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Anyone have any tripod recommendations? Bandhphoto.com has some sales right now and I was thinking this might be a good time to purchase equipment, and find some discounts. Or would it be better after Christmas or the new year? Anyone making any equipment upgrades right now?
I am a huge fan of “Carbon Fiber” tripods! They are extremely light weight without having a problem with vibration. The downside is that they are expensive. However, I travel and hike a lot so having a light weight tripod is a necessity.
Weight is one of many factors to consider. If you haven’t already read it, you might find this post that I wrote when I was buying my first “real” tripod helpful: https://www.lenspiration.com/2011/01/tracking-down-the-right-tripod/
Above all, I heartily encourage you not to skimp on a tripod. If you’re going to use one, don’t go half way with a flimsy one, even a sorta flimsy one. A good tripod can last a long time so think of it as an investment, just like your SLR or L lenses. I wouldn’t be afraid to drop $100 or $200 or more into some good legs and ball head.
I think everyone I’ve ever heard on the subject said the same thing as @JamesStaddon did:
I heartily encourage you not to skimp on a tripod.
I think the most I ever paid for a tripod was about $25.00, and it lasted less than 6 months! Needless to say, I’m not going to buy a “new” cheap tripod again. I learned my lesson, the tripod I currently have cost me $3.99 at a thrift store! 🙂 It’s actually a video tripod, which has several cons for photographers:
- It’s hard to lock it down. (It’s made for video, so it has very smooth, easy motion which makes it hard to tighten down enough to stay still!)
- It doesn’t have a vertical orientation mode. (Also a consequence of being made for video)
It is nice and heavy though, and very sturdy. It’s all I have, so I’m thankful for it when I need it!
@sarahleephoto I use a 68″ dolica tripod. Purchased it 4 years ago and it’s worked wonderfully for me! 🙂 It’s a nice option if your on a budget!
I just wanted to let you all know that B&H is having a sale on the Vanguard Abeo Plus 363AB Tripod today. It is regular $529.99 but is on sale for $229.99. Limited time and supply. The tripod seems to be very heavy duty and has good reviews. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/896090-REG/Vanguard_abeo_plus_363ab_ABEO_363Ab_3_Sec.html
Having purchased several crummy tripods, including a Sunpak tripod and pistol grip unit, I agree that you should buy what you need and spend the $$.
It all depends on what you need. You can easily make the case that you need several tripods if you do studio work and travel as well.
I ended up buying a Manfrotto 190 series (4 section) aluminum. It’s my main all around tripod, perhaps a little heavy for hikes up the mountain, but they do make a carbon fiber version. I also ended up buying a Manfrotto monopod which is awesome for sports and theater photography.
As far as heads go. Manfrotto heads are expensive. I don’t have any. I really like the “Joby ball head X” which is cheap, well made, and allows panning. I use arca style plates on everything and the Joby ball head meets the arca standard. I also use a long Joby Ultra plate on my body to allow me to mount the camera on a tripod without taking off my Black Rapid strap. I also use an arca style Delkin Fat Gecko quick releases on top of tripod/monopods. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BC3EL2C/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=981773&gclid=CjwKEAiAw56lBRCs29jB9uOvkygSJADnD3-6J6QhRAdhz66uURlIfHk8IGekaP9yahg8bF0S-Z9QCxoCMlPw_wcB&Q=&is=REG&A=detailsFor most everybody, a tripod weighing just shy of 10 lbs is overkill and therefore I would not recommend the Vanguard.
I know you’ve been doing a lot of research, but this article might help give some specific ideas for what to purchase: https://photographylife.com/how-to-choose-and-buy-a-tripod-for-a-dslr-camera
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