ISO of Tripod

I'm looking for a light-weight and tall tripod. I'd use it with a 5D and 24-70 or 16-35 lens for night long exposures, so not something as heavy as a super-tele. As far as budget, I didn't really want to pay more than $50 but after looking around I can expand my budget to $150-$200. I'm definitely buying used and don't have an urgent need. Suggestions?

Look for a Manfrotto 055 or 3021 series, in carbon fiber for a slightly lighter one or aluminum if weight isn't an issue, and a 488RC2 ball head. Should be able to bring one of those in around your high end, and unless you move up to a fast supertele it'll be the only tripod you'll ever need.

Thanks for the tip, I am sorta still hoping someone will pop in here with an $80 option.

If you're serious about night stuff, do yourself a favor and up your budget. It's definitely worth it. A good tripod is as important as the camera body, when it comes to night shots.

Todd Lambert wrote in post #10812890
If you're serious about night stuff, do yourself a favor and up your budget. It's definitely worth it. A good tripod is as important as the camera body, when it comes to night shots.

I second that. Perhaps you can give up lightweight and get an aluminum Manfrotto. It's stable and will last a lifetime. Also, look on the Selling Forum and see if anyone is selling a good tripod used.

http://www.adorama.com …aign=Other&utm_​term=Other

after a quick search for "manfrotto" in Google... starts looking at reviews and good luck

Same here on a good tripod being necessary. I also second the buying used option? Some great ones out there for relative cheap prices!