Tripod

[PH0T0GEEK]

Hello!

I'm a beginner photographer who just bought a new dSLR (Canon Rebel XS with EF-S 18-55 mm lens). I'm planning to invest in a tripod, but not knowing much about photography gear in general, I'm not sure what to keep in mind when buying one. With that said:

1. What should I consider when buying a tripod
2. What's the recommended amount I should invest
3. Where should I go to buy one?

I'm just planning to take night shots, portrait shots, and landscape shots.

[OsmosisStudios]

1: Weight, weight bearing capability, features.

What that means is how much the tripod itself weighs, how much weight it can support (camera wise), and what features you want from the head/leg set. Generally speaking you'll wanna get a tripod that can support 2x the heaviest combo you plan on throwing onto it. That usually means a tripod falling into the 5-6KG weight-bearing for the legset (that includes the weight of the head). Other features are the type of leg locks (leg or quick-lock), head type (ball, 3-way, etc), height (fully extended and fully closed), weight, etc.

2: As little as possible, but enough to make it worthwhile. Generally you'll get 2 of 3: light, sturdy, cheap. You'll get a sturdy and cheap tripod, but it'll weigh a ton; or you'll get a light and sturdy tripod, but it'll cost a fortune. Light and cheap tripods aren't worth the money. Most people I know spend around $250-300 on a good, proper tripod/head setup that they can grow into.

3: Find somewhere local that sells GOOD gear, or find an online retailer like B&H and Adorama.

[Doug Sundseth]

1) Stability and a head that works for your shooting style. For some types of shooting, light weight will be a consideration as well.

2) How much will you use a tripod? People who use a tripod all the time will tell you not to get a cheap tripod. (The specific phrase commonly used for cheap tripods is "Newbie Tax".) If you'll be using your tripod extensively, you're probably looking in the $400-$1000 range for tripod and head.

That said, I get along pretty well with my $60 cheapskate tripod, but I don't ask it for much.

3) The usual places: B&H, Adorama, MPEX, Amazon, I'm sure others would recommend other places. I've used all of the sources mentioned for photo equipment and have had no negative experiences. Their prices are competitive and their service is excellent.

[windrider86]

I have a sunpak and a Manfrotto. Both are very lightweight (which was important as I hike) Both were roughly 100-150. In all honesty, I hardly ever use a tripod so I'm happy with both.