Tripod...

BriShay

Where can i get a decent tripod for a Nikon D80? I don't want to spend a lot of money right now....

TIA! :thumb

PineapplePhoto

Here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=sort&A=search&Q=&sortDrop=Price%3A+Low+to+High&bl=&atl=&pn=1&st=categoryNavigation&mnp=0.0&mxp=0.0&sv=2635&shs=&ac=&fi=all&pn=1&ci=2635&cmpsrch=&cltp=&clsgr=

claudermilk

The obligatory link: http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

Read that & think about what he says--it's the truth.

BriShay

At B&H, around $30ish, anyone have a suggestion of which one would be best?

LensCap

I had a hard time with this at first...tried the $30 route, then the $60 route, and was very disappointed with both. They do make rather decent mounts for flashes though. Wound up going with the Tiltall from B&H at around $100 and I love it...it's an old design and it's heavy...but I feel like I could use it for a mount for a small vise. I don't use it a whole lot so it's lack of the latest greatest gadgets does not bother it. It does what I think a tripod should do...provide a very stable mount for the camera. See Ya!!!

rpcrowe

No Specific Recommendation but some things to avoid
Getting a suitable tripod within your $$ limitations is pretty difficult. I don't have any specific tripod to recommend but, I do have recommendations on a couple of things to avoid. These are of course IMO:

1. Legs with braces. Braces on tripod legs, although the would seem to make the tripod more sturdy are really a pain. The braces prevent the legs from being individually adjusted out so you can get the tripod to a really low level and or so you can effectively level the tripod when you are on uneven ground such as on a sloping hill.

2. Center columns that are geared. I really don't like using center columns very much, although my Giotto's has a center column with which you can work wonders. I do like a center column which can be reversed so that the camera is supported beneath the apex of the tripod legs. This allows shooting from a very low position.

I am not going to get into the pan-tilt versus ball head controversy. Each type has its proponents and opponents. What I do recommend is that you get a unit which will support the heaviest camera/lens you expect to have. I like my tripod/head to have a manufacturer's recommended maximum capacity at about twice the weight I intend to put on it. This is for safety and is also because manufacturors often overestimate the capacity of their gear in order to sell more units.

Whatever type head you use, get one with a quick release mechanism. Manfrotto makes a very popular RC-2 QR System and many manufacturers produce Arca Swiss Compatible QR Systems. Arca, Kirk, Really Right Stuff are among the distributors for this type of QR system. Either system is good. The Arca system may be a bit more versatile but, the RC-2 system is fine.

By the way, I have not found one single tripod which will suit all my needs. I have a carbon fiber Giottos MT-8180 which is a great tripod but, I also have a smaller and lighter SLIK model which I often prefer when I am boony tromping with my gear.

BriShay

Thanks, i am not much of a Tripod user, just planning on using it for a wedding i have coming up then on occasion if i want to be in a family shot. That is why i don't really want to "invest" in one.

claudermilk

To be honest, at that price range, just save your money & learn hand-holding technique.

You don't have to spend $1000, but at $30 they just aren't worth the money, you won't end up using it at all as they tend to be unstable PITAs to use at that price point. Seriously, go back and check the link I posted, it's very good advice.

BriShay

It was a very good article Thank you!

claudermilk

Now take a look at B&H for the Bogen/Manfrotto kits. Those would be good starting points for a decent setup that will work for you.

I did the $30 tripod thing like most of us. It rarely got used & I hated it. Just got sold in the garage sale a couple of weeks ago. I now have a much nicer setup & use it regularly.

I know I'm pushing for more than what you wanted at first pretty hard, but I honetsly feel if you have decent gear to start with, you'll use it more because you're happier with it & in the long run it will be cheaper (buy once, buy right).

ivar

Did you see the sticky at the top of this forum? http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=53477

KenK

I'd echo the recommendation to look at B&H's lower cost Bogen/Manfrotto tripod systems.

I'd recommend the 190XB legs with either the 484RC2 or 486RC2 ballhead (both have the RC2 quick release - the 486 handles a bit more weight):

484 Head, $182.90:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480297-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__190XB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

486 Head, $193.90:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480298-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_190XB_486RC2_190XB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

The 190XDB legs are lower price and lighter, but they don't have the quick-release mechanisms on the legs.

I myself have the 190XB with both a 486RC2 head and a 322RC2. The 322RC2 head is nice, but less compact.