Need a "quality-budget" tripod combo

Okay, I did what everyone told me not to and bought a pretty cheapo tripod. It's actually not as bad as you are probably thinking, but after a year I am already wanting something better.

So keeping in mind that I am an amateur photographer on a budget, what is a quality tripod combo that I would be happy keeping for a long time. You can see in my gear list that I don't have any huge gear and the biggest lens I foresee adding would be a 400mm f5.6L on a tripod ring. It mostly would be used for wide angles and long exposures along with family portraits.

Thanks, I really have no idea what to look for. Last time I just went by weight limit and that wasn't a reliable indicator of quality and sturdiness. Looking for bang for the buck, but not junk.

What's your budget like Tk?

As well as what tripod you are using currently?

I'm afraid to say because I really have no idea what decent stuff costs. I would really love to be around $200 if that is even possible, but if I am dreaming let me know.

keitaro wrote in post #10622695
As well as what tripod you are using currently?

I'm currently using one of these:

http://www.amazon.com …001D60LG8/ref=p​d_sxp_f_pt

Which was honestly great with my Rebel and kit lens when I started. The ballhead droops a bit now with my 30D and it the last leg sections are not that sturdy. If I hang a bag from the center hook and don't extend the last sections, and frame an inch high to account for the sag, I am getting by just fine. Obviously I am wanting a bit better setup!

I was looking at some Manfrotto stuff, but are their cheaper tripods any good?

Like the 190XB or 055XB?

How about the 494RC2 head?

Either of those combos should run me about 200-250 at my local shop.

I would go with the Manfrotto if you could swing it. I used to own a Manfrotto and it was reliable. The Manfrotto ball heads are decent but, does the job.

tkbslc wrote in post #10622869
Like the 190XB or 055XB?

How about the 494RC2 head?

Either of those combos should run me about 200-250 at my local shop.

You should have a look at the 190xprob and 055xprob, they have the horizontal central column feature to give you more flexibility.

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=X-6wW1XC_Ko

So what about this one from B+H?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Aluminum_Tripo​d_Kit.html

There are so many options and I have no idea what the difference is.

Anything else within that range that I should be looking at?

if you plan on using a 400L 5.6 you should go with the Manfrotto 055xprob and pair it with something like the Markins Q20 or a Photo Clam PC-48NS ballhead. The 190 would not hold the 400L.

With $200 you could probably get a set of legs that would actually support a 400L, but you are most likely looking at spending more for a ball head that would handle the 400L load.

Manfrotto has a tripod configurator to help you decide.

http://configurator.ma​nfrotto.com/manfrotto.​html?a=b&matrix=766

keitaro wrote in post #10622948
With $200 you could probably get a set of legs that would actually support a 400L, but you are most likely looking at spending more for a ball head that would handle the 400L load.

Thanks for letting me know. Like I said, $200 was just the number I had in my head. If it is unrealistic, I can save. I would rather not buy a third tripod in a year.

You should consider a minimum of $300 US for a decent tripod.

What I use most is older but equivalent to the Manfrotto 055XProB topped off with their 498RC2 ball head. I recommend no less, especially with a 400mm lens.

Thanks for the specific recommendation. Is there anything from other brands I should consider at or near that pricepoint?

tkbslc wrote in post #10624554
Thanks for the specific recommendation. Is there anything from other brands I should consider at or near that pricepoint?

Slik is good japanese brand that is cheaper than Manfrotto, the 400dx is a nice mid-range model.

http://www.shutteria.c​om …lik-pro-400dx-tripod.html

Another vote for the 055XPROB. It's not exactly a lightweight but it is very sturdy and well-built for the money. I have a 322RC2 pistol grip ballhead on it but now wish I hadn't. The idea behind it nice for quickly changing position but it is not completely smooth in operation and droops unless it is tightened down to a point that makes is difficult to move.