Need a quality tripod but don't know where to start

[KevinSJ]

Currently I have a cheap tripod that doesn't hold my camera steady. I want to get a quality tripod that will last me 5-10 years (or more). My preferred budget is $100-$150, but can go higher if necessary. I'll be using it with my D90 with grip. I have no idea where to look, what companies are good, what companies to stay away from, or what to look for in a tripod.

With this post I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction as far as what companies to look at, and inform me about what to look for in a tripod.

Thank you.

[LeeR]

The two best names in tripods are Manfrotto and Gitzo though you are not likely to get a Gitzo for your price range. You should also know that when you buy a high quality tripod you will have to buy the legs and head separately. Manfrotto has a set of legs in your price range. You will then need a good head. Many swear by the pistol grip ball heads and they can be nice. The good news is that there are a number of good tripod heads, each with a unique advantage and you have have several to serve all your needs.

[OsmosisStudios]

100-150 doesnt get you much in the way of a "quality" tripod, even the heavy ones

[Lorax]

When looking for a tripod it helps to figure out exactly what you want. Specific size, weight and what you want to use it for. When I started looking for a travel tripod I wanted light, small and sturdy. I quickly realized that I needed to be much more specific. Did light mean 1 pound or 3 pounds etc... The more specific the easier it is to narrow down your choices. Good tripods are also quite expensive....

[KevinSJ]

I can go above $100-150. If it will last me a while then it will be worth it.

As far as the tripod legs are concerned I don't want something too heavy, but I'm not interested in paying for carbon fiber or anything extra light. I'm 69 inches. So something around my height would be nice. I'm fine with leaning over/crouching slightly. Is this normal?

I want a ball head. Is there a standard for the heads as far as compatibility with different brand legs?

I'd also like a tripod with a center column that doubles as a monopod. Is this a good idea, or is it better to buy the two separately?

Looking at Manfrotto's site didn't help me much since it is mostly plain text with no prices. I am not trying to ask someone else to do the work for me, and I know that someone else can't choose what is right for me. But from looking at Manfrotto's site it seems like all the tripods are very similar with only minor differences; I'm not sure how to choose.

[Lorax]

I put "tripod faq" into google and this was at the top of the list....

-=FAQ=- Choosing a Tripod, How too and Reviews (Updated: 2009/03/20) - Canon Digital Photography Forums

Good Luck!

[KevinSJ]

Thank you everyone for all of your help! I hope this is my last question.

I've decided that I want either the Manfrotto 190XProB 48-57.5 inches or Manfrotto 055XProB 56-70.3 inches (center column down vs extended, respectively). I'm 69 inches. Keeping in mind the ball mount and my camera with grip does anyone suggest one tripod over the other as far as height is concerned?

[DivotMaker]

Thanks for posting this thread. I was just about to ask the same question.

I, also, have a D90 I was looking for a tripod for and had been looking at the Manfrotto you are discussing and was having the same issue with the Manfrotto site.

I would like to add one question, without trying to hijack the thread....

Does anyone have an opinion on the ProMaster carbon fiber tripods?

I looked at a couple this weekend at the local store, and fell in love with how light they are.

[VANGUARD USA]

It sounds to me like VANGUARD's Alta+ 264AB would be a great fit for what you a looking for in terms of support, weight and price. This tripod kit comes with VANGUARD's SBH-50 ball head, and its legs feature adjustable leg angles and reversible center column for low-angle and macro photography.

You can find this model on Adorama for $159.95. (The description refers to a "pan head," but that's a ball head that it comes with).

There's a video on the Alta+ Series and SBH ball heads on YouTube.

More info is available here.

[doubleconvex]

You've gotten a lot of good advice from some of the members who have already posted here. Here is something to consider... have you thought about getting a used tripod? If you're in the US, a good resource is Craigslist where I recommend that you search for a Manfrotto or Gitzo tripod. You will probably be able to find one in your price range that is in decent condition, will not break the bank, and will work for your camera. As a general rule, first identify the item you want to get, then shop for it... and ALWAYS consider the used option for accessories that do not have an impact on the optics.

For the record, I have two two tripods... a full size one for my SLR which is a Manfrotto 190XPROB head with an 802RC4 head (the head is not for you, since you want a ball head attachment); and a Joby Gorilla Pod which I always carry with me because of its compact size, and the fact that it sits on ANYTHING (not great for low angles though).