Tripod and Ball Head combo or under $100 or $150?

Is there a decent tripod and ball head combo that I might that won't break the bank? I have a 40D and the heaviest lens I own is a 70-200IS. The weight of the tripod itself is not much of an issue, since I don't plan on carry it around all that much. I do not use a tripod often, but do have some use for one as most people do.

Any thoughts? Much appreciated

Reign wrote in post #6156300
Is there a decent tripod and ball head combo that I might that won't break the bank? I have a 40D and the heaviest lens I own is a 70-200IS. The weight of the tripod itself is not much of an issue, since I don't plan on carry it around all that much. I do not use a tripod often, but do have some use for one as most people do.

Any thoughts? Much appreciated

Manfrotto 190xprob & 486rc2 = $160 (a little bit over your budget but its a nice tripod and ball head)

jeromego wrote in post #6157219
Manfrotto 190xprob & 486rc2 = $160 (a little bit over your budget but its a nice tripod and ball head)

Where'd you see those two for ~$160? It's like $200+ at all the stores I look at. How much of a disadvantage is it to not have the panning feature? Is it hard to keep it level without it on the 486? I'd image you could just do your best and just crop it if you're doing a pano.

What camera and lenses will you be using?

Get a Slik Pro 330DX - 80.00

Then a Slik Standard Ball head - 46.00

I just ordered a 055XPROB & 488RCO, and love it !!!! But it was about 300.00

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …B_Tripod_Legs_B​lack_.html

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …B_Tripod_Legs_B​lack_.html

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …B_Tripod_Legs_B​lack_.html

Or check ebay for Fancier brand. You can get a CF tripod and a decent head for around $200 or less.

From what I've read, they are very similar (if not better) than the Benro.

http://bythom.com/supp​ort.htm

SLIK 330Pro DX

TomTomTuning wrote in post #6191280
What camera and lenses will you be using?

Get a Slik Pro 330DX - 80.00

Then a Slik Standard Ball head - 46.00

The Slik Pro 330DX is a rather nice tripod which is light weight and is relatively sturdy and inexpensive. Usually these three parameters are mutually exclusive. To reduce the weight of the 330DX by a few ounces, you can reduce the length of the center column by sawing part of it off or by purchasing the shorter accessory center column. I tend not to use a center column when working with a lightweight tripod.

The Slik comes with a tilt-head but, I agree that using a ball head will increase the usefulness and stability of this tripod.

However, I would not select the Slik ball head, instead, I would select a Flashpoint Magnesium F-1 or F-2 Ball Head. These heads are Arca compatible and are lightweight (F-1 = 11.6 oz and F-2 = 14.4 oz) and are priced very reasonably (F-1 = $54.95 and F-2 = $59.95).

http://www.adorama.com …hinfo=flashpoin​t%20tripod

I have just weighed my 330DX with the shorter center column and it weighs 2 pounds without a head. My scale could be an ounce or two off but, not much more than that. Even with the larger Flashpoint F-2 head, that would be less than 3 pounds for the package. I use my heavy duty Giottos MH-1300 head (from my Giottos MT-8180 Tripod) and the package weighs 3 pounds 7 ounces.

The disadvantage of this tripod is actually the reason that it can be so light - yet relatively sturdy. It is fairly short and reaches 45 inches without a head or the center column raised. A ball head would increase the height by 6 inches or so. This entails either stooping a bit when shooting or using a right angle finder. But, when shooting in the vertical position with an L-bracket, the height of the viewfinder is increased. However, for boonie tromping; this $80 tripod which would be about $140 with a nice head, is a great selection. By the way, I got my 330DX at Calumet Camera for less than $70 on sale.

Using an ARCA compatible QR allows the use of a Really Right Stuff L-bracket. The L-bracket makes mounting a camera and lens (without tripod ring) much more efficient.

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com/QR/05.html

Amvona on ebay sells tripods / head pretty cheap and sturdy. If you're patient in the biddings, you can pick up something nice for < $100

http://search.ebay.com …=amvona+tripod&​category0=

ooo wrote in post #6209788
Amvona on ebay sells tripods / head pretty cheap and sturdy. If you're patient in the biddings, you can pick up something nice for < $100

http://search.ebay.com …=amvona+tripod&​category0=

One wonders why the prices on their ebay items are different than their retail ones on their website.

J.

It's to make you feel better that you are buying a $600 tripod for $100 =D.

ooo wrote in post #6210483
It's to make you feel better that you are buying a $600 tripod for $100 =D.

instead of a $100 tripod for $100?

J

Thanks! I just won an Amvona tripod for about $60 including shipping. Next step is to get a ballhead!

http://cgi.ebay.com …eName=STRK:MEWA​:IT&ih=023

Congrats!

I'm very happy with the tripod I got from Amvona. I just received the ATA102T carbon fiber tripod with an ATH A03 ballhead. I feel very secure putting my camera on this.

Unfortunately, I also won the AT-L103T... so I have an extra pair of legs.