New Here.....

[langloisonthetrail]

Hello, I just graduated from an Olympus SP 550UZ to a Cannon EOS Rebel T2i 550D with a Cannon 18-55 mm lense and a Cannon 55-250 lense. Wow what a difference. I usually just had my Olympus on auto or a "set" program. I am very intrigued with the different lenses etc. I am learning alot and getting a little overwhelmed at times. I am going to purchase a Cannon flash and I am also looking for a full sized tripod. I know what flash I want to purchase but I am a little baffled on the best tripod for the money. I didn't think tripods could get so costly. If I graduate to a bigger lense, I want the tripod to accomodate it, stability. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[candidrachel]

Welcome to DPS!

[Izzy]

Welcome to DPS, hope you find what you are looking for here. Instead of bigger might I suggest that the nifty fifty. Once you buy one you may never take it off your camera.

Watch out for the "holes" around here, there are a few.

[faeriegodess612]

The top brand in tripods seems to be Manfrotto. Just like the top brand in bags seems to be Lowepro. You'll pay more for these, one because of the name; two, because these companies build a quality product. The same way that you might invest a lil more in a good lens, you should do the same for the things that your prized possessions will sit atop and in for travel.

Its worth it to invest in a good tripod. ( I need to get a better one. ) Some people pay good money for a good tripod and have that tripod for years and years, if properly taken care of. Make sure that you get one that can withstand the weight you will put on it. If your going to be carrying it around a lot, you might want to look at some sturdy yet lightweight models.

I'm not sure in what part of the world you live, so I'm not sure what to suggest as make and models go. If you live in the U.S., I'd locate your nearest Ritz/Wolf camera, or other photography specific store for more info and options. DO NOT go to Best Buy or Wal-Mart. The salespeople really dont know much about what theyre talking about. I've tested them,...

[langloisonthetrail]

Thanks!

[Krusty79]

Welcome to DPS. I have a post with some links to other threads on DPS about buying tripods - Everything you ever wanted to know about photography! On DPS!. Just scroll to the last post in this thread.

I read on this site that you should spend at least $200 - $400 US dollars for a good tripod. Of course, this was after I just spent about $175 on a tripod and ball head.

[faeriegodess612]

If I was gonna spend that much on a tripod, it better have a robotic arm to push the shutter release for me. As long as its sturdy enough to handle what I'll put it thru, the weight of my camera plus lenses when I get them, and lightweight enough to be able to be carried around easily, .... thats all I care about.

[Cow_king]

gratz on your new camera and welcome to the forums my advice keep enjoying manual mode you will do more then you ever imagined with auto