Points to consider while getting a tripod or monopod?

I never ever thought that i will require a tripod to shoot something but considering some past events its mandatory for me to get one. So what are the best points to check in first? Generally my Photography is based in candid landscape shots with 1/3 exposure.

rosh4u wrote in post #18371297
I never ever thought that i will require a tripod to shoot something but considering some past events its mandatory for me to get one. So what are the best points to check in first? Generally my Photography is based in candid landscape shots with 1/3 exposure.

I think everyone will say to spend the money to get a good one the first time. Try to go cheap and you'll end up being dissatisfied and buying another tripod and spending more money in the long run. I think there are lots of good ones out there. As far as where the line is on the dollar amount for a good tripod, I'm thinking a little above $200, not including the head. If you are going to be lugging it any distance from a car, go with carbon fiber.

rosh4u wrote in post #18371297
I never ever thought that i will require a tripod to shoot something but considering some past events its mandatory for me to get one. So what are the best points to check in first? Generally my Photography is based in candid landscape shots with 1/3 exposure.

Are you doing long exposure stuff?

I don't use mine much but its nice to have when you do need something steady......better than a rock or a fence post.

I'm sure you're going to invariably get the recommendations to spend five or six hundred bucks on a Gitzo or Manfrotto. My friend has several Gitzos....I've used them, they work just fine. Are they better than my Slik? No. Both do the job they were designed to do. The difference is my ball head Slik was about $250.

Take all of the recommendations that you are about to get with a grain of salt. You don't have to spend big money to get a decent tripod.

What exactly are you planning to DO with the tripod? How do you plan to use it, and under what kind of conditions, and with what kind of gear.

The tripod one takes backpacking through the mountains to hold up a point and shoot camera is probably not the same tripod you'll want for shooting an 8x10 rig in a studio.

Since most of your shooting is landscapes outside, you will have to carry it more than just out of the trunk of your car.
I have light ones & heavy ones, but the one that I've taken all over the US is the Tiltall. I bought it in 1965 & it's never given up. I do suggest that you get a quick release for the camera.
http://tiltallsupport.​blogspot.com/p/tiltall​-support.html
http://tiltalltripod.c​om/Aboutus.html

You can get a used Tiltall Tripod for about $75US.

There are many variables to consider you say you want it for landscapes witch would make me think carbon fiber for it's lighter weight.

You don't say what size and weight of the equipment that you plan to use it with as you do not want to have you that is not sturdy enough for your equipment as it could tip over very easily.

How much you spend is a personal decision but look for one with slightly higher capacity than you think you need you won't regret this in the long run.

Remember carbon fiber is yes about saving weight but it's also about vibration dampening which carbon fiber does much better over the aluminum.

The points to consider is get the largest one you can feasibly carry period. If you think it's strong enough then get stronger. Take the rated capacity by the specs and divide by 4 and thats the actual max you should load if your taking shots that are in the 15s+ range. Remember what might seem stable in your house may not be in the field where you have wind.

I use to have a middle range one but it wasn't really good a vanguard alta plus 253 carbon fiber. It was rated for 13lbs. I now have two sirui's a small one and their largest. These are leaps and bounds better than the vanguards.

saea501 wrote in post #18371416
Are you doing long exposure stuff?

I don't use mine much but its nice to have when you do need something steady......better than a rock or a fence post.

I'm sure you're going to invariably get the recommendations to spend five or six hundred bucks on a Gitzo or Manfrotto. My friend has several Gitzos....I've used them, they work just fine. Are they better than my Slik? No. Both do the job they were designed to do. The difference is my ball head Slik was about $250.

Take all of the recommendations that you are about to get with a grain of salt. You don't have to spend big money to get a decent tripod.

Perfect response. You'll always find people who are ready to spend your money. Go out to your local camera store, take your camera and lens with you. Try various tripods, set your spending limit, and select one that meets your needs. Don't be swayed by anyone who says you need to spend big bucks for quality. You don't.