Yes.... another "which tripod is best for me" thread (I'm looking for sturdy and not too costly)

I currently have an el-cheapo WallyWorld tripod and it's time to move past that. I've read multiple times that sturdy, light, and inexpensive don't go together in describing tripods - that the best you can hope for is 2 out of those 3. Well, I don't really care about the weight as I don't expect to be traveling with it. Sturdy is required, and cost is a factor also (I'd like to stay below $200). At the moment the heaviest lens/camera combo it'll be supporting is a 70D with a 70-200 f2.8.

I eagerly await the suggestions of experts.

Heavy equates to sturdy. So stay away from carbon fiber, more than 3 leg sections, a short or compact folded length, and anything listed as “travel”.

I would consider used… B&H lists a used Berleback wooden tripod rated for 22 lbs for about $250. That’s a wonderful tripod and wood is excellent for dampening vibrations.

Seres makes a good point about wood, so if you have a requirement for the speedy damping of vibration they are the best, but nowadays most people use carbon fiber instead. Carbon fiber is expensive but worth it for many, including me.

Aluminum tripods have completely gone out of fashion but they are heavy and sturdy and I have a couple for you to check out. First is a Benro A3580F, yes it has flip locks on the 4 leg sections but you may be able to get away with just using three of them. I have a massive Benro A4570F (3 leg sections) and I only need to use two sections. Like most I prefer twist locks to flip locks but the Benro flip locks are very big and I have absolutely no issues with stability at all.

Second is the Induro AT313. Induro is a Benro affiliated company and many of the parts are interchangeable. This tripod has twist locks and 3 leg sections and is a little more expensive because it has those twist locks. If I had to choose between the two I think I'd take the Induro.

Slik also makes some sturdy inexpensive tripods.

For cheap and sturdy, you'll be looking at non-CF tripods... I have a Manfrotto 055xproB/488RC2 (there's a newer model of both by now I'm sure). It's a really good all around tripod, but I wouldn't want to take it on a hike. There are plenty of nice options out there in this category. I see setups similar to this on Craigslist all the time for pretty cheap, $150-200 depending on the setup.

I've got the Induro AT214. Aluminum alloy, solid, sturdy, well made. Oh yeah, $150!

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …lloy_8M_AT214_T​ripod.html

Josh_30 wrote in post #17429607
For cheap and sturdy, you'll be looking at non-CF tripods... I have a Manfrotto 055xproB/488RC2 (there's a newer model of both by now I'm sure). It's a really good all around tripod, but I wouldn't want to take it on a hike. There are plenty of nice options out there in this category. I see setups similar to this on Craigslist all the time for pretty cheap, $150-200 depending on the setup.

+1 to this one. Manfrotto all the way for the price range you are looking for.

peter_n wrote in post #17421592
Second is the Induro AT313. Induro is a Benro affiliated company and many of the parts are interchangeable. This tripod has twist locks and 3 leg sections and is a little more expensive because it has those twist locks. If I had to choose between the two I think I'd take the Induro.

I recently purchased the Induro AT313 and really like it, not sure CF offers any value beyond lighter weight, and to me they're not that much lighter, especially vs the $$ differance. But then I don't hike in the countryside with my tripod, so I'm sure some will disagree with that statement. Bottom line is to consider how YOU will use the equipment.