An easy tripod?

kyeezie · November 24, 2009

I know this has been talked about at least 8 million times but I need advice for a tripod. Well, for every part of a a tripod. I've only had one, from best buy, very small and unstable, but all the parts came with it. But now, i know nothing about what to get with a tripod. Anyway, here is what I'm looking for. Less than $200, something that is easy to expand and compress. Also, I need something that levels pretty quickly. My last one was a pain, maybe because it was only 19$. I will mainly use it for weddings so I am always on the move and need it to be easy to move with me. I've seen those ones that you squeeze the lever to move the camera from side to side, are those good? Anyway, I am completely clueless as to wear to get it and what to get. Thanks in advance for your advice!:thumb Oh, it also needs to be easy to attach to the camera. Is this even possible?

Bsimon · November 24, 2009

FWIW I just picked up an Induro AB2 from Amazon. I got mine for 99 with free shipping but I think they are now at 109. Still a great deal and I love the tripod.

time2smile · November 24, 2009

First your need to know the weight it will be expected to hold, than usually calculate for 75% (if tripod is listed at 10lb than only use 7.5lbs)

Second determine if you want aluminum or carbon fiber, fiber is lighter but costs more.

Third is the head if any, ball or pan and if you want a quick connect on it.

B&H have great online selection with reviews, so do J&R music.

Happy Shopping

kyeezie · November 24, 2009

So if I wanted a pistol grip to go with a tripod, do I just order one of each? Are the sizes universal? Funny how confused I am.

thoth · November 24, 2009

Here is an excellent set of articles that should tell you everything you need to know about tripods.

agphotography · November 24, 2009

This is probably the easiest / fastest tripod out there.
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/2280?livid=68&lsf=68&child=3

I've had one for a few years, and while I love it, I'm going to be selling it soon because it's just not quite tall enough for me (I'm 6'3")

But it is definitely fast and very very convenient.

ziggy53 · November 24, 2009

agphotography wrote:

This is probably the easiest / fastest tripod out there.
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/2280?livid=68&lsf=68&child=3

I've had one for a few years, and while I love it, I'm going to be selling it soon because it's just not quite tall enough for me (I'm 6'3")

But it is definitely fast and very very convenient.

Agphotography, welcome to the Digital Grin.

Thanks for the suggestion.

CoryUT · November 24, 2009

I recently picked up this one. If an 8.8 lb rating is enough for you, I highly recommend it and it is well within your budget. It's light, easy to adjust, packs up small, and is well constructed and stable for it's size. I bought it to carry along on trips, hikes, camping, etc... and it has done the job wonderfully.

gecko0 · November 25, 2009

CoryUT wrote:

I recently picked up this one. If an 8.8 lb rating is enough for you, I highly recommend it and it is well within your budget. It's light, easy to adjust, packs up small, and is well constructed and stable for it's size. I bought it to carry along on trips, hikes, camping, etc... and it has done the job wonderfully.

I second the small Slik tripods, if you're looking for portability. I have the Slik Mini II and it did fine...until I put crazy heavy lenses on it. Then the ball head couldn't support the weight properly for vertical long exposures. Not the tripod's fault though...it wasn't designed for that.

This is what I have (supports 1/2 the weight of what CoryUT linked to...so that may be a better option)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/614703-REG/Slik_611806_Sprint_Mini_II_GM.html

dwayne_bradley · November 25, 2009

I've not used these but...
You might want to look at the Dolica tripods on Amazon:

6Dolica CX620B104 61-Inch Proline Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head (right now $119.99):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MYL1BA/ref=s9_wishx_gw_ir06?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-7&pf_rd_r=0EQ1ACDMAVFBA7GAAVZ1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938451&pf_rd_i=507846

Dolica AX620B100 62-Inch Proline Tripod and Ball Head (right now $44.89)
http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-AX620B100-62-Inch-Proline-Tripod/dp/B001D60LG8/ref=pd_cp_p_0

Both seem to get pretty favorable reviews.

Art Scott · November 25, 2009

This is just like the model I use ( i use a MT9180) MODEL MT9371 .............

for ~~$20 LESS you can have a PRO Carbon Fiber MT-8340

I have been more than happy with my tripod.....it's versatility is outstanding and the 4 sections make it so thatwhen I enter a train or bus or tram the pod does not collide with the door frames when it is attached to my LowePro backpack........it is very sturdy even with medium format gear attached.

An easy tripod?

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