Tripod Recommendations for DSLR Newbie

Recently got a XSi with 18-55 kit lens and 55-250 IS Telephoto. I was planning to spend $100-200 on a tripod. Any recommendations in my budget? Or save up?

Get a good tripod right off or you will be wanting a better one real quick. I bought this one not long ago and find it very good for what I shoot. I put this guy on top of it, cause I shoot a lot of eagles in flight, and there isn't much that's better anywhere near this price.

You're going to get lots of responses here, with a question like that.

Their is actually a good starting setup - Manfrotto X55PROB, or the X90PROB combined with the 488RC2 ball head. Should come in just shy of $300...and is a well made, reputable combo. Stable, at that, from what I've read.

Here's a nice review -- Click Here.

Myself, I chose to go another route, and got a set of Dynatran CF legs, for about 100 shipped (from ebay), as well as one of their ballheads (again, from ebay). I did have some issues with the ball head, but, they were resolved, and I was shipped a new one. No problems here.

Name Brands that are expensive -- Gitzo, Manfrotto
Name Brands that are inexpensive, but stable, though, some might not like 'em - Benro, Feisol, Dynatran/Amvona, Giottos (though, these might be in the 'middle' of both).

Though, there's two types of plates - Arca type plates, and Quick Release Plates. I find the Arca's much better, as the locking mechanisms clamp into place. However, it's a little harder, when you have to quickly release them, as you'd had to untighten the clamp, to free the plate. With non-Arca Quick Release plates, there's a lever that releases the plate. Both are fine, in my opinion, just what you are more comfortable with.

I have a set of the Dynatran legs and they are very well made. I bought the Manfrotto set on someone elses recommendation cause I found the Dynatrans wiggled a bit in high winds. The manfrottos not nearly as much, and their leg locks are much, much nicer.

I have a few Dynatran tripods from Amvona on Ebay------ they are a little heavy but pretty darn affordable.

Yeap. Though, I have yet to test the legs in high winds (of course, there's always wind here in Florida). Plus, my camera was sent to Canon...long story...but, broke the mount screw from my handstrap in the tripod mount on the cam, and couldn't get it out. Used a repair voucher, and, well, sent it off. Hopefully it'll come back nice and clean, too...hehe.

The Dynatran CF-94 (or the new AT- 103T, 104T, and 105T) legs that I have don't weigh as much as the aluminum ones I used to carry...so, I'm happy about that.

I went with Giottos, because they are between the Gitzo/Manfrotto group and the Benro/Amvona groups in price, and I hoped they were almost the equal of the top two in quality and functionality. I made the exact same choice for a ball head and plate system.

I have been totally pleased with my purchase (lava tubed MT-7371 tripod legs and large MT-3300 ball head) from Adorama.

Velbon, is also a brand that tends to fit in between the groups ...

Maxdave

OP: def kick up that spending amount a bit and go with the 055XPROB and 488RC2 combo! Its tried and true and very high quality!

I won Amvona AT-3002T in ebay for $17 after watching for about one month. I paid $34 with shipping..tripod is pretty good for my type of photography, It comes with nice bag and removable head. I think it is worth looking at Amvona tripods unless you want to shoot pictures for competitions, In that case you may need Monfrotto/Bogen/..

Like Manish (inthedeck) I too use Amvona's carbon fiber tripods. I had a AT-CF94 legs and now have two AT-A105T legs. Can't be happier with their performance considering the price i paid. I have used them in extremely windy condition for long exposure shot (taking night scenery of San Franciso Golden Gate Bridge in the evening if you have been to that location, you'll know how windy it is). Results came out sharp and not a sign of problem.
Too bad Amvona have reduced the number of eBay auction on their tripods. They used to be very affortable. The Buy-It-Now price currently is much highly than what i paid.