Trying to find a good tripod on a budget

Is a very hard thing to do:p

Is this one any good: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …eries.html#spec​ifications

I need something sturdy and reliable and would prefer something I could set up fairly low for macro's and what not.

I found the above tripod legs for $90 at midwest photo exchange

I'd also consider the Slik Pro DX range, if you want something with similar specifications and price range as the Induro.

The Slik's are pretty flexible in the low macro area, they can get low as well as go full sized.

500DX Low level capability (split center column - std)

I know many people love the inexpensive tripods. My set up is too heavy for them, unfortunately. What equipment are you going to put on it? That helps us help you.

Look at the Manfrotto line at B&H. Long good history, tough as nails, will last a lifetime. But heavy in the Aluminum series. But you won't break the bank.

lannes wrote in post #10742062
I'd also consider the Slik Pro DX range, if you want something with similar specifications and price range as the Induro.

The Slik's are pretty flexible in the low macro area, they can get low as well as go full sized.

500DX Low level capability (split center column - std)

Reversed center column.

Normal height - fence is 6ft tallFull extension (full center column - unsplit)

This one looks promising. I will look into it

SuzyView wrote in post #10743070
I know many people love the inexpensive tripods. My set up is too heavy for them, unfortunately. What equipment are you going to put on it? That helps us help you.

I have a gripped 50D. 28-135, 50 1.8 and Sigma 10-20. Someday I plan on getting a Sigma 70-200 2.8

Give Craigslist a try. I have picked up lots of goodies from it and at great prices. Its local and you can check it out before you buy it.

theelectrician wrote in post #10746654
This one looks promising. I will look into it

Adorama has a range of packages and good pricing.

http://www.adorama.com …/?SearchInfo=sl​ik%20500dx

This and the 400dx are one of the best value in tripods, Slik has been around for a long time and is a reputable manufacturer.

http://www.adorama.com​/Als/SLP500DX.html

Me 2

I have a Slik 330DX-B with a Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head I'm going to sell. I'm thinking in the $125 range.

What ball head would you recommend to go with the 500DX?

First of all thanks for your current and future gear list. But may I suggest that you either get good insurance or a good tripod. Tripods are on area where you should not skimp on quality. A budget tripod really is next to usless when you get any vibration from wind or road surfaces. Next is the center column, you want legs that go up as far as they can securely so that you use as little center column as possible, again to reduce vibrations transmitted to the camera during exposure.

Next and most importantly is the capacity of the tripod itself. You want one that is at least 2x he weight capacity of any current and future lenses/body combos. In other words if you have 7lbs of gear you want a tripod that has the ability to handle 14 lbs at max height. I know that they are expensive, but so are camera repairs and reshoots when you get right down to it. Having the right gear for the job always hurts the pocket, until you come back with wonderful shots.

theelectrician wrote in post #10746960
What ball head would you recommend to go with the 500DX?

Well I guess it depends on the budget, I went for a mid range priced unit that matched the tripod in it's weight capacity or more. You might want to get something arca-swiss compatible, the Slik QR plates are not. I went with the Slik SBH-320DQ because it's QR plates (proprietary) are low profile and allow me to use the vertical grip with them permanently on.

I think the consensus on POTN is that Markins, RSS and Manfrotto's are some of the best regarded ball heads.

Or you could just see how you go with the SH-705e pan head that comes with the tripod and see if this serves your purpose first.

This head caught my eye:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …lhead_with_Arca​_Type.html

theelectrician wrote in post #10747148
This head caught my eye:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …lhead_with_Arca​_Type.html

Seems like it has good reviews, you would also need a thread adaptor to convert the 1/4-20 tripod thread to the bigger 3/8 size to fit the ball head.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …228-REG/Gitzo_GS5000.html