they send you (nice bag too)

Hope this helps

this article is worth a look before you get a tripod...

http://bythom.com/supp​ort.htm

rick nice article

so would you not get a travel tripod?