"help" tripod purchase?

[GMAN]

Can anyone tell me where I can purchase a tripod that isn't too expensive, but has the ability to rotate 360 degrees, sturdy, easy to use knobs and handles?.....I've have a cheap one that I struggle with on a daily basis!......I've searched through a few websites..What I'm finding is that they offer the Tripod for a certain price, then the Tripod Head at an additional cost.....I'm willing to spend a couple hundred dollars. I just can't seem to locate a reasonably priced one that will suit my budget?......Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

[outamyway]

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Peruse their selection, I'm sure you'll find something.

[RolandAA]

Copied and pasted from a reply I made to someone a few days ago:

Last fall I picked up a Manfrotto 055X PRO and topped it with a Smith-Victor BH5 Ball Head for less than $235 including shipping from B+H.The tripod is big, rugged and well made. The Ball head is a pretty good one especially considering that anything much better costs 5X as much.

Happy shopping to you!

[irispatch]

There are many you do not need to go out and get a gitzo but do your research, read reviews know your current equipment and keep in mind that future long lens purchase. Who do you want to use it for? Portraits or do you want to do macro and landscapes. The ability to get close to the ground or set your camera at angles can be accomplished with the right tripod. Flip leaver adjustments or screw a personal preference. Do you need it for hiking/backpacking? No point in buying a 7 pound monster if you will want to be packing it 90% of the time. Aluminum, vs basalt vs carbon fiber.

Benro: BENRO I have been using one of their travel pods paired with a photo clam head for over a year now and have been happy with it for hiking and travel. BENRO | Products | Tripods | CAMERA TYPE: SLR



Ball heads a bit of advice go for something that uses an arca comparable quick release plate. The photo Clam has proven to be a good product in the year since it's release.
Feisol tripods and photo clam ball heads. Really Big Cameras
a good article to ponder:
Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan

[garys427]

Hey GMAN,
I've been looking for months, reading every review I could get my hands on and finally settled a few days ago on a Vanguard Alta Pro 283CT and a Vanguard SBH-100 bell head. The tripod is made of carbon fiber so it's strong and very steady but light to carry. The ball head is made of magnesium so that's fairly light also. I'm using a Canon 50D w/ a 70-200 f2.8L IS USM which isn't a light lens and a battery pack and this setup is no problem for the combination. I'm very pleased with the whole package. It's little over your budget but the versatility of this tripod is nothing short of amazing. Take a look at: Vanguard – Global Manufacturer of Accessories for photographers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts and on youtube. If you're interested, check out ebay seller phillyphotosupply. He's a great guy and accepts offers. He did right by me. Both ended up costing $300.
Gary

[sinque]

I have a Tripod for sale.

It is a Bogen 3021 Professional Tripod with a Bogen 3047 Head.

It has been used less than a dozen times. It is just too heavy for me.

The price is $250.00 + shipping. It is in the original Box.

If you are interested, e-mail me at kbhouse5@comcast.net.
My telephone no. is 601-268-6692.

Karolyn

[PhotoPatzer]

Originally Posted by RolandAA

Copied and pasted from a reply I made to someone a few days ago:

Last fall I picked up a Manfrotto 055X PRO and topped it with a Smith-Victor BH5 Ball Head for less than $235 including shipping from B+H.The tripod is big, rugged and well made. The Ball head is a pretty good one especially considering that anything much better costs 5X as much.

Happy shopping to you!

I can't vouch for the BH5 Ball Head, but the 055X PRO tripod is FANTASTIC! It will be with you for a VERY long time. Spend the money on the tripod, upgrade your ball head when you get the money... seriously, the 055X PRO will grow with you! and the resale value is very good too!

[scootermcq]

One of the most inexpensive carbon fiber tripods I have found is the Best Buy Brand. I picked one up, and I am not unhappy with it. Very sturdy, independant legs, smooth head. It is not a Manfrotto etc, but I got it on sale for $100, so I could not pass it up. All in all I would label build quality 8/10 and design about 7/10

Rocketfish™ - 65" Carbon Fiber Tripod - RF-TRP65C

[ProPhoto]

Originally Posted by GMAN

Can anyone tell me where I can purchase a tripod that isn't too expensive, but has the ability to rotate 360 degrees, sturdy, easy to use knobs and handles?.....I've have a cheap one that I struggle with on a daily basis!......I've searched through a few websites..What I'm finding is that they offer the Tripod for a certain price, then the Tripod Head at an additional cost.....I'm willing to spend a couple hundred dollars. I just can't seem to locate a reasonably priced one that will suit my budget?......Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Just about any tripod that you locate will give you the ability to pan 360 degrees. It won't be a problem to find that attribute. There are plenty of Manfrotto 190 series and 055 series with compatible heads, great sturdiness and portability, if you are willing to spend a couple hundred USD. In general, you get what you pay for -- so decide on your precise budget, how much you value lightweight, and then go from there. I'd be happy to help with more ideas as you narrow it down.