Least Expensive CF Tripod needed. Any Suggestions?

The following pictures show the tripod at various heights. The measurements are 18", 28", 37", 45" &56".
The leg locks are made of plastic and feel cheap. However, they are strong ang lock tight. The smallest of the legs are pretty skinny (slightly over 1/2") but the others (.650 and .850" dia) feel very sturdy. So far it meets my expectations based upon the price.

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More photos at each height...

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A couple of detail shots.

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Sorry, here's the missing full height shot.

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Don't forget about macro mode...

Ok, some details. There is a small level on top wich is simple but effective. The center column lock is a twist lock. Seems cheap but after hand tightening i could not move it will all of my weight (clearly more than a camera and lens). Two of the legs have angle locks at the first position. The third legs appears to be fully adjustable to level the tripod. There is a spring loaded button which, when depressed, allows the legs to angle beyond the first lock position.
There is a hook at the bottom of the center column to hang a sand bag or your camera bag. I would recommend using it as the tripod is stable but could have some movement on a windy day.
I think this tripod meets with my expectations. At the price point it is built appropiately and it is exactly what I was looking for. I do not think I would use this as an everyday tripod. However, for a hiking beater, it is better than I expected.
I'll mount a head and test some more tomorrow night.
Thanks again for the suggestion!

Sweet! It's what I'm looking for. Mine is too big for everyday use to carry around. Something smaller and lighter would be perfect to carry if ai Need it and I can keep the other in my Jeep if I need it. I like doubling up for "in case" situations. I have a cheap monopod in my Jeep as well. Pure crap but will get the job done if I needed it. Also props my hood and serves as a beat stick.

_aravena wrote in post #8851422
Sweet! It's what I'm looking for. Mine is too big for everyday use to carry around. Something smaller and lighter would be perfect to carry if ai Need it and I can keep the other in my Jeep if I need it. I like doubling up for "in case" situations. I have a cheap monopod in my Jeep as well. Pure crap but will get the job done if I needed it. Also props my hood and serves as a beat stick.

I think it is exactly what you are looking for based upon your description.

Well, as a 6ft 2in person, what height of Tripod should I be looking for, without the center column extended?
Do you think this Fancier ebay seller have my rwquired CF tripod?
I think for the price of this CF tripod, it may meet my requirement, if I can solve the height issue. Thanks.

Mufutau

http://cgi.ebay.com …ain_0?hash=item​56353cc22e

This is the taller one. I think it is 10" taller than the one I purchased.

Well, figure an eye height of about 5'11", then allow 3-5" for the camera body (more with a grip) and maybe 4 more for a ball head. So you'd want around 62-64" without (or with minimal extension of) the center column to be able to stand upright behind a level camera. If you'll mostly be using a lens with tripod ring, add a couple more inches; if you're going to be angling the camera up, ad a couple more. SO how much you want depends on a lot of things.

Addicted2EOS wrote in post #8851982
http://cgi.ebay.com …ain_0?hash=item​56353cc22e

This is the taller one. I think it is 10" taller than the one I purchased.

I guess I should have clarified that it has a maximum height of 66". The one I purchased was 56". Remember (as jon stated) you can add at least 4-6" for the head and camera.

Thanks Jon for the explanation and clarifications. I quite understood all the mathematics you put behind it. So best bet is to be looking for Tripod with 60-64" without the center column extension, hope I can find one with reasonable cost or I may just settle for back-bending or little/minimal column extension. The most stuff that will be on the camera is probably Canon 50D, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens, and probably a flash on hot-shoe.
I really thank you for the explanation.

Mufutau

Jon wrote in post #8851999
Well, figure an eye height of about 5'11", then allow 3-5" for the camera body (more with a grip) and maybe 4 more for a ball head. So you'd want around 62-64" without (or with minimal extension of) the center column to be able to stand upright behind a level camera. If you'll mostly be using a lens with tripod ring, add a couple more inches; if you're going to be angling the camera up, ad a couple more. SO how much you want depends on a lot of things.

quick question...why without the column extension, if there actually is a column, then that would add to the maximum height correct, and you can get by with a shorter tripod?

Yeah! That maximum of 66" will be with the center column extended, which I am trying not to do. I will look at that tripod on ebay when I get home (at work now, no access to ebay stuff) to see the minimum height before extending the center. Thanks.

Mufutau

Addicted2EOS wrote in post #8852026
I guess I should have clarified that it has a maximum height of 66". The one I purchased was 56". Remember (as jon stated) you can add at least 4-6" for the head and camera.